Vale's league form also improved, as they finished in eleventh place, helped by midfielders Ray Walker and Robbie Earle, defenders Phil Sproson and Bob Hazell, and goalkeeper Mark Grew.

[1] After goal machine Andy Jones was sold to First Division Charlton Athletic for £350,000 – a sale Rudge described as like 'cutting off my right arm'[1] – Vale slid down the table.

[1] More injuries came as Chris Banks had his nose broken after a reserve team match at Barnsley when he was attacked by a gang of youths whilst waiting at a fish and chip shop.

[1] Despite a good start, Riley soon entered a goal drought, as Vale went twelve league games without a win (including eight defeats).

[1] In November Kevin Steggles was signed from West Bromwich Albion for 'a small fee' to replace the still-injured Webb.

[1] Rumours of a Rudge exit from Vale Park came after Alan Oakes quit in protest after being demoted to youth coach, and 'taskmaster' Mike Pejic was promoted in his place.

[1] Three players were given free transfers at the season's end: Kevin Steggles (Bury Town), Chris Banks (Exeter City), and Paul Maguire (Northwich Victoria).

[3] Ground improvements increased Vale Park's capacity, though a watered-down pitch persuaded "Spurs" boss Terry Venables to leave star man Osvaldo Ardiles on the bench.

[1][6] The "Valiants" were in 'another gear' as Ray Walker nailed a 'stunning' 25 yards (23 m) strike and Phil Sproson scored the second vital goal.

[1] The fourth round held Watford, and 22,483 turned up for the original goalless tie in Stoke-on-Trent (the highest Vale Park attendance since the visit of Liverpool in 1964).

[1] In the League Cup, 3,460 saw Vale's opening tie with Northampton Town fail 'to produce the passion of a schoolyard kickabout', though both sides had two players sent off in the 2–0 defeat.