Port Vale Football Club has parted ways with manager Darren Moore, drawing the curtain on a tumultuous chapter that saw the Valiants slip to the bottom of League One. The decision, announced on December 28, 2025, came hot on the heels of a crushing 5-0 defeat by Huddersfield Town just two days earlier, a loss that left Vale languishing seven points adrift at the foot of the table and 10 points from safety after 21 games.
Moore, who was appointed in February 2024 on a five-and-a-half-year contract, had arrived at Vale Park with high hopes. He inherited a side in the relegation zone and was unable to prevent the drop to League Two that season. Yet, the following campaign saw him orchestrate a swift return to the third tier, clinching second place and earning promotion—a feat that earned him the respect and gratitude of supporters and club officials alike.
But the euphoria of promotion soon faded as the realities of League One football took hold. Vale managed just three wins and 15 points from their opening 21 fixtures, with their last league victory coming back on September 27 against Barnsley. Since then, a winless run of 12 league games has seen the club’s fortunes nosedive, culminating in a string of heavy defeats and mounting frustration among fans and staff.
The club’s official statement reflected the gravity of the situation: “This has been a difficult decision and one we haven’t taken lightly, but we believe now is the right moment to make a change. We have given the situation time and support to ensure we were doing everything to give this project the best possible chance of success, and while we truly hoped it would turn, we must act in what we believe is the best long-term interest of Port Vale.”
Moore’s tenure, which lasted 22 months, was marked by both highs and lows. He previously managed West Bromwich Albion, Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, and Huddersfield Town, bringing a wealth of experience to Vale Park. However, the step up to League One proved challenging, with the team often outmatched and struggling to find consistency on the pitch. The club’s goal difference became the worst in the division, and the gap to safety only widened as the season wore on.
The sacking wasn’t entirely unexpected. Supporters had voiced concerns over tactics and player selections, with some calling for a change to arrest the club’s slide. Yet, there was also a sense of appreciation for Moore’s efforts, especially after the promotion: “I thank him for his effort in helping us get back to League 1 but unfortunately he just wasn’t cutting it at this level, massive decision to be made now in who takes us forward…” shared one fan. Another echoed the sentiment: “Thankyou DM for the promotion, wishing you all the best. Right decision by the club – it wasn’t working. Let’s get behind the players (in their right positions) and keep everything crossed for the great Vale escape. Keep the Faith.”
Moore himself addressed the club and its supporters with humility and gratitude. In his departing statement, he said: “It has been a real privilege to manage Port Vale and to represent such a proud football club. Earning promotion in our first season gave me memories that I will always keep in my heart, and I want to thank the players, staff and supporters for their backing during my time at Vale Park. You have all been outstanding to work with. While I’m sorry things haven’t worked out the way we all would have hoped this season, I hope everyone connected to the club knows that I gave my very best and I wish the club nothing but success for the future. I will be supporting you from afar.”
With Moore’s departure, Port Vale faces a critical juncture. The club has announced that a full recruitment process is underway to find a new permanent manager. In the interim, first-team coach Jamie Smith has been tasked with leading the squad for their daunting trip to third-place Bradford City on Monday, December 29, 2025. Whether a new face will be in the dugout for that fixture remains uncertain, but the club has promised further updates as the search progresses.
The situation is nothing short of dire for the Valiants. They are currently seven points behind Doncaster Rovers, who sit 23rd, and a full 10 points from Plymouth Argyle and the safety zone. Their form—just three wins in 21 games—has left little margin for error as the season approaches its halfway mark. The club’s hierarchy acknowledged the frustration and disappointment felt by supporters, emphasizing the need to “move the club forward and rebuild momentum” in the second half of the campaign.
Moore’s managerial journey has seen him at the helm of several clubs, beginning with West Bromwich Albion in 2018, followed by stints at Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, and Huddersfield Town. His experience was meant to steady the ship at Vale Park, but the challenge of League One proved insurmountable this time around.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the players and the interim coaching staff. The upcoming clash with Bradford City looms large, not just for its immediate implications but for the message it will send about the club’s resilience and ambition. Can Vale rally under new leadership, or will their struggles continue into the new year?
For now, uncertainty hangs over Vale Park. The club’s supporters, while disappointed by recent results, remain hopeful that a change at the top can spark a revival. The recruitment of a new manager is expected to be swift but thorough, with the club keen to avoid further instability. Whoever steps into the hot seat will inherit a squad desperate for direction and belief, and a fanbase yearning for a reason to cheer again.
As the dust settles on Darren Moore’s tenure, Port Vale stands at a crossroads. The next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the club’s immediate future. For Moore, the memories of promotion will endure; for Vale, the fight for League One survival begins anew, starting with the crucial encounter at Bradford City.
