This Darren Moore reveal is an exciting sign of Port Vale's ambition: View | OneFootball

Highlights

Port Valeannounced the appointment of former Huddersfield Town boss Darren Moore on Tuesday evening.

The announcement comes just a week after the club decided to part ways with Andy Crosby after winning just once in their last eight games, leaving the club less than a year after joining them.

Moore comes into the club with great pedigree having began his managerial career with Championship outfit, West Bromwich Albion before an impressive spell at Doncaster Rovers saw Sheffield Wednesdaypay compensation to acquire his services. He would then go on to guide The Owls to promotion to the Championship before joining The Terriers.

Port Vale league position

Vale's tricky away trip to Peterborough United was one of three games on Tuesday that were postponed due to heavy rain experienced across the country yesterday, meaning Moore's first game in charge is a crucial one at the bottom of the table.

The Valiants travel to Cheltenham Town this weekend, knowing a win would increase their gap over the side directly below them and put more pressure on the surrounding sides, particularly helped by having games in hand on most teams in the bottom half.

This month signifies an important run of fixtures for Vale and their hopes of survival, as they also face relegation-threatened Reading and Fleetwood Town, so appointing Moore at this time of the season was crucial if they were to stand any chance of retaining their League One status next term.

Darren Moore the "primary target" in Port Vale manager search according to club chiefs

The club had been linked with a number of potential candidates before appointing Moore as their new head coach, but it appears the 49-year-old was always the number one target.

Upon the announcemount of his arrival at Vale Park, Director of Football David Flitcroft told the club website that Moore was the club's primary target in their manager search.

“We identified Darren as our primary target to come in as our new manager who can galvanise and energise the club," he said.

"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 and understands the importance of success both on and off the pitch.

“He personifies every quality that we look for as a representative of Port Vale FC as well as possessing the management and leadership qualities that are so highly sought-after in any football club’s manager."

Port Vale's co-owner, Carol Shanahan, also added: “I am absolutely delighted that Darren is joining us as our First-Team Manager. He was the only manager I wanted and after hearing him speak so passionately about where he sees this club heading, it confirmed what I already suspected in that he will be a great leader for Port Vale.

“His values and aims are aligned with ours as a family and he is the perfect person to help us achieve our immediate and long-term goals.”

Having secured promotion from League Two two seasons ago, Vale are looking to build on their 18th place finish last term and try to move up the football pyramid.

The Valiants have fluttered around the Premier League stage in the mid-to-late 90's but have since been yo-yoing in between League One and League Two ever since.

But the appointment of Moore and the length of his contract suggests that they feel the 49-year-old is the man to lead the club through the latest phase of their existence.

Moore signed a five-year deal at Vale Park, with one of his first jobs is to ensure Vale remain in League One this term and to continue the rebuilding to next season.

Shanahan has a vision for the club that consists of financial stability and leadership on the pitch, and in Moore, the club have someone who can potentially take them to greater heights in the coming seasons.