Tranmere Rovers have announced former Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke as their new boss.
Rovers had started last season with Clarke’s former assistant, Andy Crosby, in charge. However, Crosby was dismissed in March after a run of poor form. Tranmere then appointed Pete Wild on a short-term basis before parting company at the end of the season.
Clarke is remembered with affection in Burslem. He took Port Vale to promotion to League One during his first full season in charge of the club in 2021-2022. The manager suffered a traumatic personal tragedy when his daughter passed away in 2022. Clarke was dismissed by the Valiants in April 2023 despite a 41% win ratio from his 124 games in charge.
He has had mixed results after leaving Vale – a successful spell with Cheltenham Town was followed by a less successful second spell with Bristol Rovers which ended in December 2025.
Clarke will be reunited with former Vale players Nathan Smith and James Plant.
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Darrell Clarke’s managerial spell at Port Vale – his 26 month reign’s highs and lows
Hope it works out for him and Tranmere. Enjoyed his time with the Vale. A manager you could get behind.