In order to help the Vale to avoid relegation at the end of the 1998–99 season, Horton brought in five players: Dave Brammer (Manchester City), Tony Butler (Blackpool), Carl Griffiths (Leyton Orient), Alex Smith (Chester City), and Chris Allen (Nottingham Forest). This spending spree set the club back £630,000, and so Horton first sold off Peter Beadle to Notts County for £250,000 in order to raise the cash needed for his new signings. He won his first game in charge, a 2–0 win over Huddersfield Town, thanks to a brace from Martin Foyle. A five-game unbeaten run in April allowed the Vale to finish above relegated Bury on goals scored.