The appointment of Stanley Matthews as general manager meant an adoption of a youth policy, which eventually saw four teenagers make their debut in one match, as well as the arrival of several Scottish youngsters.

[1] As Vale slipped down the table, they were denied permission by the Ministry of Labour to sign USA international Willy Roy as he did not meet the two-year residential requirement.

[1] More trouble came when Bo'ness United reported the club to the Scottish Junior Football Association for an alleged breach of the rules in the transfer of Roddy Georgeson.

[1] Cummings and Morrison were judged not to have made the grade and so were released from their contracts, signing with Ayr United and Sligo Rovers respectively.

[1] Stanley Matthews encouraged supporters not to raise their expectations, claiming that "we are rebuilding and miracles don't happen overnight".

[1] On 12 April, Malcolm MacKenzie became the youngest ever first-team player for the club when, at 15 years 347 days old, he was selected for the game against Newport County.

[1] They finished the season in indifferent form and received a final day thrashing 5–0 from Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

[1] On the financial side, another big loss of £29,696 was announced despite another large donation from the Sportsmen's Association, the Development Fund and the social club.

[1] Wages had risen by 25% to £54,552, and there was a £5,000 credit in player transfers, though an improved home crowd average saw gate receipts rise by 25% to £30,994.

[1] Six players were released, most significantly Tony Richards departed, who had never really recovered from a knee injury, he joined Nuneaton Borough.

[1] Also leaving were Mel Machin to Gillingham, Roger Smith to Walsall, whilst Selwyn Whalley retired with a foot injury.