2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season
| 2007–08 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Valiant 2001 | ||
| Chairman | Bill Bratt | ||
| Manager | Martin Foyle (until 26 September) Dean Glover (caretaker 26 September – 5 November) Lee Sinnott (from 5 November) | ||
| Stadium | Vale Park | ||
| Football League One | 23rd (38 Points) | ||
| FA Cup | Second Round (knocked out by Chasetown) | ||
| League Cup | First Round (knocked out by Wrexham) | ||
| Football League Trophy | Preliminary Round (knocked out by Morecambe) | ||
| Player of the Year | Paul Harsley | ||
| Top goalscorer | League: Luke Rodgers (9) All: Luke Rodgers (12) | ||
| Highest home attendance | 7,908 vs. Leeds United, 15 March 2008 | ||
| Lowest home attendance | 2,730 vs. Morecambe, 10 November 2007 | ||
| Average home league attendance | 4,417 | ||
| Biggest win | 3–0 vs. Cheltenham Town, 2 October 2007 | ||
| Biggest defeat | 0–6 vs. Swindon Town, 19 April 2008 | ||
|
| |||
The 2007–08 season was Port Vale's 96th season of football in the English Football League, and fourth-successive season in League One. The season began under manager Martin Foyle, but following a series of disappointing results, he departed in September. Dean Glover briefly served as caretaker before Lee Sinnott took over in November. Despite several loan signings, Vale struggled throughout the season, finishing second-from-bottom with 38 points, resulting in relegation to League Two.
In cup competitions, the club faced early exits. They were eliminated in the Second Round of the FA Cup by Southern League side Chasetown, a club five divisions below Vale. In both the League Cup and the Football League Trophy, Vale were knocked out in the First Round, each time following a penalty shoot-out defeat. Throughout the season, there was a significant turnover of players as Sinnott attempted to rebuild the squad in preparation for a promotion push the following season.
On the field, Luke Rodgers emerged as the club's top scorer, netting 12 goals in all competitions, with 9 in the league. Midfielder Paul Harsley was named Player of the Year for his consistent performances. The season was marked by a 6–0 home defeat to Swindon Town in April, highlighting the challenges faced throughout the campaign. Average home league attendance stood at 4,417, with the highest being 7,908 against Leeds United in March, and the lowest at 2,730 against Morecambe in November.
Overview
League One
The pre-season saw Martin Foyle sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Keith Lowe on a season-long loan,[1] and both Paul Edwards and Craig Rocastle from Oldham Athletic.[2] He also signed Marc Richards from Barnsley,[3] as well as Shane Tudor and Justin Miller from Leyton Orient. Calum Willock also joined on a short-term deal,[4] as did Southampton loanee David McGoldrick,[5] and Chester City's veteran defender Ashley Westwood.[6] However, an audacious attempt to land Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler failed.[7]
The season started with just five points in the opening six games, with just one goal scored from open play. The solitary win came at AFC Bournemouth, with Luke Rodgers scoring the solitary goal of the game.[8] A few games into the season Akpo Sodje was sold to Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.[9] With only two disappointing mid-table finishes to his name, and with Vale lying 23rd in the league, Foyle left the club by mutual consent on 26 September.[10] Caretaker manager Dean Glover was disappointed with the players, comparing them to a pub team.[11]
