League The directors did not hesitate in appointing
Bill Asprey on a full-time basis, but there was a shock for the supporters when it was announced that both
Paul Maguire and
Peter Hampton were being released. Asprey had decided to start building his own team but he knew that there was no money available for him and so a club once filled with international stars had to loan players from other clubs. As the season started goals were almost non-existent and by autumn Asprey had sold
Robbie James for £100,000 to
Queens Park Rangers so he could buy
Keith Bertschin a proven goalscorer from
Norwich City. Still there was no improvement and as the season wore on Stoke struggled to even compete with their First Division rivals and it turned into a case of when and not if Stoke would be relegated. Stoke went down breaking almost every record available: fewest goals scored (24); fewest wins (3); and lowest points tally (17).
Ian Painter was top goalscorer with six of which four were penalties. With the season drawing to a close Asprey was relieved of his duties as his health had been affected by the season's traumas and
Tony Lacey took over the last eight matches losing all of them. Chairman Frank Edwards took the full brunt of the supporters protests following relegation before he died following a heart attack. Sandy Clubb took over from Edwards and he appointed
Mick Mills as manager as the club began to rebuild in the Second Division.
FA Cup Luton Town knocked out Stoke after a replay in the third round.
League Cup Stoke were defeated by Third Division
Rotherham United in the second round. ==Final league table==