The signing of Ian Turner in March 1974 pushed Middleton down the order and in March 1975 he went on loan to Torquay United, where he made ten league appearances before returning to The Dell. It was not until the start of the 1975–76 season that Middleton was able to command a regular place in the first team. He played the first 17 matches of the season before "suffering a crisis of confidence" leading to the recall of Turner in November 1975. Saints went on to win the FA Cup with Turner in goal, defeating Manchester United in the final.