In October, Glover signed teenage midfielder Will Atkinson joined on loan from Hull City and left-back Adam Eckersley on loan from Manchester United.[12] On 5 November, Farsley Celtic manager Lee Sinnott was appointed as the new Vale boss.[13] This decision caused Dean Glover to consider his position at the club,[14] though he eventually chose to remain as Sinnott's assistant.[15] Sinnott warned of big changes at the club.[16] Young defender Charlie O'Loughlin was then loaned out to Nantwich Town, and Shane Tudor was sent out on loan to Shrewsbury Town.[17] Arriving at the club were midfielders Mark Salmon (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Marc Laird (Manchester City) on short loan deals.[18][19]
In January, goalkeeper Mark Goodlad was forced to retire due to injury,[20] and young Joe Anyon faced criticism from the fans for his performances.[21] Adam Eckersley then returned to the club after his release from Manchester United, as Sinnott's first non-loan signing.[22] Sinnott then signed Dave Mulligan from Scunthorpe United on a short-term contract. Midfielder David Howland also arrived on loan from Birmingham City,[23] and would join the club permanently at the end of the season.[24] Fellow Birmingham player Krystian Pearce also signed on loan,[25] though would impress enough to win a longer stay with Birmingham. Sinnott then raided another Birmingham club, this time Aston Villa, to bring Australian teenager Chris Herd on a one-month loan,[26] as well as Swedish youngster Tobias Mikaelsson.[27] He also allowed Rocastle to join Gillingham on a two-week loan.[28] Sinnott also completed the signings of Chasetown pair Chris Slater and Kyle Perry, who left their jobs to become full-time professional footballers.[29]
In February, O'Loughlin was loaned out to Hinckley United. On 2 February, Vale twice took the lead away at Bristol Rovers only to lose the game 3–2 from two late goals, whilst Herd was shown a straight red card shortly before full-time.[30] After the club lost a 2–0 lead at Victoria Park to lose 3–2 against Hartlepool United, club legend Jon McCarthy questioned the team's mental strength.[31] Relegation could have been confirmed on 5 April, however, the team rallied to a 3–2 win at promotion-chasing Brighton & Hove Albion with Richards scoring a brace.[32] Craig Rocastle's contract was terminated by mutual consent. He moved to play for Greek club Thrasyvoulos.[33] Teenage goalkeeper Chris Martin made his debut on 19 April, as Vale were on the end of a 6–0 defeat by Swindon Town at The County Ground.[34] Despite just two defeats in the final ten games of the season, Vale had long been relegated.
They finished in 23rd place with 38 points, above Luton Town only because the "Hatters" were hit with a ten-point deduction. Vale were twelve points behind Crewe Alexandra, who finished one place above the relegation zone. Luke Rodgers was the club's top scorer with twelve goals in all competitions. There was a distinct lack of goals in the side, though their goals conceded tally of 81 was the highest in the league.
At the end of the season there was an exodus of players: Robin Hulbert (Darlington);[35] Colin Miles (Woking);[36] Jason Talbot (Livingston);[37] Mark McGregor (Altrincham);[38] Joe Cardle (Airdrie United);[39] Adam Eckersley (Horsens);[40] Dave Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix);[41] Justin Miller (Chelmsford City);[42] Charlie O'Loughlin (Nantwich Town);[43] as well as club captain George Pilkington (Luton Town).[44] Sinnott claimed this cull was necessary to turn the club around.[45] Danny Whitaker rejected Vale's contract offer,[46] and their revised offer,[47][48] to move off to Oldham Athletic.[49] Player of the Year Paul Harsley also turned down a new deal, and instead signed with Chesterfield.[50] Marc Richards discussed a £100,000 move to Cheltenham Town,[51] though chose to stay in Burslem.
Finances
The club had to make monthly repayments of around £19,000 for a £2.25 million loan from the local council in 2005.[52] The club's shirt sponsorship came from Sennheiser.
