Darren Moore believes his side has a fighting chance of remaining in League One this season, entering the final eight games of the campaign. Port Vale currently sit 21st in the division, three points away from safety.
The 49-year-old was appointed by the Staffordshire side in February, taking the mantle from Andy Crosby. The decision to make the change was taken following a run of six games without a win which left them sitting in the bottom four.
It had been a huge change of fortunes for the Valiants, who started the season strongly and sat within the top six in September. It’s been downhill from there and the arrival of Moore has initially failed to change their fortunes.
Vale picked up their first win in 14 games at the weekend against Burton Albion, with Ryan Loft scoring the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute to give Moore’s side some hope of avoiding the drop. The former Sheffield Wednesday manager spoke to BBC Radio Stoke after the match about his team’s survival hopes.
“I’m delighted with the three points. It’s been a long time coming. There’s always been that desire and attitude, despite what’s gone on, and we’ve given ourselves a fighting chance. But we have to continue to fight on.”
“I’m delighted for us all at the football club. It’s a valuable three points. It’s nice for everyone connected with Vale Park to have that feel-good factor.”
There was also huge praise for left-winger Loft after his winning goal, with the manager praising the former Scunthorpe United player’s resilience to win the game, especially after missing an opportunity in the first half.
“Lofty scoring was brilliant; I’m pleased for him after going through early in the first half, he could’ve let it affect him but he never.”
The win was the 49-year-old’s first since taking over at Vale Park. He arrived at Port Vale after a brief stint in the Championship with Huddersfield Town, where he was sacked after just three wins in 23 matches.
His side face Bristol Rovers on Friday, with the Pirates currently on a run of three games without a win. A victory could take them level with Cambridge United in 20th place if results go their way in the other games over the weekend.
Writer’s View
The first win as a manager is one of the most vital, especially considering the run of form Port Vale have been on since Moore took over and even before that under Crosby, when they won just one match in eight. It could be a win that transforms their fortunes and allows them to push forward and aim towards safety.
Moore broke the points record at Sheffield Wednesday last season, accumulating 96 points, and has vast experience in League One. There are not many who know the division better than the former West Bromwich Albion manager, and Vale supporters may perhaps believe going into the final eight games.
