Rob Fielding says the Port Vale owners face a big decision over whether to stick or twist – but if it’s the latter then they need to move now.
Rob Fielding writes…
If a replacement is needed then timing is key
Remember when Darren Moore was appointed on his long-term deal? It was the 13th February 2024. The problem with that was… it was thirteen days after the January transfer window had shut and it left Moore trying to get his best out of Andy Crosby’s squad. The result? Relegation.
So, why was Moore appointed too late in the 2023-24 season? It was because Vale acted too late in sacking Andy Crosby – eventually doing so on the 5th February after the window had closed.
If the Valiants hierarchy decide a new man is needed, then they should not make the same mistake twice. If a new manager is to come in, then they will need to do some substantial transfer activity (both in and out of the club) in January. So, the process of identifying a new man needs to happen now and the appointment put in place before the window opens.
Should Vale stick or twist?
This is the crucial question. Is Darren Moore the right man? Ironically, Moore was recommended to the club by former Director of Football David Flitcroft. In retrospect, it’s hardly a ringing endorsement.
I was struck by Moore’s tone during the pre-match press conferences. Usually the Vale manager strikes an upbeat tone when asked about Vale supporters. This time he sounded defensive, almost passive aggressive when he chipped in with “either get behind the team or not get behind the team” – it sounded like the comment of someone whose relationship with the fans has been damaged, perhaps beyond repair.
What’s he done wrong?
In the same presser, Moore said he was “ultimately responsible” for the team’s performance. As that team now sits bottom of the table despite substantial transfer activity (the likes of Devante Cole and Cameron Humphreys will not be cheap) is not a ringing endorsement of his qualities.
Furthermore, there’s more criticism of the Vale boss:
- The summer activity was inconsistent (Ben Waine has barely made an impact, Marko Marosi was signed and then rapidly demoted to third choice keeper, Jordan Shipley hasn’t made an impact in an already congested midfield). Why wasn’t more defensive cover brought in?
- The selection policy has been rounded criticised. Why no Funso Ojo and Rhys Walters for spells earlier this season? Why so much faith in an under-performing George Byers? Why was Ruari Paton dropped after two goals in the FA Cup?
- The rigid persistence in 3-5-2 has also been questioned. Other teams are wise to Vale’s threats and able to close them down. Some flexibility is needed.
- The in-game tactics have also been rounded criticised. In recent games, the manager’s reaction to being behind has been to throw on so many subs that Vale become completely overloaded with forwards in the final minutes.
- The selection of players in the wrong positions – George Hall and Ronan Curtis as wingbacks, Ben Garrity as a defensive midfielder and so on… have also been met with bemusement by fans.
- The lack of attacking threat is deeply worrying. There is little in the way of goals throughout the team, so once opponents score the game is pretty much settled.
Should he go?
So, where do I stand? Sadly, I think that after this latest loss, a change may well be needed. And soon.
Darren Moore seems a decent and likeable chap, but this is football and the results have been dire especially after he has been handed resources rarely given to a Port Vale manager. Regardless of the five year deal, Vale may need to cut their losses and act quickly to get someone new in to rework the squad during the January window.
What do you think? Is this a kneejerk reaction or do you agree that a change is needed? Post a comment below.
Sorry, but, he has to go
His record is abysmal.
The club need to act FAST, to avoid another relegation
I’ve not posted a comment before, as I always try to be supportive of our club. But today was poor, we can say we missed a few chances but we created very little. We can complain about their players behaviour, but it reality that is some players just being more street wise than ours. Their manager clearly encouraged them to do it. Throwing on all our bench forwards always baffles me, it’s just adding more bodies into an already overcrowded low block. For me, we don’t create enough and under Darren I can’t see his tactics changing. Unfortunately I feel we need to make the change now.
Looking through the squad fit or injured there’s about 5or six players good enough for pro football Ojo Shorrock Cole Clark Gordon & Guauci (who ain’t our player) @the rest need to be moved out pronto & that’s all down to the manager coaching staff &whoever does the recruitment change must come ASAP
Questionable team selections, substitutions and lack of tactical skills. Sadly he has to go. Get a new manager while there is still time to turn things round (hopefully)
Sack b4 Xmas ……
Must go end of
The sands of time have ran out! I am fed up of the same drivel spouted after each painful loss. Come on Carol sack this clown today. If you keep this gent I predict relegation to league 2 a certainty and dwindling crowds ,as the fans have had enough. A fresh face with new ideas is the only way forward. Bite the bullet cos he ain’t going to do the decent thing and quit. The disconnect between Mr Moore and the fans borne out today cannot be fixed in my view. He didn’t even have the balls to do the walk of shame at the end of the game today.GET RID NOW
We have to do it now or it’s L2 again .he has to go
Yes he should go now. But will Carol pay?
