Finances were poor as attendances were disappointing, with "The Sentinel"'s "Spectator" commenting that "Port Vale is respected everywhere, except in its own district". The ongoing Shilling Fund was useful for raising revenue, whilst £1,100 was written off by creditors in a remarkably charitable fashion. Yet in June 1923, the club were in trouble when former trainer Billy Barr reported Port Vale to the English Football League, accusing the club of having made illegal payments to its players throughout the season. The club were found guilty, and were fined £100, with manager Joe Schofield also picking up a £25 fine. Three other officials were fined £150 in total, whilst seventeen players were each fined £1 each. This helped the club to report a loss of £2,400 on the season despite their tight spending. Gate receipts stood at just over £10,000, down almost 50% on 1920–21. Vale left the FA Cup at the Fifth Round of Qualifying after a disappointing 2–0 defeat by Third Division North Wrexham at The Old Recreation Ground. The end of season North Staffordshire Infirmary Cup Potteries derby bragging rights went to Stoke, which was scant consolation for a club who had just suffered relegation from the First Division. The match raised £250 for the local hospital. "Port Vale's score comes first"