Exclusive: Port Vale Turn to Familiar Face as Darrell Clarke Tops Managerial Shortlist

Former Barnsley and Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke has emerged as the early front-runner to become the new Port Vale manager, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 48-year-old was sacked by Rovers earlier this month after a disastrous and short lived second spell at the Memorial Stadium.

But our sources have learnt that Clarke is high on the Valiants’ hit list, especially having done a decent job when he was first in charge of the club between February 2021 and April 2023.

Clarke finished with 52 wins and 27 draws from 124 games, finishing with a 41.9 win percentage during his previous tenure in charge.

And SportsBoom has learnt the Valiants hierarchy believe Clarke is the ideal candidate to come in and revive the club’s worrying fortunes.

ROCK BOTTOM

Vale sacked former boss Darren Moore after Friday’s 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Huddersfield, leaving the League One strugglers rock bottom of the table.

Vale are now, alarmingly, ten points adrift of safety in the relegation zone and the club’s owners are understandably desperate for a new manager to turn things around.

Amazingly the club have not won a league game since beating Barnsley, ironically one of Clarke’s former clubs, at Oakwell on 27 September.

"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," said Port Vale in a statement.

"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."

STRUGGLES

Moore joined the Valiants on a five-and-a-half year deal but has struggled to help the team climb the table.

"It has been a real privilege to manage Port Vale and to represent such a proud football club," said Moore following his sacking.

"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."

First-team coach Jamie Smith has temporarily taken control of the reigns until Moore’s successor is appointed.