The 2025–26 season is the 114th season in the history of Port Vale Football Club and their first season back in League One since the 2023–24 season, following their promotion from League Two in the preceding season.
Overview.
EFL League One.
CEO Matt Hancock said that he believed the club were in a stronger position than when they had last gained promotion ahead of the 2022–23 season. In celebration of the club's 150th anniversary, the home kit was based on the classic strip from the 1953–54 'Iron Curtain' season, in which the club reached the FA Cup semi-finals and conceded just 26 goals throughout a 46-game season. It was also confirmed that the kit would not display a front-of-shirt sponsor to maintain the retro look. The first signing of the summer was right-sided defender Jordan Gabriel, who joined on an initial two-year contract after being released by Blackpool. Attacking midfielder Rico Richards, who had played 27 league games on loan at Vale the previous season, was signed to a two-year deal after being released by Aston Villa. Liam Gordon, a 26-year-old left-back capped at international level by Guyana, then chose to leave Walsall to sign for Vale on a two-year deal. Midfielder Jordan Shipley also signed a two-year contract after being released by relegated Shrewsbury Town. Bookmakers had the Vale pegged as relegation strugglers, though supporters were optimistic of a mid-table finish. The fifth summer signing was announced as 26-year-old central defender Cameron Humphreys, who rejected a contract offer from Rotherham United to join Vale on a two-year deal. The club ended June by announcing the signings of Slovakian goalkeeper Marko Maroši and New Zealand international forward Ben Waine, who had been released by Cambridge United and Plymouth Argyle respectively, both signing for Vale on two-year deals.
Cup competitions.
Vale were drawn away to League One rivals Blackpool in the first round of the EFL Cup. In the EFL Trophy, they were drawn in a group with Accrington Stanley (League Two), Fleetwood Town (League Two), and Leeds United U21 (Academy).
Competitions.
Pre-season.
On 16 May, Port Vale announced their first two pre-season friendlies, against local sides Newcastle Town and Kidsgrove Athletic. A week later, a third fixture was added to the schedule, against Birmingham City in a match to mark the 150th anniversary. A further two friendlies were confirmed on 28 May, against Bath City and Altrincham.
Statistics.
Appearances and goals.
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