Peter Coates became Stoke's new chairman in September 1986 which helped Mills to make a number of useful signings.

[1] Into the camp came right back Lee Dixon from Bury for £50,000 and winger Tony Ford from Grimsby Town for £35,000.

[1] Stoke again participated in the annual Isle of Man Trophy, but they failed to make it out of the group stage.

[1] In September 1986 local businessman Peter Coates assumed the role of chairman and a full-strength board backed manager Mills with money for players.

[1] Stoke made a quick exit in this season's Full Members' Cup losing at home to Sheffield United 2–1.