He played in the 1996 Anglo-Italian Cup final, as Vale lost 5–2 to Genoa. By 1996–97 the club had reached its peak, though Talbot mainly played in the 4–5–1 formation at away matches, whilst Mills was utilised in the 4–4–2 formation at home.
In 1996, he played in the Anglo-Italian Cup final between Vale and Genoa, where Vale lost by a score of 5–2. By 1996–97, the club reached its peak, with Talbot primarily playing in a 4–5–1 formation for away matches while Mills was used in a 4–4–2 formation at home.