Diffin became a
Port Vale director in 1944 and appointed team
manager in October of that year.
David Pratt was appointed as manager in December 1944 but failed to gain a release from the Air Force and so never managed to be a manager to the Vale other than in name only. Diffin remained the effective manager until August 1945, when
Billy Frith was appointed. Diffin then concentrated on his board duties before being elected vice-chairman in 1946, finally stepping down in December 1957. ==Business career==