Port Vale FC made losses of around £6.1million during its promotion-winning 2024/25 campaign after dropping into League Two, newly published accounts reveal.
The club’s latest financial results, for the year ending 30 June 2025, show a reduction in overall turnover compared to the previous period, largely driven by lower Premier League solidarity funding and fewer cup fixtures.
Revenues were impacted by early exits in both cup competitions, with Vale knocked out in the first round of the League Cup and FA Cup. This contrasted with the previous season, which included a run to the League Cup quarter-finals and multiple FA Cup ties.
Despite the drop in division, matchday income remained relatively stable, with strong supporter turnout towards the end of the season helping to sustain ticket sales as the club pushed for promotion.
The accounts also show increased spending on player wages and squad strengthening following relegation, as the club brought in experienced players to boost depth and quality. That investment, alongside associated signing and agent fees, drove up overall football expenditure.
The figures underline continued backing from the club’s owners, Carol and Kevin Shanahan, whose financial support enabled the recruitment drive that ultimately saw Vale secure an immediate return to League One.
The balance sheet shows net liabilities widening to £17.2m, compared to £11.1m the previous year, while the club’s losses were underwritten by a £19.6m loan from its owners. The average number of people employed by the club during the year was 453, compared to 488 in 2024.
Chief executive Matt Hancock, whose team was knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday following a 7-0 loss to Chelsea in the quarter finals, said: “These accounts reflect the expected financial impact of competing in League Two following relegation the previous season, alongside reduced solidarity funding and fewer cup fixtures compared to the year before.
“Despite that, the club made a clear decision to invest in strengthening the playing squad, with the continued backing of our owners. That support allowed us to add quality and depth to the group, which ultimately helped the team secure promotion back to League One at the first opportunity.
“I’d like to thank our supporters, sponsors and staff for their continued commitment throughout the season. Their backing, particularly towards the end of the campaign, played a huge part in helping us achieve promotion.”
