 This hope was crushed with two points from their final seven games, their 1–0 defeat at home Fulham would have significant consequences for neighbours Stoke, who would have avoided relegation if the Vale had recorded a draw.All positive thoughts were totally extinguished on 16 April 1926, when the Port Vale directors announced that they had agreed in principle to an amalgamation with Stoke City.Chairman Walker stated that low attendances and high wages meant Port Vale had probably reached their zenith, and a merger with City would allow one Stoke-on-Trent club to perform better than Port Vale ever could.