After a poor start to the season, manager Lee Sinnott was sacked in September and was replaced by Dean Glover.

Marc Richards was the club's top scorer with eleven goals, and goalkeeper Joe Anyon was Player of the Year despite breaking his leg towards the end of the season.

[8] Lee Collins also joined on an extended loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers,[9] and would sign a permanent contract with the club in January.

Just before the season's start, teenage Tom Taiwo also arrived on a month loan from Chelsea,[12] as did Plymouth Argyle youngster Damien McCrory.

Sinnott was sacked on 22 September, with the Valiants in 16th place, Dean Glover taking over as caretaker manager for the second time in twelve months.

[35] In January, striker Luke Rodgers was released from his contract after a bust-up with manager Dean Glover,[36] and immediately signed with Yeovil Town.

[42] In March, Kyle Perry was allowed to join local non-League side Northwich Victoria,[43] after being told he had no future at Vale.

[47] With Vale going eight games without a win, Glover admitted he was 'a dead man walking',[48] and implored the fan's not to boo his son.

Dean Glover, unpopular with the fans, was also informed that he would not be retained as manager for the following season,[53] and left the club permanently after he rejected the opportunity to remain as a youth coach.

[57] On the financial side, poor results encouraged Vale fans to organize protests against manager Glover and the board, including Chairman Bill Bratt.

[58] With talks of fresh investment from shirt sponsors Harlequin Property came rumours on the internet that the company were planning to demolish Vale Park and build a supermarket, paying off Bratt to ensure his compliance.

[59] Bratt passionately denied these accusations, seemingly angered by the suggestion and claimed that if he were to comply with the protesters demands and remove himself and the rest of the V-2001 directors from the Board, then the club would fold as banks and creditors would seek their money.

In the FA Cup, Vale advanced past Huddersfield Town with a 4–3 win at the Galpharm Stadium, Dodds hitting a brace.