The 1922–23 season was Port Vale's fourth consecutive season of football (17th overall) in the Football League. For the third successive the season the club finished just out of the relegation zones, and for the second successive season were unable to find a regular goalscorer following the sale of Bobby Blood. Financial issues continued to be a concern, especially when a former trainer reported the club for making illegal payments.

The releasing of numerous experienced players in pre-season necessitated the signing of numerous new attacking players, namely Millwall winger Patrick Donoghue; 'robust' inside-right Jack Gordon from Queen's Park; James Smith from Plymouth Argyle; and Tom Reid from Ayr United.

The season opened with two defeats in August, and though things soon turned around it became clear that goals were at a premium. To solve this problem experienced winger Billy Harrison was signed from Manchester United. The "Valiants" duly did the double over the "Red Devils" with a 2–1 win at Old Trafford, and a 1–0 win at home thanks to a Harrison strike. Following an injury to the player the club suffered something of a blip in November. The following month the club spent £100 to bring Tom Butler from Darlaston. By the end of the calendar year the club were at the top end of the table, however a loss of form in January caused them to slip back down the table. In February, young Arthur Prince was promoted from the reserves, and helped the club go four games unbeaten. The Vale finished out the season on hot and cold spells, and ended up narrowly avoiding relegation.

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