Having rebuilt the playing squad the previous season, the Port Vale management opted to supplement the relatively team with young signings; notable teenage arrivals were Scottish winger Murdoch Dickie from Crewe Alexandra and inside-forward Bert Flatley from York City.

Ken Fish returned as an assistant trainer as well as a player, with the club deciding to do without a manager in favour of a selection committee.

[2] A goalless draw on the opening day down at Brighton & Hove Albion was followed by a 1–0 home defeat to Exeter City.

Still, match number three against Northampton Town was cancelled after war was declared and the government prohibited all sports gatherings.

Vale suffered heavy defeats at Old Trafford, the Victoria Ground and Maine Road, as well as at home to Liverpool, but managed to record doubles against both Crewe Alexandra and Tranmere Rovers.