for re-election to the Football League at the end of the season. On 8 June they were readmitted to the league by 39 votes to 9. Stanley Matthews 'gradually drifted out of the picture' and Gordon Lee was appointed as manager. It was later revealed that Matthew's left being owed money by the club, which they never paid him, a key reason as to why he never managed in England again. In 1968–69, Lee won respect for his 'honesty and enthusiasm' as the club consolidated their league status. Bill Asprey retired to go into coaching in a quiet season for the club. Football hooliganism started to take its grip on the game, and Vale's early experience of it consisted of witnessing the Chester City team coach smashed with bricks. At the end of the season the club were in debt to the tune of £178,277, with a £10,900 loss being made on the season. Already strict economies were tightened by the club hierarchy. 1969–1983: Just getting by Over the summer of 1969 there were talks of bringing speedway to Vale Park, introducing a new team to the British League Division Two. However many were opposed to the idea, and a 2,600 strong petition was given to local MP John Forrester. The idea was killed when the council failed to grant planning permission, despite a 3,000 strong petition in favour of the proposal. Port Vale dragged themselves out of the fourth tier and into the third in 1969–70, finishing in fourth place, three points away from the nearest competition. They had done this on the back of a solid defence, just about scoring enough goals to gather the necessary points. The club's chairman was arrested in February in non-football matter and consequently resigned, he was replaced by Mark Singer. The most notable fresh face for 1970–71 was Brian Horton, though at first there was little to suggest how important the 21-year-old from non-league Hednesford Town would be. Soon into the campaign four of the club's five directors resigned, claiming 'the club is being controlled by outsiders'. Long serving player Ron Wilson also left, emigrating to South Africa to look after his son, who was suffering with bronchitis. The club made a rare profit, though the fans were restless with lower mid-table finish, despite Lee having built the squad on free transfers. Young hopeful Sammy Morgan was persuaded to stay on for