Cup competitions
In the FA Cup, Sinnott's first cup game in charge saw Vale take revenge on Morecambe with a 2–0 win at Vale Park,[53] to give the "Valiants" what seemed to be an easy second round tie with Southern League side Chasetown (an eighth tier team 101 league places below them).[54] Vale sacrificed a one-goal lead over the amateurs to limp to a 1–1 draw at Vale Park, after conceding from a 40 yards (37 m) free kick taken by trainee accountant Mark Branch.[55][56] Chasetown then made a giant-killing with a late goal on their home ground, after Luke Rodgers missed two penalties.[57]
In the League Cup, Vale exited in the first round after losing to League Two side Wrexham 5–3 on penalties, following a 1–1 home draw.[58]
In the Football League Trophy, Vale were beaten on penalties by a League Two side for the second time in the season, this time after a 2–2 draw with Morecambe at Christie Park. Caretaker manager Dean Glover likened his side to a "pub team".[59]
Results
Football League One
League table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Crewe Alexandra | 46 | 12 | 14 | 20 | 47 | 65 | −18 | 50 | |
| 21 | AFC Bournemouth (R) | 46 | 17 | 7 | 22 | 62 | 72 | −10 | 48[a] | Relegation to Football League Two |
| 22 | Gillingham (R) | 46 | 11 | 13 | 22 | 44 | 73 | −29 | 46 | |
| 23 | Port Vale (R) | 46 | 9 | 11 | 26 | 47 | 81 | −34 | 38 | |
| 24 | Luton Town (R) | 46 | 11 | 10 | 25 | 43 | 63 | −20 | 33[b] |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(R) Relegated
Notes:
Results by matchday
Matches
| 11 August 2007 1 | Port Vale | 1–1 | Bristol Rovers | Burslem |
| Rodgers 66' (pen.) | Report | Williams 77' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 6,808 Referee: Jon Moss |
| 18 August 2007 2 | Yeovil Town | 1–0 | Port Vale | Yeovil |
| Cochrane 17' | Report | Stadium: Huish Park Attendance: 5,071 Referee: Trevor Kettle |
| 25 August 2007 3 | Port Vale | 0–2 | Hartlepool United | Burslem |
| Report | Robson 6' Brown 88' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,978 Referee: Dean Whitestone |
| 1 September 2007 4 | AFC Bournemouth | 0–1 | Port Vale | Bournemouth |
| Report | Rodgers 82' | Stadium: Dean Court Attendance: 5,444 Referee: Andy D'Urso |
| 8 September 2007 5 | Walsall | 0–0 | Port Vale | Walsall |
| 13:00 BST | Report | Stadium: Bescot Stadium Attendance: 4,967 Referee: Mick Russell |
| 15 September 2007 6 | Port Vale | 0–2 | Nottingham Forest | Burslem |
| Report | Edwards 3' (og.) Chambers 86' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 6,521 Referee: Mike Jones |
| 22 September 2007 7 | Luton Town | 2–1 | Port Vale | Luton |
| Furlong 30' Bell 86' |
Report | Rodgers 90' | Stadium: Kenilworth Road Attendance: 6,084 Referee: Paul Melin |
| 29 September 2007 8 | Port Vale | 1–2 | Southend United | Burslem |
| Rodgers 59' (pen.) | Report | Clarke 32' McCormack 45' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,969 Referee: Darren Drysdale |
| 2 October 2007 9 | Port Vale | 3–0 | Cheltenham Town | Burslem |
| McGoldrick 21' Rocastle 68' Edwards 73' |
Report | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,102 Referee: Neil Swarbrick |
| 6 October 2007 10 | Northampton Town | 2–1 | Port Vale | Northampton |
| Kirk 19', 33' | Report | McGoldrick 55' | Stadium: Sixfields Stadium Attendance: 4,755 Referee: Steve Bratt |
| 13 October 2007 11 | Port Vale | 0–1 | Brighton & Hove Albion | Burslem |
| 13:00 BST | Report | Revell 64' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,490 Referee: Mark Haywood |
| 20 October 2007 12 | Leyton Orient | 3–1 | Port Vale | Leyton, East London |
| Mkandawire 53' Ibehre 55' Boyd 60' (pen.) |
Report | Rodgers 40' | Stadium: Brisbane Road Attendance: 4,555 Referee: Mike Thorpe |
| 27 October 2007 13 | Port Vale | 2–1 | Swindon Town | Burslem |
| Rodgers 18' (pen.) Whitaker 26' |
Report | Peacock 19' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,013 Referee: Andy Penn |
| 3 November 2007 14 | Huddersfield Town | 3–1 | Port Vale | Huddersfield |
| Booth 3' Wallwork 9' Clarke 21' |
Report | Rodgers 43' | Stadium: Kirklees Stadium Attendance: 8,555 Referee: Pat Miller |
| 6 November 2007 15 | Port Vale | 0–1 | Crewe Alexandra | Burslem |
| Report | Bennett 76' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 5,329 Referee: Richard Beeby |
