We profile Port Vale coach Jamie Smith, in caretaker charge of the club since the dismissal of Darren Moore.
Recap
Smith was previously part of Darren Moore’s team at Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town. He joined the Valiants in February 2024 and has been made caretaker after Moore’s dismissal in December 2025.
Playing career
A former England U21 International, Smith played at right-back for a number of clubs including Wolves, Crystal Palace and Bristol City. He made 398 senior appearances, scoring thirteen times during a seventeen year playing career.
Coaching career
Smith’s coaching career began at West Brom as a youth development officer. He moved up to U18 coach before he was appointed assistant manager to Darren Moore at Doncaster Rovers in 2019. Smith took charge of a number of Championship games when Moore contracted Covid whilst Sheff Wed boss.
Jamie Smith Factfile
Age: 51
Born: Birmingham
Playing career: Wolves, Crystal Palace, Fulham (loan), Bristol City, Brentford (loan), MK Dons, Halesowen Town, Airbus UK
Coaching career: West Bromwich Albion, Doncaster Rovers. Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town, Port Vale
Mark Porter agreed with me that Phil Sproson could be an asset to the Club in the direction the club takes and the structure and who would be beneficial as a new manager to meet the clubs future objectives. Perhaps it might be mutually beneficial to both the club and the supporters to listen to his thoughts.