Darren Moore’s Port Vale spell – the highs and lows

Darren Moore was Port Vale manager between 2024 and 2025. We look back at his spell’s highs and lows.

February 2024

Following the sacking of Andy Crosby on the 5th February, Moore was appointed Port Vale manager on the 13th February. The appointment was apparently on the recommendation of Director of Football David Flitcroft. Flitcroft commented: “We identified Darren as our primary target to come in and galvanise and energise the club,” said Vale director of football David Flitcroft. Following extensive conversations, it’s clear to the board that he has a plan of how he wants to lead the club from the very front.”

May 2024

However, the “galvanise” effect Flitcroft wanted did not emerge and the team were relegated back to League Two at the end of the season. Moore’s first spell ended with eleven defeats out of sixteen played.

Summer of 2024

Moore was extensively backed in the off-season. Twelve permanent and four loan signings came in while eight departed. Among the new arrivals were Ronan Curtis, Ryan Croasdale and Jayden Stockley. Meanwhile, six figure sums were spend on strikers Lorent Tolaj and Ruari Paton. Arguably the most eyebrow-raising addition was former Championship player George Byers who dropped two divisions to be reunited with Moore.

October 2024

Moore is named the League Two manager of the month two times in succession as his Vale team starts to gel.

December 2024

The side’s form suffers and the manager is criticised for his constant rotation of players as the Valiants undergo a seven match run without a win.

New Year 2025

Vale’s form under Moore takes an upturn, in part due to less rotation, the addition of youngster Rhys Walters to the midfield and the pairing of Lorent Tolaj and Jayden Stockley upfront.

April 2025

Moore’s side secure promotion back to League One with a 2-0 away win over AFC Wimbledon.

Summer of 2025

Moore undertakes another major squad overhaul. Eight players are released while nine permanent and three loan additions are made. However, doubts start to emerge over squad balance and size with Vale possessing three senior goalkeepers, seven forwards and seven players able to play left wingback. However, there is a blow as star striker Lorent Tolaj moves to Plymouth for £1.2m in August.

November 2025

Criticism of Moore reached fever pitch after defeat against Plymouth Argyle send them rock bottom of League One. The manager is criticised for over rotation (with 29 players used), poor tactics, poor summer signings and negative football.

December 2025

Moore’s spell as manager came to an end after a 5-0 loss to Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day. His side were rock bottom of League One and without a win in ten games.