| 17 November 2007 16 | Oldham Athletic | 1–1 | Port Vale | Oldham |
| Davies 23' | Report | Willock 32' | Stadium: Boundary Park Attendance: 5,097 Referee: Graham Laws |
| 24 November 2007 17 | Port Vale | 1–3 | Doncaster Rovers | Burslem |
| Pilkington 10' | Report | Guy 59' Hayter 68' Wellens 81' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,581 Referee: Fred Graham |
| 4 December 2007 18 | Leeds United | 3–0 | Port Vale | Beeston, Leeds |
| Prutton 18' Beckford 55' Flo 83' |
Report | Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 20,301 Referee: Eddie Ilderton |
| 8 December 2007 19 | Gillingham | 1–2 | Port Vale | Gillingham, Kent |
| Dickson 32' | Report | Willock 34' King 45' (og.) |
Stadium: Priestfield Stadium Attendance: 7,001 Referee: Jarnail Singh |
| 15 December 2007 20 | Port Vale | 0–0 | Tranmere Rovers | Burslem |
| Report | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,604 Referee: Roger East |
| 22 December 2007 21 | Nottingham Forest | 2–0 | Port Vale | Nottingham |
| Agogo 24' McGugan 67' |
Report | Stadium: City Ground Attendance: 21,407 Referee: Andy D'Urso |
| 26 December 2007 22 | Port Vale | 1–1 | Walsall | Burslem |
| 15:00 GMT | Laird 12' | Report | Ricketts 90' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 6,029 Referee: Phil Joslin |
| 29 December 2007 23 | Port Vale | 1–2 | Luton Town | Burslem |
| Willock 45' | Report | Fojut 3' Spring 90' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,224 Referee: Rob Shoebridge |
| 2 January 2008 24 | Cheltenham Town | 1–0 | Port Vale | Cheltenham |
| Connor 22' | Report | Stadium: Whaddon Road Attendance: 3,221 Referee: Danny McDermid |
| 5 January 2008 25 | Carlisle United | 3–2 | Port Vale | Carlisle |
| Joyce 50' Hackney 65', 69' |
Report | Harsley 27' Willock 38' |
Stadium: Brunton Park Attendance: 6,313 Referee: Mark Haywood |
| 12 January 2008 26 | Port Vale | 3–1 | Millwall | Burslem |
| Whitaker 24' Lowe 75', 90' |
Report | Alexander 14' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,724 Referee: Michael Oliver |
| 19 January 2008 27 | Swansea City | 2–0 | Port Vale | Swansea |
| Bodde 28' Pratley 47' |
Report | Stadium: Liberty Stadium Attendance: 12,310 Referee: Steve Bratt |
| 26 January 2008 28 | Port Vale | 1–3 | AFC Bournemouth | Burslem |
| Pilkington 49' | Report | Vokes 10' Hollands 28' Cooper 84' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,047 Referee: Mike Pike |
| 29 January 2008 29 | Port Vale | 2–2 | Yeovil Town | Burslem |
| Eckersley 38' Edwards 58' |
Report | Dempsey 6' Kirk 52' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 2,869 Referee: Andy Haines |
| 2 February 2008 30 | Bristol Rovers | 3–2 | Port Vale | Bristol |
| Coles 13' Lines 81' Lambert 87' (pen.) |
Report | Harsley 12' (pen.) Lowe 64' |
Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 6,927 Referee: Trevor Kettle |
| 9 February 2008 31 | Port Vale | 1–1 | Carlisle United | Burslem |
| Harsley 84' (pen.) | Report | Garner 62' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,221 Referee: Karl Evans |
| 12 February 2008 32 | Hartlepool United | 3–2 | Port Vale | Hartlepool |
| Barker 68', 90' Sweeney 87' |
Report | Herd 3', 15' | Stadium: Victoria Park Attendance: 3,630 Referee: Keith Hill |
| 16 February 2008 33 | Port Vale | 0–2 | Swansea City | Burslem |
| Report | Scotland 63' (pen.), 76' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,347 Referee: Ray Lee |
| 23 February 2008 34 | Millwall | 3–0 | Port Vale | Bermondsey, Southwark |
| Grabban 18' Laird 44' Martin 68' |
Report | Stadium: The Den Attendance: 7,775 Referee: Carl Boyeson |
| 1 March 2008 35 | Port Vale | 0–3 | Oldham Athletic | Burslem |
| Report | Robertson 23' Eardley 78' Wolfenden 90' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,715 Referee: Graham Horwood |
| 8 March 2008 36 | Doncaster Rovers | 2–1 | Port Vale | Doncaster |
| Heffernan 11' McCammon 19' |
Report | Whitaker 34' | Stadium: Keepmoat Stadium Attendance: 8,040 Referee: Eddie Ilderton |
| 11 March 2008 37 | Crewe Alexandra | 0–2 | Port Vale | Crewe |
| Report | Harsley 57' (pen.) Rodgers 81' |
Stadium: Gresty Road Attendance: 5,229 Referee: Mike Dean |
| 15 March 2008 38 | Port Vale | 3–3 | Leeds United | Burslem |
| Harsley 65' (pen.) Whitaker 67' Rodgers 90' |
Report | Marques 39' Freedman 41', 86' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 7,908 Referee: Clive Penton |
