Darren Moore: Port Vale boss is 'honoured' to be back in management at League One Valiants

Darren Moore played for eight different clubs in his near-600 game playing career as a centre-half

New Port Vale manager Darren Moore feels "honoured" to be at the club and that it "felt right" to return to the game with the League One side.

Moore, 49, was named as Andy Crosby's replacement on Tuesday, just 15 days after getting sacked by Huddersfield.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday boss has signed a five-and-a-half year contract.

"From now until the end of the season it's going to be hard work," Moore told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I understand the passionate support base and what this clubs means to the fans and community.

"I want to get the team upwardly mobile in terms of their approach and support for each other and that the players know what it means to play for Port Vale; it's important they recognise that."

Moore's return to management follows his dismissal by the Terriers after winning only three times in 23 matches.

It came after detailed discussions with Vale owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan and director of football David Flitcroft.

Moore said he was "aligned" with the board's future plans for the club, on and off the field.

"When I spoke to the owners and Dave, we were all together in vision and passion and I'm happy to be here.

"I had no hesitation in wanting to become the manager here when I heard all that.

"It feels right. I've got a real hunger and desire to work and get on with the game," Moore said.

'Continuity and progression' key to Vale's improvement

Moore takes over a Vale side in real danger of losing their League One status, in the final relegation spot, one point behind Charlton Athletic.

Although their goal difference is worse by 10, Vale do have three games in hand on the Addicks following the postponement of their game at Peterborough on Tuesday because of a waterlogged pitch - a match Moore was due to watch from the stand.

He gets his first chance from the dugout on Saturday as Vale go to Cheltenham, who are managed by another former Port Vale boss Darrell Clarke.

"The message has been clear - everyone needs to be on the same page," said Moore, who masterminded Sheffield Wednesday's stunning play-off comeback and subsequent promotion last season.

"We're in the relegation zone, and how do we get out? Hard work, determination and effort - those are the key ingredients and things we want to see immediately.

"Focussing on the team and getting them playing and driving forward and getting players back off the treatment table - if we can get that, then it'll go a long way to achieving our goals and keeping our League One status.

The length of Moore's contract - through until 2029 - is something of a rarity in the modern game, but he says that shows the faith the owners have in him and their vision for the club.

"It's about moving this club forward, and to do that, you need continuity and progression," Moore said.

"For the club to chose me to lead the club on this next phase of the journey, I'm really honoured.

"Anyone who knows me knows I work hard, and I will push on harder here, and I want to push myself to those limits.

"To have that length of contract, it shows we want progression, togetherness and transparency and, with Carol and David, our minds are aligned on that.

"It's important the Vale fans know we want to move this club forward."