Bristol Rovers legend Darrell Clarke has been sacked by Port Vale ahead of Saturday's fixture between the sides following a run of just two wins in 18 League One games.
Clarke added a third promotion to his managerial CV at Vale Park, backing up his two triumphs with the Gas with victory in the League Two play-off final against Mansfield Town last year.
The Valiants had made a strong start to life in League One and remain well-placed to stay in the division, but a dramatic downturn in form has pushed the board at the Burslem club to act. The 45-year-old had signed a five-year contract just before Vale's play-off final win in May last year.
Clarke's assistant Andy Crosby has taken charge on an interim basis until the end of the season, with Vale 18th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone ahead of Rovers' visit to the Potteries on Saturday.
“Firstly, it is important that we place on record our appreciation to Darrell for the role he has played in a successful chapter in the club’s history, culminating in last season’s promotion to League One via the play-offs," Vale director of football David Flitcroft said.
"We have been on an emotional journey together, during which time (owner) Carol (Shanahan), her family and all associated with Port Vale have provided unwavering support to Darrell throughout an unimaginably difficult period in his life.
“We have immense gratitude to him for his role in driving the club away from potential relegation from League Two to winning promotion to League One. However, following discussions in recent weeks with Darrell, the backroom staff and senior players, we have decided now is the best time to make a change and give ourselves the best chance of retaining the League One status we have all worked so tirelessly to achieve since the Shanahan family purchased the club in 2019.
“We must now work together as a staff and supporters to help Andy Crosby and the players to secure the points required to allow us to build on the foundations we have laid and continue our progression this summer.”
Clarke masterminded a memorable era at Rovers, claiming promotion from the Conference and League Two in back-to-back seasons in 2015-16. The club would solidify its status in League One under Clarke before a sharp decline in form saw him leave the club in 2018.
He went on to have a stint at Walsall before being snapped up by then-League Two rivals Vale, leading the club to promotion in his first season in charge against a backdrop of personal trauma following the death of his daughter in February 2022, which saw him step back from his role for six weeks before returning to steer the club to promotion amid hugely emotional scenes at Wembley.
Vale owner Carol Shanahan added: “Collectively, this has not been an easy decision to make, and given the close relationship we have developed during the past two years, it is difficult to part ways with Darrell professionally.
“We always wish to give our manager ample opportunity to deliver results, though at this stage we now agree it is in the club’s best immediate and long-term interests to make a change.
“We – staff, players and supporters – must now work together over the next three weeks to do everything we can to positively influence the team on the pitch and retain our League One status. We know a detailed review of the last few months is required to understand where mistakes have been made and we will commence this at the conclusion of this season. Now, though, is the time to come together and all play our part in the final four fixtures of the campaign.
“We wish Darrell well in his future career and he and his family will always be welcome here at Vale Park.”
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