Lee left in 1974, and a succession of managers failed to prevent relegation in 1977–1978.[26] The 1979–80 season saw Port Vale finish 20th in the Fourth Division (88th overall), the club's worst ever finish.[27] Despite this poor finish in John McGrath's first season, they eventually achieved their first success for thirteen years in 1982–83 by winning promotion out of the Fourth Division in third place.[28]