1973–74 Port Vale F.C. season
| 1973–74 season | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Mark Singer | |
| Manager | Gordon Lee (until 14 January) Roy Sproson (from 14 January) | |
| Stadium | Vale Park | |
| Football League Third Division | 20th (42 Points) | |
| FA Cup | Third Round (knocked out by Luton Town) | |
| League Cup | First Round (knocked out by Stockport County) | |
| Player of the Year | David Harris | |
| Top goalscorer | League: John Woodward (16) All: John Woodward (18) | |
| Highest home attendance | 8,505 vs. Bristol Rovers, 17 February 1974 | |
| Lowest home attendance | 2,556 vs. Charlton Athletic, 27 April 1974 | |
| Average home league attendance | 3,959 | |
| Biggest win | 3–0 (twice) | |
| Biggest defeat | 0–3 (twice) | |
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The 1973–74 season was Port Vale's 62nd season of football in the Football League, and their fourth-successive season (tenth overall) in the Third Division. After a poor first half, the club narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 20th with 42 points, seven points clear of the drop zone after manager Gordon Lee departed in January, succeeded by club legend Roy Sproson.
In cup competitions, Vale made it to the Third Round of the FA Cup, where they were eliminated by Luton Town, and exited the League Cup at the First Round after defeat to Stockport County. John Woodward was the club's top scorer, netting 16 goals in the league and 18 in all competitions, while defender David Harris was awarded Player of the Year for his breakthrough performances after joining from the youth ranks in 1973.
Attendance figures dipped: the highest home gate was 8,505 against Bristol Rovers on 17 February 1974, while the lowest came in at 2,556 versus Charlton Athletic on 27 April, with an average of 3,959 fans per league match. The team's biggest wins were 3–0, achieved twice, and their heaviest defeats were by 3–0, also occurring twice.
Overall, the 1973–74 season was a near miss as Vale fought a relegation battle, navigated mid‑season managerial upheaval, and relied on individual standouts like Woodward and Harris to keep them in the Third Division.