Well from what I have heard nothing is going to be done this week VELCRO Moore keeps his job, that will be another 3 points lost, it’s obvious to the supporters (but not Carol ) Mr Moore has lost the dressing room, and the supporters are loosing the division we are in, the owner is on the same level of thought as the manager, and the supporter get kicked in the teeth AGAIN.Talk to Sir John get some advice before you Carol appoint another manager, that will most probably be when we are in None league football.Yes Carol you were warned months ago about Mr Moore but as usual you did not listen.YOU ARE KILLING THE CLUB, Carol.
Sadly, I think his time has come – football has moved on tactically, and sadly DM hasn’t. OK he got us up last season, a season where we flattered to deceive, a season in which consistent team selection would have probably seen us promoted as champions around Easter. The writing was on the wall then: his ethos of rotation doesn’t lend itself to building relationships in the team, or consistency – we’re not Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid etc. It’s clear that it’s not going to work this time around, and he’s not going to change. I think we have a decent squad that with one or two January additions and a couple of outgoings should finish comfortably somewhere in mid table (12th to 18th). So for me, its time to change.
I can’t believe this is even a conversation about the clown Mr Moore… scooby doo would do a better job. If i performed like him in my job id have been sacked a long time ago! His recent record at this level speaks volumes about his managerial prowess. How is he still employed???? If he is still somehow in charge next week at Lincoln I predict port vale 0 and another defeat and look forward to us travelling fans to give him another chorus of”you’re getting sacked in the morning and Darren Moore you’re football is sh*t” as sure as night follows day.
Carol as got to listen to the fans & sack him. She can’t be happy watching this dismal football every week like the fans . Do it quickly & hopefully have a good Xmas .
It’s becoming quite evident now that the style of football we’re playing now is lacking the passing flair that took us to promotion last year. The pre-match warm-ups were good to watch with the ‘pass and move’ drills going on all over the pitch. Now our style is: return the ball to the centre backs who launch the ball forward, resulting in rallies of head tennis. We don’t get the ball on the deck enough and forwards don’t get the proper service. The difference no one seems to mention is the departure of Lee Bradbury ( 1st team coach) this summer after his move to Dagenham. Yes, League one teams give us less space to play ball but we have seen in many games that the players who run at us cause us the most problems. The ball players need to be given the confidence to get at teams to give service to the forwards. Perhaps we should think about approaching Lee for a possible return to sort us out.
I think he should resign and not wait for the sack. His football style is dire and stagnant and as been since he arrived. He insists on playing 5 at the back and then panics and changes it with some ridiculous substitutions.
Vale have no fight or threat going forward which is all down to Moore –
The fight went when he got rid of Smith from the squad
The threat – how can you threaten any team with only two forwards each game and eight defenders
Think the players have
the ability to survive in this league, but something not right, keep going down this dead end tunnel and losing the way out, and players head’s appear to be dropping and any confidence as Been depleted, a new Manager new ideas may stop the rot, big decision’s unfortunately need making
Moore succeeded well last season, with an automatic promotion and immediate return to League 1. And, he was well backed over the summer to stockpile a large squad and secure safety in a higher division. I describe his management throughout this season as “muddled and jumbled”, lacking clear thought process. Some supporters have recognized this for months, and now lack of goal creativity and scoring have unceremoniously dumped the club rock bottom in their league. A new manager would want to use the transfer window to sign his own tried and trusted players, so timing a manager change is crucial. On balance, I would say Moore should be replaced without undue delay. I’m not sure who should be the incoming manager. It’s a pity Ian Evatt was snapped up by Blackpool. John Rudge was twice relegated with Vale, but also successfully managed battles against relegation. His insight and advice might help the club’s owners reach the right decision going forward.
Overloaded with wingbacks no wingers let young up in coming players not being included at any cost too rigid no plan b he lost the dressing room at the Wigan game there is no coming back I still think this is a good squad a new manager now with time to assess what he is has got and what is needed in January may just save this season but time is running out fast the owners need to be decisive and quickly
As much as it pains me &would love to be proved wrong but even change of manager i don’t think anyone with this squad that’s been assembled i don’t think anything but league 2 beckons anyway UTV please prove me wrong
With the record Moore had at Huddersfield he should never have been considered for the job in the first place. He came with just one job to do KEEP US UP! And failed miserably! He should have gone then ! The two previous managers had been dismissed while doing a better job, but Darren survives! Carol has previous on sticking her head in the sand and humming to cut the fans concerns out. One only has to remember the Flitcroft situation and her stubbornly refused to act, she was totally blind and deaf to what was going on. It was as much Carols fault that Vale were relegated as much as anyone’s, as she’s the person pulling the strings and making the decisions. Vales inability to score goals has been with us for a long while but has somehow escalated under Moore with the system he chooses to play. The club can not afford to wait, because even if like we think, Vale do have a mid table squad, we will have to play like champions to get anywhere near that position.
