Former Lincoln City head coach Mark Kennedy is among the favourites to take over from Darren Moore, sacked yesterday by struggling Port Vale.
Moore has been relieved of his duties at Vale Park after just over a year into a five-and-a-half-year contract, despite guiding the club to promotion from League Two last season. A difficult return to the third tier proved decisive, with Port Vale rooted to the bottom of League One after a run of just three wins from their opening 21 matches.
The Valiants currently sit seven points from safety, and the club hierarchy have moved quickly to begin the process of appointing a successor. That search has placed former Lincoln City head coach Mark Kennedy firmly in the frame for a potential return to League One management. He’s priced as the fourth favourite for the Port Vale role, following on from his dismissal at Swindon Town last season.
Kennedy spent just under a year in charge at Sincil Bank, leading the Imps to a solid mid-table finish before departing in October 2023. Since then, he has been at the County Ground, and most recently, working for former employers, Birmingham City, managing their Under 21 side.
He is not the only experienced name under discussion. Former Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson is also being linked with the vacancy, having built a reputation for guiding clubs through promotion challenges in League One. Elsewhere, Northampton Town’s title-winning manager Jon Brady and ex-Wycombe Wanderers head coach Matt Bloomfield are both thought to be admired for their recent work in the EFL.
Port Vale confirmed Moore’s departure with a statement praising his role in last season’s promotion, while acknowledging that results this term had not improved despite time and support being given. Moore, 51, responded by thanking players, staff and supporters, describing his time at the club as a privilege and wishing Vale success in their battle for survival.
In the short term, first-team coach Jamie Smith will oversee affairs, starting with a daunting away trip to Bradford City. Whether a permanent appointment is in place by then remains unclear, but the coming days are likely to prove significant, not just for Vale’s season, but potentially for a former Lincoln City boss seeking a swift return to the League One touchline.
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