Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts when asked if Darren Moore can keep Port Vale up in League One | OneFootball

Don Goodman has backed Darren Moore to keep Port Vale in the third tier following last season’s promotion.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has revealed that he is “optimistic” about Port Vale’s survival chances in League One with Darren Moore at the helm.

The Vale immediately secured their place back in the third tier after a stellar last campaign, with the club claiming second spot and an automatic promotion place.

Now, they hope to consolidate themselves as regulars in League One, with the club last having a multiple season stay in this division between 2013 and 2017.

In recent times, Vale have shown inconsistency, bouncing between the third and fourth tiers.

However, there was an overhaul of the playing squad last term, which resulted in 14 players entering the building, which was fundamental to their promotion charge.

So far this summer transfer window, the club have brought in another seven first-team figures, as they look to up the quality levels that are required to compete well in the third tier.

With this in mind, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has exclusively spoken to FLW about whether Moore can keep Port Vale in League One this time around.

Don Goodman “optimistic” over Port Vale, League One survival chances under Darren Moore

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, pundit Don Goodman is positive that Darren Moore can keep Port Vale in League One this upcoming season, believing his coaching methods will get the best out of the playing squad.

Goodman said: “Yes, I'm optimistic that Darren Moore can keep Port Vale in League One next season.

“Last summer, there was a complete overhaul of the playing squad, I think up to 14 players came in, which is a lot, and it was all geared to not only getting them out of League Two but to giving them a solid foundation from which to consolidate in League One.

“I get the feeling that Darren's teams are well-organised, solid, hard to break down, and although there won't be as many signings this summer, they have got a competitive enough budget to bring the calibre of players in that they will need to be able to consolidate, so yes is the answer to the question.”

Port Vale should be hopeful of League One survival

There’s a real feel-good factor at Port Vale right now, with Darren Moore hitting the reset button and bringing about a much-needed togetherness and unity in the squad following a dismal 2023-24 season.

A lot of players have come and gone, with such an overhaul having the desired impact.

Vale’s summer activity is also encouraging, with the club recruiting the likes of Ben Waine, Jordan Gabriel and Cameron Humphreys, with the trio all possessing previous League One experience, while left-back Liam Gordan had a superb individual season at Walsall and could well be ready for the third tier step-up.

Vale look to have stacked their options up well in every department other than right-wing. If they can add to that by the 1st September deadline, then you feel the squad is more than well-equipped enough to take on the trials and tribulations that League One brings.

It appears Vale possess the depth and quality to have a statement season in League One, and this term has the potential to show a positive trend developing under the former West Brom boss.