In August 1988, Port Vale manager John Rudge paid £35,000 for his services, having tried unsuccessfully to sign a total of five other strikers. Futcher bagged 19 goals in 54 appearances in the 1988–89 season, including a strike from over 30-yards out in a 6–1 victory over Cardiff City. He played in both legs of the Third Division play-off final victory over Bristol Rovers, setting up Robbie Earle for the first goal of a 2–1 aggregate victory. However he was dropped in October 1989, after losing his spot to new signing Nicky Cross in 1989–90, and he 'forced the issue' and was sold on to Fourth Division Burnley for £60,000 the following month. He hit 10 goals in 30 games for Frank Casper's "Clarets" in 1989–90 to become the club's top scorer. With a full season at Turf Moor in 1990–91, he was the club's top scorer with 20 goals in 43 games, as Burnley reached the play-offs, where they were beaten by Torquay United.