| 20 March 2008 39 | Tranmere Rovers | 2–0 | Port Vale | Prenton |
| Greenacre 68' Thomas-Moore 88' (pen.) |
Report | Stadium: Prenton Park Attendance: 6,484 Referee: Russell Booth |
| 24 March 2008 40 | Port Vale | 2–1 | Gillingham | Burslem |
| 15:00 GMT | Richards 19' Whitaker 53' |
Report | Griffiths 78' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,157 Referee: Trevor Kettle |
| 29 March 2008 41 | Port Vale | 2–1 | Leyton Orient | Burslem |
| Richards 75' Howland 90' |
Report | Boyd 26' (pen.) | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 3,252 Referee: Andy Hall |
| 5 April 2008 42 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 2–3 | Port Vale | Brighton |
| Cox 26' Murray 90' |
Report | Richards 12', 19' Whitaker 87' |
Stadium: Withdean Stadium Attendance: 7,741 Referee: Paul Armstrong |
| 12 April 2008 43 | Port Vale | 0–0 | Huddersfield Town | Burslem |
| Report | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,150 Referee: Kevin Wright |
| 19 April 2008 44 | Swindon Town | 6–0 | Port Vale | Swindon |
| Peacock 16' Easton 21' Smith 33' Timlin 44' McNamee 45' Joyce 90' |
Report | Stadium: County Ground Attendance: 7,361 Referee: Richard Beeby |
| 26 April 2008 45 | Port Vale | 2–2 | Northampton Town | Burslem |
| Richards 30' Glover 49' |
Report | Gilligan 24' Holt 27' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 4,556 Referee: Roger East |
| 3 May 2008 46 | Southend United | 1–1 | Port Vale | Southend-on-Sea |
| Walker 84' | Report | Mulligan 23' | Stadium: Roots Hall Attendance: 9,292 Referee: Andy Woolmer |
FA Cup
| 10 November 2007 R1 | Morecambe | 0–2 | Port Vale | Morecambe |
| Report | Pilkington 6' Willock 22' |
Stadium: Christie Park Attendance: 2,730 Referee: Clive Oliver |
| 2 December 2007 R2 | Port Vale | 1–1 | Chasetown | Burslem |
| 14:00 BST | Rodgers 18' | Report | Branch 44' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 5,875 Referee: Neil Swarbrick |
| 12 December 2007 Replay | Chasetown | 1–0 | Port Vale | Chasetown |
| Smith 89' | Report | Stadium: Scholars Ground Attendance: 1,986 Referee: Neil Swarbrick |
League Cup
| 14 August 2007 R1 | Port Vale | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (3–5 p) | Wrexham | Burslem |
| Rodgers 33' (pen.) | Report | Proctor 10' | Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 2,916 Referee: Carl Boyeson | |
| Penalties | ||||
| Rodgers Richards Tudor Whitaker |
Valentine Spender Murtagh Done Llewellyn |
|||
Football League Trophy
| 9 October 2007 R1 | Morecambe | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (4–2 p) | Port Vale | Morecambe |
| 19:00 BST | Hunter 48' Newby 61' |
Report | Miller 5' Rodgers 30' |
Stadium: Christie Park Attendance: 1,644 Referee: Dave Foster |
| Penalties | ||||
| Artell Newby Lloyd Hunter |
Rodgers Tudor Willock Glover |
|||
Player statistics
Appearances and goals
- Key to positions: GK – Goalkeeper; DF – Defender; MF – Midfielder; FW – Forward
| Pos. | # | Name | League Two | FA Cup | League Cup | Football League Trophy | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| DF | 2 | George Pilkington | 45 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 3 | |
| DF | 3 | Jason Talbot | 25 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | |
| MF | 4 | Robin Hulbert | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| DF | 5 | Keith Lowe | 28 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 3 | |
| MF | 7 | Shane Tudor | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| MF | 8 | Paul Harsley | 41 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 5 | |
| FW | 9 | Marc Richards | 29 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 | 5 | |
| FW | 10 | Luke Rodgers | 36 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 41 | 12 | |
| MF | 11 | Paul Edwards | 25 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 2 | |
| GK | 12 | Joe Anyon | 44 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 0 | |
| MF | 14 | Danny Whitaker | 41 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 45 | 7 | |
| FW | 15 | Justin Miller | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 1 | |
| MF | 16 | Ross Davidson | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| MF | 17 | Craig Rocastle | 23 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 1 | |
