Picture feature: meet the Port Vale backroom team…
Fans may not be overly familiar with the group Michael Brown has assembled so here is a handy guide to who is who…
Clockwise from top left: Dan Thompson, Ben Nixon, David “Ned” Kelly, Tom Eastwood, Chris Kirkland, Chris Morgan.
First-team manager: Michael Brown
In his first full season as Vale boss, Brown was appointed following the resignation of Bruno Ribeiro on Boxing Day. The former Leeds Utd, Sheff Utd, Spurs and Man City player has been with the Valiants since 2014 and has made over 50 playing appearances.
Assistant manager: David Kelly
Known as “Ned” the former striker rose to prominence at Walsall at the same time that Andy Jones was banging them in for Vale. Kelly earned a big money move to West Ham and also played for Newcastle Utd and Wolves. The Irish International started his coaching career at Tranmere and has also coached Derby, Walsall and Scunthorpe Utd.
Assistant manager: Chris Morgan
Morgan gained a reputation as an uncompromising centre-half during long spells with Sheff Utd and Barnsley. He was caretaker boss at Sheff Utd and also coached at Chesterfield.
Goalkeeping coach: Chris Kirkland
The former keeper made 321 appearances and earned one England cap during an 18-year playing career. This is his first coaching role.
Head physio: Ben Nixon
Nixon takes over from James Rowland. A former Vale youth team player, prior to his current position he also spent a year working with the Port Vale Academy.
Fitness coach: Tom Eastwood
Eastwood has been the club’s fitness coach since Brown took charge. He has had previous spells with Accrington Stanley and Burnley and is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University.
Performance analyst: Dan Thompson
Thompson has been the club’s performance analyst for over six years and also provides data for the Academy. His role includes reviewing scouting videos, post-match stats and individual statistics for the players.
Chief scout: Darren Wrack
A former player who made over 500 appearances for a number of clubs in midfield. He has previous scouted for Brighton and Hove Albion before joining Vale in January 2017 and being appointed chief scout in the summer.