[1] The club failed to sign transfer target Dennis Wilshaw from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Garth Butler was forced to retire with a knee injury.

[1] Manager Ivor Powell attempted to sign players but was deterred by the high transfer prices, and so instead continually reshuffled the first XI.

Roy Sproson and Ray King would later say the sacking came as no surprise, saying Powell 'ruled by fear', 'used to treat the players like kids' and it was a 'complete relief' to find him dismissed.

[1] Freddie Steele was appointed player-manager on Christmas Eve, signing the former England international meant Vale had to pay Mansfield Town a four-figure fee.

[1] On 12 January, 17,860 turned up to witness a 1–1 draw in Steele's debut against second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, the first of a five-match unbeaten run that took Vale off the foot of the table.

[1] A fortnight later Vale travelled to Plainmoor, where Steele took the ball from his own half to score the winner past Torquay United.

[1] Steele accomplished this without any new signings; in fact, he sold Walter Aveyard to Accrington Stanley for a four-figure fee in April.

[1] Steele seemed to be happy with the players he inherited, as he retained 31 professionals, the only departures being George Heppell to Witton Albion, Stan Palk to Worcester City, and Lol Hamlett to Congleton Town.