| DF | 18 | Colin Miles | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| MF | 19 | Joe Cardle | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| DF | 20 | Adam Eckersley | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | |
| FW | 21 | Danny Glover | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 1 | |
| DF | 22 | Luke Prosser | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| DF | 23 | Charlie O'Loughlin | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| FW | 24 | Kyle Perry | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | |
| DF | 25 | Danny Edwards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| GK | 26 | Chris Martin | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| FW | 27 | James Lawrie | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| MF | 28 | Dave Mulligan | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | |
| DF | 29 | Chris Slater | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| MF | 32 | Simon Richman | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| MF | 34 | David Howland | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | |
| MF | Luke Chapman | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| DF | Mitchell Hanson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Players that left the club mid-season: | |||||||||||||
| GK | 1 | Mark Goodlad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| DF | 6 | Richard Walker | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| DF | 16 | Mark McGregor | 20 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | |
| FW | 20 | Akpo Sodje | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| DF | 20 | Ashley Westwood | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | |
| FW | 24 | Calum Willock | 15 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 4 | |
| FW | 25 | David McGoldrick | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 2 | |
| MF | 25 | Chris Herd | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 2 | |
| MF | 27 | Will Atkinson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| MF | 28 | Mark Salmon | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |
| MF | 29 | Marc Laird | 7 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | |
| FW | 33 | Tobias Mikaelsson | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| DF | 35 | Krystian Pearce | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | |
Top scorers
| Place | Position | Nation | Number | Name | EFL League One | FA Cup | EFL Cup | EFL Trophy | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FW | England | 10 | Luke Rodgers | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| 2 | MF | England | 14 | Danny Whitaker | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 3 | MF | England | 8 | Paul Harsley | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| – | FW | England | 9 | Marc Richards | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 5 | FW | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 24 | Calum Willock | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | DF | England | 5 | Keith Lowe | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| – | DF | England | 2 | George Pilkington | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 8 | MF | Australia | 25 | Chris Herd | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| – | FW | Ireland | 25 | David McGoldrick | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| – | MF | England | 11 | Paul Edwards | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 11 | DF | England | 20 | Adam Eckersley | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| – | MF | Grenada | 17 | Craig Rocastle | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| – | MF | New Zealand | 28 | Dave Mulligan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| – | MF | Scotland | 29 | Marc Laird | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| – | MF | Northern Ireland | 34 | David Howland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| – | FW | South Africa | 15 | Justin Miller | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| – | FW | England | 21 | Danny Glover | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| – | – | – | – | Own goals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTALS | 47 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 53 | ||||
