[1] Former Player of the Year David Harris also refused terms and demanded a transfer, so Terry Alcock re-joined on a month's trial to take his place.

[1] Three players arrived on free transfers: Jeff Hemmerman and Grahame McGifford from Hull City, and Bill Bentley from Blackpool.

[1] On a 28 June meeting, Sproson was severely criticized for his poor judgement of players and his seeming to place greater priority on his newsagent business than the club.

[1] Keeper John Connaughton picked up a knee injury, whilst a reporter from The Sentinel was allegedly told "I'll kill you" by a club official after he criticized the team in the paper.

[1] The situation was calmed on 27 September, when Vale beat high-flying Colchester United 3–2 at Layer Road, reserve keeper Trevor Dance making a double penalty save.

Sproson complained of Mick Cullerton's attitude and had to endure speculation of former Stoke City manager Tony Waddington taking his job.

In February, Vale beat Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a friendly, but also started a five-game sequence without a win.

[1] Seven players were handed free transfers, five of which were: Mick Cullerton and Grahame McGifford (Northwich Victoria); Derek Brownbill (Cleveland Cobras); Alan Lamb (Dundee); and Kevin Kennerley (Stafford Rangers).

[1] In the FA Cup, Smith's first game in charge was a goalless draw at Midland Counties League side Arnold.

[1] In the Second Round, Vale drew 1–1 with Walsall at Fellows Park before losing the replay 3–1 after Connaughton allowed a speculative shot from 25 yards (23 m) out to trickle through his hands.

[1] In the League Cup, Vale beat Preston North End 2–1 in the home leg, though the fixture was unsettled by crowd violence.