The pre-season saw Martin Foyle sign Micky Bell and Hector Sam on free transfers from Bristol City and Wrexham respectively.

In November, Sam Togwell joined on loan from Scunthorpe United in an initial six-week deal that was extended until the end of the season.

[7] Another long-term loan deal was struck with Leyton Orient for big defender Clayton Fortune,[8] who would later turn down a permanent transfer to Vale Park after failing to agree on personal terms.

[9] Foyle also made possibly the best signing of his spell in charge at Vale, bringing striker Leon Constantine in from Torquay United for a £20,000 fee.

At the end of the season nine players departed the club: Lee Matthews (Crewe Alexandra);[15] Hector Sam (Walsall);[16] Steve Rowland (Southport);[17] Tony Dinning (Stockport County); Micky Cummins (Darlington);[18] Jonny Brain (Macclesfield Town);[19] Mark Innes (Hyde United); Sean Doherty (Accrington Stanley);[20] and Craig James (Darlington).

[25] Bratt continued to try and woo elderly North American millionaires, but Steve Stavro did not follow up his initial interest with any investment.

A late equaliser from Constantine earned Vale a replay,[32] and a Chris Birchall strike gave the "Valiants" victory at the Memorial Stadium.

[35] A 7,500 strong contingent of Vale fans travelled to see the game and reworked the song (Is This the Way to) Amarillo into "Show me the way to Aston Villa" to mark the occasion.

[37] In the League Cup, Vale were knocked out 3–1 by Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium, with Hector Sam breaking his leg during the game.