His time at both clubs was unsuccessful, and he spent the next decade in non-League football as manager of Stafford Rangers and Rugby Town.
He transferred to Second Division side Chesterfield in 1931, and scored on his debut in the Football League on 19 September, in a 3–2 win over Bradford (Park Avenue).
They did achieve promotion at the end of the 1935–36 campaign after topping the division, one point ahead of chasers Luton Town.
In preparation for the first season of post-war football, he signed experienced forward Colin Lyman from Tottenham Hotspur for a 'fairly substantial fee', full-back Garth Butler from Derby County, and half-back Norman Hallam from Chelsea.
After leaving Port Vale, Frith returned to Highfield Road as assistant to Dick Bayliss and also played seven league games.
Following Bayliss' death, Frith was appointed manager of Coventry City in August 1947, remaining in that position until November 1948.
Following spells in charge at non-league clubs Stafford Rangers and Rugby Town, he rejoined Coventry City as a coach.