 In August 1988, Port Vale manager John Rudge paid £35,000 for his services and he bagged 19 goals in 54 appearances in the 1988–89 season, including a strike from over 30-yards out in a 6–1 victory over Cardiff City.He played in both legs of the Third Division play-off final victory over Bristol Rovers, setting up Robbie Earle for the first goal of a 2–1 aggregate victory.However he was dropped in October 1989, after losing his spot to new signing Nicky Cross in 1989–90, and he 'forced the issue' and was sold on to Fourth Division Burnley for £60,000 the following month.