1985–86 Port Vale F.C. season
| 1985–86 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Jim Lloyd | ||
| Manager | John Rudge | ||
| Stadium | Vale Park | ||
| Football League Fourth Division | 4th (79 Points) | ||
| FA Cup | Second Round (knocked out by Walsall) | ||
| League Cup | Second Round (knocked out by West Bromwich Albion) | ||
| Associate Members' Cup | Northern Section Semi-finalists (knocked out by Wigan Athletic) | ||
| Player of the Year | Jim Arnold | ||
| Top goalscorer | League: Robbie Earle (15) All: Andy Jones (18) | ||
| Highest home attendance | 11,736 vs. Walsall, 8 December 1985 | ||
| Lowest home attendance | 1,584 vs. Blackpool, 10 February 1986 | ||
| Average home league attendance | 3,581 | ||
| Biggest win | 4–0 (three games) | ||
| Biggest defeat | 1–4 vs. Chester City, 1 January 1986 | ||
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The 1985–86 season was Port Vale's 74th season of football in the English Football League, and second-successive (13th overall) season in the Fourth Division. John Rudge achieved his first success as manager, leading Vale to promotion into the Third Division with a fourth-place finish. The club also reached the Second Round in both the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as the Northern Section Semi-finals of the Associate Members' Cup. Rudge signing Andy Jones excelled to become the club's top-scorer, whilst Robbie Earle had another impressive season. However, the promotion campaign was built on the strength of the Vale defence, and goalkeeper Jim Arnold was made Player of the Year.