‘Difficult decision’ – Relegation-threatened EFL club sack manager as boss issues emotional statement
Darren Moore has been sacked by Port Vale following the Boxing Day drubbing at the hands of Huddersfield.
The 5-0 loss – Moore’s 100th game in charge of the Valiants – consolidates their place at rock bottom of the League One table with Port Vale ten points off safety.
An immediate relegation to League Two beckons with the club winning just three of their 21 fixtures so far this season.
They have failed to taste victory since September, which saw the Stoke-on-Trent outfit scoop three successive victories.
But they have slid all the way to the bottom in the months since – losing seven of their last nine matches.
And the club have decided to part ways with ex-West Brom boss Moore, who was appointed on a five-and-a-half-year deal in February 2024.
It was only last term which saw Moore guide Port Vale to promotion as they finishing in second spot in League Two.
Moore woe
A club statement read: “We can confirm that Port Vale Football Club have parted company with first-team manager Darren Moore.
“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.
“We fully understand the frustration and disappointment around results, which has been felt by supporters and throughout the club.
“As we approach the halfway point of the season, we believe this decision will give the team the best possible chance of moving in the right direction during the second half of the campaign, and we will now take the necessary steps to move the club forward and rebuild momentum.
“Darren worked extremely hard during his time at Vale Park and played a key role in guiding the club back to League One at the first time of asking, an achievement for which he will always be respected and thanked.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Darren for his commitment and hard work and wish him the very best for the future.”
Before adding: “The club will now undertake a full recruitment process and further updates regarding the management of the first team will be communicated in due course.”
Moore himself has issued an emotional farewell to fans, where he apologised for the situation the club finds itself in.
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 [full] 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.”
Port Vale will be hoping to turn their fortunes around next time out on Monday night against promotion chasing Bradford City.
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