In the FA Cup, John Rudge's men caused an upset by defeating top-flight Southampton, before they exited in the Fourth Round.

Experienced forward Keith Houchen was allowed to join Hartlepool United on a free transfer, and Paul Kerr signed with Leicester City.

The season opened with a 2–1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor, a result which belied their tag as favourites for promotion.

[1] Though the season got going for the Vale with their opening home game, as they recorded a 6–0 win over Barnet despite an early sending off for Peter Billing, both Martin Foyle and Bernie Slaven bagging hat-tricks.

[3] On 5 February, Vale beat Reading 2–1 to record the first away league win for a club at Elm Park in 12 months.

Glover opened the scoring and a brace from Foyle confirmed the victory despite the home side pulling a goal back from a Dean Wilkins free kick.

The top scorer was Martin Foyle with eighteen goals, though Ian Taylor and Nicky Cross also hit double figures.