Port Vale have confirmed the appointment of Jon Brady as their new manager, signing the Australian coach to an 18-month contract. Brady takes over the struggling League One club following the sacking of Darren Moore on 28 December 2025, after a run of seven defeats in nine games left the Valiants bottom of the table and 10 points adrift of safety.

Jon Brady’s Appointment: A Club in Need of Leadership

Brady, 50, previously managed Northampton Town, where he spent three and a half years overseeing 200 matches and securing promotion to League One after finishing third in League Two during the 2022-23 season. He resigned as Cobblers manager just over a year ago, but his proven experience in rescuing clubs in relegation battles made him an attractive candidate for Port Vale, currently enduring a season plagued by poor results.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jon to Vale Park as the club’s new manager,” said Port Vale chief executive Matt Hancock. “Jon was the standout candidate at the end of a thorough recruitment process, with his experience and passion for returning to management here at Port Vale really shining through.”

Challenges Ahead for Jon Brady

Brady inherits a Port Vale side that has won just four of 23 league games this season. Despite ending a 12-game winless run with a resounding 5-1 victory over relegation rivals Blackpool on New Year’s Day, the club remains in a precarious position in League One.

Brady will face his first game in charge on Friday in an FA Cup third-round tie against Fleetwood Town, a crucial opportunity to build confidence and momentum in his early tenure.

Brady’s Philosophy and Vision

Jon Brady has been candid about the challenges ahead:

“I am going into this with my eyes wide open. We are bottom and there is a lot of work to do, but everyone associated with this club has the chance to create history. Can we pull together every day and achieve survival?”

He emphasized the importance of unity, commitment, and belief among the players, promising a style of football that is aggressive, fearless, and hard-working. Brady stressed that the 5-1 win over Blackpool was just the beginning and that winning habits need to be instilled to secure survival in League One.

Expert Analysis

Phil Bowers, BBC Radio Stoke’s Port Vale commentator, described Brady as a “sensible appointment,” noting that the club needs a manager capable of navigating them out of a relegation battle.

“Vale are bottom of the league by 10 points. They need someone who is a safe pair of hands, and Jon Brady’s reputation fits that requirement. While some fans may have hoped for a higher-profile name, the circumstances call for stability and proven management experience.”

Background: Brady’s Track Record

Brady’s previous tenure at Northampton Town demonstrates both his ability to promote teams from League Two to League One and manage clubs under pressure. His experience navigating relegation threats in English football provides Port Vale with hope that they can overcome their current crisis and stabilize their League One status.