I don’t know who or if the owners are seeking advice from anyone but what’s happening is destroying Port Vale football club. This can’t be allowed to continue it scares me that the owners remain silent about what’s happening do they or don’t they care about this football club?
Darren Moore has to leave the club asap it’s never nice when the current managers service is no longer required but football is a business which has to be successful to survive.
Ideally this has to happen this week and a new manager appointed soon following a rigorous selection process. Carol has frequently said that managers have to buy into the values of the football club but first and foremost this is a football club with out which Port Vale would not exist. It’s not a community/social project.
He has brought in is own players, but does not seem to set them up right. Definitely need a back 4 with better defenders also need to sort midfield and forward line. We have to many players. Time for him to leave
Our league position doesnt lie, fact not opinion. Its telling you things needs to change but I dont believe that DM is the man to make that change. I also believe he has a better squad of players than our current league position suggests, his players are under performing. With his puzzling team selections he has lost the confidence of the players, and the fans. We all know how that ends.
I’ve been a fan of Darren for along time and backed him when others wanted him out but ultimately he has now clearly lost support of most fans and I’d hazard a guess most of the dressing room as well. In these circumstances sadly it’s not a difficult decision to make he is not capable of turning this situation round, so Carol it’s on you either keep him accept relegation or be positive give someone a chance to save us but you have to act now !
I watched the game, manager no passion, should be kicking things in anger on the side line and screaming at his team and staff, consequently this demeanour transfers too the players who look like they have little energy with no idea other than to lump the ball forward and hope. As others have stated there is a team somewhere amongst this group.
It shows how poor business has been with the only man with fire in his belly was our old striker, held his head high and got under our players skin today.
Looks like my £25 bet for Vale to go straight down under the helm of DM is going to come to fruition. I hope it wouldn’t but had a funny feeling this was where we were heading.
Change is needed quickly, but never mind buying in to the Vale plan we just want someone horrible who can manage, and get a tune out of a flat team.
As a senior manager I know what will happen if I put the electrician on the plumbing work, the plumber on the IT help desk and the janitor as head of finance, chaos, confusion low morale and **** poor performance. Why then should we be surprised at the current state of affairs at the Vale? Mr Moore has probably given his best, it just has not been good enough. As many have posted a new manager will need a few weeks sorting the wheat from the chaff with the bloated squad he will inherit so that he will have a fair idea of his January transfer requirements. In other words Carol has to do the necessary tomorrow morning.
Anybody who reads these comments will see that l’ve been banging on about DM’s team selection and tactics for weeks after the Wycombe game I have refused to spend my pension on watching this rubbish it was obvious what was going to happen this week and who would score. I’ve spoken to many fans who are fed up with the situation I am not going to trash the work put in by the Shanahans anybody who like me have supported the club for over 60 years will not recognise the ground and set up at the club due to them, however they seem to have a blind spot when changes of management need to be done it could be that there is not the money to pay off DMs ridiculous contract, I have called for him to do the dece thing and resign but I won’t hold my breath his recent comments on the fans were the comments of a drowning man who can’t. Understand how he got into deep water PLEASE Do THE RIGHT THING if you have any regard for this club it’s Directors and Supporters
The supporters have spoken pretty unanimously here….Moore has to go,and very soon. The chants of we would be better Christmas shopping said it all yesterday. Awful,we need a very quick change to survive,or is it already too late ?
To defensive no flair boring boring football it’s a shocker he’s got to go.The players look fed up that says it all.
After watching yesterday’s very poor performance against another poor side on the day. My only conclusion is we are in need of both a manager and indeed players that are capable of showing the sort of down to earth grit and determination that’s required. I do believe that Darren has brought in some talented players. However talent is one thing, desire to dig deep and fight for those 3 points is another. I hasten to add that I do not include all of our players in my negative comments. Ben Garrity, Connor Hall, Ben Heneghan, Kyle John, George Hall would for me fall into this category.Take a look at Scotland the other night. Are they the most talented, no, but to a man they fought and fought showing determination and graft to get their well deserved result. What on earth are we doing sending Jack Shorrock to Chester for match experience. No disrespect to Chester but he should be in our senior squad fighting for his place. Oh yes I forgot we have wings backs out injured – silly me!!!. In my opinion Carol, stop giving these journeyman managers 5 year contracts as it appears that this level of commitment and support gets thrown back in your face. You and the board do not deserve it. Rant over – Up the Vale.
