[1] Using an incredibly settled squad (only nineteen players were used all season), manager Freddie Steele led the Vale to a second-place finish, just a single point from the promotion spot.

[1] Manager Freddie Steele decided against making any new signings and instead kept faith with the young team he had inherited the previous season.

[1] The season began with a 1–0 defeat at Valley Parade with a goal from Ray King's brother George, managed by Steele's predecessor Ivor Powell.

[1] A 1–0 home defeat to wooden spoon contenders Accrington Stanley exemplified the club's trouble in front of goal.

[1] Steele and trainer Ken Fish put the squad to work on the special fitness regime they devised as the "Valiants" marched onwards.

[1] They dropped points during the Christmas period, though picked up a useful 4–1 win at Gresty Road on Boxing day.

[1] Steele's emphasis on teamwork had turned the team around and earned the club its best finish since their relegation from the second tier in 1935–36.

[1] This was due to a club record average attendance of 14,504 – which took gate receipts to £39,929 – and a £5,000 slash in the wage bill to £18,246.