 On 12 January, 17,860 turned up to witness a 1–1 draw in Steele's debut against second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, the first of a five match unbeaten run that took Vale off the foot of the table.A fortnight later Vale travelled to Plainmoor, where Steele took the ball from his own half to score the winner past Torquay United.On 9 February, Vale beat Gillingham 1–0, in what was the first of a club record thirteen game winning run at home.