Port Vale have sensationally parted ways with Manager Daryl Clarke after an historic two years at the Club. Despite rescuing the Club from relegation at the end of his first season and taking the Valiants back into League one via the Play-Offs during the 2021/22 campaign, just two wins since New Years Day has brought an end to Clarke’s reign at the Club.
Commenting on the change, David Flitcroft, Port Vale’s director of football, explained:
“Firstly, it is important that we place on record our appreciation to Darrell for the role he has played in a successful chapter in the club’s history, culminating in last season’s promotion to League One via the Play-Offs.
“We have been on an emotional journey together, during which time Carol, her family and all associated with Port Vale have provided unwavering support to Darrell throughout an unimaginably difficult period in his life.
“We have immense gratitude to him for his role in driving the club away from potential relegation from League Two to winning promotion to League One. However, following discussions in recent weeks with Darrell, the backroom staff and senior players, we have decided now is the best time to make a change and give ourselves the best chance of retaining the League One status we have all worked so tirelessly to achieve since the Shanahan family purchased the club in 2019.
“We must now work together as a staff and supporters to help Andy Crosby and the players to secure the points required to allow us to build on the foundations we have laid and continue our progression this summer.”
Carol Shanahan OBE, Port Vale co-owner and chair, continued:
“Collectively, this has not been an easy decision to make, and given the close relationship we have developed during the past two years, it is difficult to part ways with Darrell professionally.
“We always wish to give our manager ample opportunity to deliver results, though at this stage we now agree it is in the club’s best immediate and long-term interests to make a change.
“We – staff, players and supporters – must now work together over the next three weeks to do everything we can to positively influence the team on the pitch and retain our League One status. We know a detailed review of the last few months is required to understand where mistakes have been made and we will commence this at the conclusion of this season. Now, though, is the time to come together and all play our part in the final four fixtures of the campaign.
“We wish Darrell well in his future career and he and his family will always be welcome here at Vale Park.”
First Team Coach Andy Crosby has been appointed to take charge of the Team initially until the end of the Season with the soul aim of keeping Vale in League One.
