The 2022-23 campaign delivered a tense first season back in League One for Port Vale following their promotion, as The Valiants battled to secure an 18th-place finish and stay four points above the relegation zone. Manager Darrell Clarke was sacked in April, with Andy Crosby steering the club to safety. Leading the charge was the clinical striker Ellis Harrison, whose 11 goals earned him the top goalscorer title and proved vital, including his famous acrobatic overhead kick against former club Bristol Rovers that was voted Goal of the Season. The season was built on grit and ultimately marked a crucial year of consolidation in the third tier.