 Waddington was presented with a dilemma as both George Eastham and Peter Dobing retired not long after the club 's League Cup win . Waddington responded by paying £ 240 @,@ 000 to Chelsea for the services of Alan Hudson in early 1974 . This was followed by Geoff Salmons ' arrival from Sheffield United for £ 160 @,@ 000 , in the same year . Waddington later paid a world record fee for a goalkeeper , £ 325 @,@ 000 , to sign Peter Shilton from Leicester City . The new personnel brought added impetus to Waddington 's side , and Stoke were close to winning the League title in 1974 – 75 , but an end of season slump led to a fifth @-@ place finish , four points off the champions , Derby . 
