Port Vale have fired Darren Moore following their Boxing Day defeat to Huddersfield Town.
The 5-0 loss, Moore’s 100th game in command of the Valiants, cements their position at the bottom of the League One table, with Port Vale ten points from safety.
With only three wins in their first 21 games this season, the club faces immediate relegation to League Two.
They have not won since September, when Stoke-on-Trent won three games in a row.
However, they have fallen to the bottom of the table in recent months, losing seven of their previous nine matches.
And the club has opted to break ways with former West Brom manager Moore, who was hired on a five-and-a-half-year contract in February 2024.
Moore guided Port Vale to promotion last season, finishing second in League Two.
Moore’s woe
A club statement said, “We can confirm that Port Vale Football Club has parted ways with first-team manager Darren Moore.
“This has been a difficult choice, and we have not taken it lightly, but we believe the time is ripe to make a change.
“We gave the situation time and assistance to make sure we were doing everything we could to offer this endeavor the best chance of success.
“And, while we sincerely hoped for a positive outcome, we must act in what we believe is best for Port Vale in the long run.
“We fully appreciate the dissatisfaction and disappointment that supporters and members of the club have felt in relation to the results.
As the season nears its midway point, we believe this choice will provide the squad the best chance of moving in the correct direction in the second half of the season, and we will now take the required steps to propel the club forward and regain momentum.
“Darren worked exceptionally hard throughout his time at Vale Park and played a significant role in guiding the club back to League One at the first attempt, an accomplishment for which he will be remembered and praised.
“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.”
Prior to clarifying: “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 has issued an emotional farewell to fans, apologising for the club’s current circumstances.
He stated, “It has been a real privilege to manage Port Vale and represent such a proud football club.”
“Earning promotion in our first [full] season provided me with memories that I will cherish forever.
“And I’d want to thank the players, staff, and fans for their support during my stay at Vale Park.
“You’ve all been great to work with.
“While I’m sorry things didn’t go as planned this season, I hope everyone associated with the club understands that I gave it my all and wish the club continued success in the future.
“I will be supporting you from afar.”
Port Vale will want to turn their fortunes around next Monday night when they face promotion-chasing Bradford City.
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