Brian Horton Leaves Port Vale ‘By Mutual Consent’
Brian Horton Leaves Port Vale: in a shock announcement, it has been confirmed that Brian Horton has departed the Valiants’ managerial seat by mutual consent.
Horton had spent five years in the charge of the club and his contract was due to run out at the end of the season.|
Horton: Leaves the Vale after over five years in charge
In a shock announcement, it has been confirmed that Brian Horton has departed the Valiants’ managerial seat by mutual consent.
Horton had spent five years in the charge of the club and his contract was due to run out at the end of the season.
Big Break at Vale Park
Walsall-born Horton began his professional playing career at the Valiants in 1970 before controversially departing to join Brighton. He subsequently captained Luton Town in their promotion season.
Horton’s first managerial position was at Hull City and following spells at Oxford United, Manchester City, Huddersfield Town and Brighton; his career turned full-circle as he took up the management post at Vale Park.
Brammer Bonus
Horton controversially took over from legendary manager John Rudge in January 1999 and his deadline day purchases of five players including Dave Brammer helped to save the club from relegation.
But Horton was unable to stop the Valiants slipping into Division Two for the new millennium and football’s harsher economic climate saw the Vale boss operating with virtually no transfer budget.
Cardiff Glory
Despite these restrictions, Horton’s proudest hour was in 2001, when the Valiants defeated Brentford 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium to claim their second-ever domestic trophy.
Crisis Times
Horton was in charge of the club during the Vale’s darkest hour as the club slipped into administration and following the takeover by fans consortium Valiant 2001, he had guided the Vale into seventh place in the table by the time of his departure.
Brightwell In Charge
First-Team Coach Ian Brightwell will take charge of the Vale team for the match against Oldham Athletic.
Appointed:
22-01-1999
Left:
12-02-2004?
Games in Charge:
262
Won:
84
Drawn:
67
Lost:
111
Money Spent (approx):
£730,000
Money Recouped (approx):
£990,000
First Signing:
Craig Russell on loan (29-01-1999)
Last Signing:
Jonathan Brain free (22-08-2003)
Record Buy:
Dave Brammer £500,000 (24-03-1999)
Record Sale:
Dave Brammer £500,000 (10-08-2001)
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