Bill Asprey was given the managerial position on a permanent basis by the board following the previous season's close escape.

However Stoke won three of their 42 league matches managing to pick up 17 points, a record low which would stand for 21 years.

[1][2] The directors did not hesitate in appointing Bill Asprey on a full-time basis, but there was a shock for the supporters when it was announced that both Paul Maguire and Peter Hampton were being released.

[1] As the season started goals were almost non-existent and by autumn Asprey had sold Robbie James for £100,000 to Queens Park Rangers so he could buy Keith Bertschin a proven goalscorer from Norwich City.

[1] Sandy Clubb took over from Edwards and he appointed Mick Mills as manager as the club began to rebuild in the Second Division.