 He was utilized mostly at right-back throughout the campaign, before reverting back to his more established midfield position.Cummins was a key player for Vale in 2001–02, scoring nine goals in 53 games; the most significant of these nine goals came in a 1–0 win against Potteries derby opponents Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on 10 February (the last such meeting between the two clubs).In 2002–03 he scored four goals in 35 games, with two of these goals coming in a 4–2 win over Mansfield Town on 30 November; his appearances were limited by a shoulder injury that required surgery.