Manager Martin Foyle left the club in September, and Lee Sinnott failed to improve results despite making several loan signings.

The pre-season saw Martin Foyle sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Keith Lowe on a season-long loan,[1] and both Paul Edwards and Craig Rocastle from Oldham Athletic.

Calum Willock also joined on a short-term deal,[4] as did Southampton loanee David McGoldrick,[5] and Chester City's veteran defender Ashley Westwood.

[17] Arriving at the club were midfielders Mark Salmon (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Marc Laird (Manchester City) on short loan deals.

[18][19] In January, goalkeeper Mark Goodlad was forced to retire due to injury,[20] and young Joe Anyon faced criticism from the fans for his performances.

Sinnott then raided another Birmingham club, this time Aston Villa, to bring Australian teenager Chris Herd on a one-month loan,[26] as well as Swedish youngster Tobias Mikaelsson.

[28] Sinnott also completed the signings of Chasetown pair Chris Slater and Kyle Perry, who left their jobs to become full-time professional footballers.

On 2 February, Vale twice took the lead away at Bristol Rovers only to lose the game 3–2 from two late goals, whilst Herd was shown a straight red card shortly before full-time.

[32] Teenage goalkeeper Chris Martin made his debut on 19 April, as Vale were on the end of a 6–0 defeat by Swindon Town at The County Ground.

At the end of the season there was an exodus of players: Robin Hulbert (Darlington);[34] Colin Miles (Woking);[35] Jason Talbot (Livingston);[36] Mark McGregor (Altrincham);[37] Joe Cardle (Airdrie United);[38] Adam Eckersley (Horsens);[39] Dave Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix);[40] Justin Miller (Chelmsford City);[41] Charlie O'Loughlin (Nantwich Town);[42] as well as club captain George Pilkington (Luton Town).