in preparation for the 1934–35 campaign, holford signed goalkeeper john potts, 'outstanding' outside-right john friar, inside-left david galloway, and centre-half joe craven. after a good start, results tailed off into a scrap against relegation, and vale ended up fifth from bottom. leaving the club in summer 1935 were: james baker, bob morton, jack blackwell, joe craven, galloway, ted critchley, and jack round. he prepared for the 1935–36 season by signing striker george stabb, centre-half harry griffiths, left-winger arthur caldwell, left-back roderick welsh, and right-half michael curley. however he was relieved of his post in september 1935 so that he could concentrate his efforts on scouting. he retired as a scout in 1950, having also been a trainer at the club from july 1939 to july 1946.