Pre-season interest from Bury came to nothing, and Shuker then spent some months out of the game. In December 2011, he joined League Two side Port Vale on trial. He joined the club on non-contract terms on 14 February 2012. He scored his first goal for the "Valiants" in his fourth game for the club, hitting a long-range effort in a 2–2 draw with Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground. He stayed at Vale Park, despite a financial crisis leaving manager Micky Adams unable to promise Shuker the payment of his wages as listed in the player's contract. He finished 2011–12 with 16 appearances and one goal to his name. He agreed to sign a two-year deal with the club in May 2012.