 After Ian Porterfield took charge, they then made an immediate return as champions of the Fourth Division in 1981–82.A mid-table finish in 1982–83 followed, before a second promotion in three years was achieved with a third-place finish in 1983–84, though they had only finished ahead of Hull City on goals scored.In August 1984 he joined Port Vale on loan, and scored three goals in six Fourth Division appearances for John Rudge's "Valiants".