HE SHOULD JUST WALK BUT HE WON’T,THE SACK WILL DO HIM NICELY £££££,
I have backed him and I would have loved to see him turn it round. Unfortunately I just can’t see it happening. Something just doesn’t seem right and if yesterday is anything to go by he’s lost the fans and the players. My instinct is the players were playing for the fans as opposed to the manager.
We don’t seem to have any patterns of play, everything is slow and methodical there is zero flair. When we get a throw in it’s like watching a pub side first contact is a 50/50. From 46 minutes I felt like I’d watched the game countless times before. Players had no confidence, motivation and no direction from the dugout. Predictably the weird substitutions followed along with players shoehorned into unfamiliar positions – either I’m missing something or it really was tactics from the Mike Bassett coaching manual. I feel the squad is better than it’s been for yesrs but he’s not getting a tune out of them – Gutted but he has to go.
I watched the Vale at Colchester last season and said to myself that i would not go again under Moore. After 60 minutes i was bored and wanted to go home. Very boring to watch! I was watching a very different Vale, sidewards and backeards. It appears nothing has changed. I also said he would ruin our club and get us relegated to National league football. UTV but sad times!!!
Did you all expect an easy ride in League 1
Valiant Forever.
90% of these comments are with hindsight and assumptions that a new man will do better.
We have had horrendous injuries to our wingbacks where the majority of our forward play starts.
At the end of August the only concern people had was perhaps another centre half in the squad. No one can judge which player is going to be injured or which players will be out of form.
I don’t believe we will get a better man for the job. It will probably cost the club hundreds of thousands of pounds and could end up with someone worse.
These are DM players and too me they are still fighting for him. Would they for a new manager. This situation could be turned around in a month when we get some of our wing backs back.
Remember we nearly sacked Rudgy before his success.
He struggled to get us promoted in a poor league 2.
He needs to go ASAP get an experienced manager to try and keep us up.
As for the cup games coming up the new manager could use these games to check out is squad.
Then clear out the dead wood in the transfer window.
And hopefully bring in some experienced players.
Honestly with the players we have a new manager could sort them out and get them playing again.
Part of the problem at the moment is the manager has lost the players respect he has lost the dressing room.
Thank you for the work and promotion Darren but it’s time to go and let the next man take charge .
@Valiant Forever I don’t think this can solely be attributed to wingback injuries. The poor form was there even when we had wingbacks to select from – and that form wasn’t down to lack of bodies on the flanks. None of these issues have anything to do with injured wingbacks:
1) Moore not developing a regular forward pairing (like he did in the last half of last season) so no understanding can develop upfront
2) Moore not picking form midfielders such as Walters and OJo
3) A substitutions strategy which seems to be to throw on as many forwards as possible unbalancing the team
4) Too many similar midfielders so there’s no creativity or goal threat from there
5) A lack of cover in the back three so even if players are suffering a dip in form (Debrah, Hall) they have to be picked
That’s five issues alone which are nothing to do with having injured wingbacks – and here are some that do:
1) No faith in the youngsters (Shorrock and Lomax) to step up when senior wingbacks are injured
2) Offering contracts to wingbacks with long histories of injuries (Gabriel, Clark) thus gambling that those two will be out for long periods
3) Persisting only with formations that need wingbacks
I think that list’s pretty damning, personally.
I find it strange how no one picks up about Croasdale not being considered. He was the player’s and fans player of the season last season and our most prolific scorer from midfield, but he appears to have been black balled by DM same as Chislett was, and forgotten by the fans.
It may already too late….The last few games have been dire, he has list the dressing room and the fans.
Same mistake looming as last time Crosby wasnt sacked earlier enough and Moore was appointed after the transfer window so relegation was certain
The biggest question of all is just who can we bring in that can organise and motivate these players in a relegation scrap ….it needs to be a highly experienced league 1 manager in a Mickey Adams Mould.
Some fans have mentioned Rob Page I am sorry but that just wouldnt work for me tbh.
I originally thought it should have been Ainsworth but he is too rough and ready for Carol probably too interested in his band abd the London lifestyle and then of course there is his health.
So basically I dont have a clue……
Clarky ??
That sums it up so well,.
Only those who will not see are blind.
Shanahan seems to making another blunder against the fans, the best he can do his fall on his sword, at least he’ll leave with a shred of dignity.