Transfers
Transfers in
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | From | Fee | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2007 | DF | Justin Miller | Leyton Orient | Free transfer | [63] | |
| May 2007 | MF | Shane Tudor | Leyton Orient | Free transfer | [63] | |
| June 2007 | DF | Paul Edwards | Oldham Athletic | Free transfer | [63] | |
| June 2007 | FW | Marc Richards | Barnsley | Free transfer | [63] | |
| June 2007 | FW | Craig Rocastle | Oldham Athletic | Free transfer | [63] | |
| August 2007 | FW | Calum Willock | Brentford | Free transfer | [63] | |
| January 2008 | DF | Adam Eckersley | Manchester United | Free transfer | [63] | |
| January 2008 | FW | Dave Mulligan | Scunthorpe United | Free transfer | [63] | |
| January 2008 | FW | Kyle Perry | Chasetown | 'nominal' | [63] | |
| January 2008 | DF | Chris Slater | Chasetown | 'nominal' | [63] |
Transfers out
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | To | Fee | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2007 | FW | Akpo Sodje | Sheffield Wednesday | Undisclosed (£300,000) | [63][64] | |
| 2 January 2008 | GK | Mark Goodlad | Retired | [63] | ||
| January 2008 | FW | Luke Rodgers | Yeovil Town | Mutual consent | [63] | |
| January 2008 | DF | Richard Walker | Macclesfield Town | Released | [63] | |
| January 2008 | FW | Calum Willock | Stevenage Borough | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | DF | Adam Eckersley | Horsens | Free transfer | [63] | |
| April 2008 | MF | Robin Hulbert | Darlington | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | DF | Mark McGregor | Altrincham | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | DF | Colin Miles | Woking | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | DF | Justin Miller | Chelmsford City | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | FW | Dave Mulligan | Wellington Phoenix | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | DF | Charlie O'Loughlin | Nantwich Town | Released | [63] | |
| April 2008 | FW | Craig Rocastle | Thrasyvoulos | Mutual consent | [63] | |
| May 2008 | MF | Joe Cardle | Airdrie United | Released | [63] | |
| May 2008 | MF | Paul Harsley | Chesterfield | Bosman transfer | [63] | |
| June 2008 | MF | Danny Whitaker | Oldham Athletic | Bosman transfer | [63] | |
| July 2008 | DF | Jason Talbot | Livingston | Free transfer | [63] | |
| August 2008 | DF | George Pilkington | Luton Town | Free transfer | [63] | |
Loans in
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | From | Date to | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 July 2007 | DF | Keith Lowe | Wolverhampton Wanderers | End of season | [63] | |
| 30 August 2007 | DF | Ashley Westwood | Chester City | 5 December 2007 | [63] | |
| 31 August 2007 | FW | David McGoldrick | Southampton | 1 January 2008 | [63] | |
| 12 October 2007 | DF | Adam Eckersley | Manchester United | 12 November 2007 | [63] | |
| 31 August 2007 | MF | Chris Herd | Aston Villa | 12 March 2008 | [63] | |
| 12 October 2007 | MF | Will Atkinson | Hull City | 12 November 2007 | [63] | |
| 8 November 2007 | MF | Marc Laird | Manchester City | 1 January 2008 | [63] | |
| 22 November 2007 | MF | Mark Salmon | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 6 January 2008 | [63] | |
| 17 January 2008 | MF | Tobias Mikaelsson | Aston Villa | 17 February 2008 | [63] | |
| 23 January 2008 | MF | David Howland | Birmingham City | 23 April 2008 | [63] | |
| 31 January 2008 | DF | Krystian Pearce | Birmingham City | 18 April 2008 | [25] | |
| 27 March 2008 | DF | Mitchell Hanson | Derby County | 29 April 2008 | [63] |
Loans out
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | To | Date to | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 November 2007 | MF | Shane Tudor | Shrewsbury Town | 19 December 2007 | [63] | |
| November 2007 | DF | Charlie O'Loughlin | Nantwich Town | November 2007 | [63] | |
| 2008 | DF | Luke Prosser | Leigh RMI | 2008 | [63] | |
| 25 November 2007 | FW | Luke Rodgers | Yeovil Town | 9 January 2008 | [63] | |
| 10 January 2008 | FW | Craig Rocastle | Gillingham | 27 January 2008 | [63] | |
| February 2008 | DF | Charlie O'Loughlin | Hinckley United | 2008 | [63] |
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- General