Port Vale manager Darren Moore has suggested in a fans forum that some of the players under contract will not be at the club next season.
Following relegation to League Two, the general view is that a major reset is required but with (to correct Moore) sixteen players under contract, the Valiants released just three players at the end of the season.
Who are the Port Vale players under contract?
Chislett, Clarke, Debrah, Dipepa, Garrity, Grant, Iacovitti, Jones, Loft, Lomax, Lowe, Ojo, Plant, Ripley, Sang, Smith
*Note: we actually make it sixteen players under contract, not seventeen
Moore told the audience: “Just because you see 17 (sic) players under contract doesn’t mean all 17 (sic) will be here for the start of the season. That’s the best way I can say it to you.”
His comments suggest that some of the players will leave – either on loan or permanently. However, it’s clearly no easy nor quick task and in the meantime the sheer number of players in the Vale squad could hinder the task of bringing in new recruits.
Former Director of Football David Flitcroft was much criticised for his role in bringing in many of the players, several on over-long contracts but CEO Matt Hancock says there will be no replacement for Flitcroft, who departed the club in March. Hancock said the overall budget will sit with the board and manager Darren Moore will have responsibility for “recruitment, retention and management of players and first-team staff, managing that first-team budget and the performance on the pitch.”
As expected. Moore is already scouting new targets with the manager adding: “Without me giving too much away, there are games still going on now and we have contacts going to games to look at certain players.”
I’m pleased Darren Moore has given his opinion about contract players etc, let’s hope he’s allowed to manage the (his) team and not be guided by a director of football. Given the chance he’ll do well, so give him a chance to put us back where we should still be, league one, now looking forward to the new season and our hopefully return to whence we came.
Refreshing to hear Matt Hancock say we will have a competitive budget in League 2 next season. A worry is letting Darren Moore with 5 wins from his last 40 managerial games more than likely waste that budget given his track record especially at Huddersfield with recruitment with 3 wins in 23 games after a full pre season prior to being sacked and joining us !!!!!
Big Phil, your statement is not quite correct as Darren Moore did not have a full pre-season at Huddersfield as he succeeded Neil Warnock in September 2023.
He never had a full pre season at Huddersfield the players were sulking because they got rid of Warnock part way through the season
So, we now know that the recruitment of new players will follow the traditional path of the Manager making the decisions. If Moore can live up to his overall management career win rate of 44%, the Vale will be challenging the top half of League 2 next season. How easy it will be to sign suitable players on one year contracts (with a second year option) remains to be seen.
Isnt lewis cass under contract so moore is right?
Lewis Cass was signed during the days of “undisclosed” contract lengths so it’s unclear – but yes, that would make sense. Thanks!
I thought it said lewis cass was being recalled from loan when that retained list came out so that would make it seventeen under contract