The 1993–94 season was Port Vale's 82nd season of football in the Football League, and fifth successive (37th overall) season in the Second Division. They won promotion to the First Division as the division's runners-up, just one point away from champions Reading. In the FA Cup, John Rudge's men caused an upset by defeating top-flight Southampton, before they exited at the Fourth Round. Vale were knocked out of the League Cup at the First Round, and the League Trophy at the Area Quarter-finals.

The pre-season saw John Rudge sign left-back Allen Tankard from Wigan Athletic for £87,500. Experienced forward Keith Houchen was allowed to join Hartlepool United on a free transfer, and Paul Kerr signed with Leicester City.

The season opened with a 2–1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor. Though the season really got going for the Vale with their opening home game, as they recorded a 6–0 win over Barnet, both Martin Foyle and Bernie Slaven bagging hat-tricks. This however would be the only victory in the first seven league games. In September, Steve Livingstone joined the club on loan from Chelsea. Then in October, Canadian Ollie Heald signed from Norvan, having impressed whilst on trial. Vale shot up the table with eight victories in ten games. In January, Aidan Newhouse arrived on loan from Wimbledon, but only played two games. In February, Bernie Slaven left the club for Darlington. The next month Rudge brought Joe Allon to the club after Allon left Brentford. He also signed winger David Lowe on loan from Leicester City. Vale picked up four clean sheets in the first five games of March, but ended the month with two defeats. They had a solid April, winning six of their eight games, with Foyle scoring a hat-trick past Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road on 4 April. Two victories from their final two games of the season ensured promotion.

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