Breaking: Port Vale name Jon Brady as new manager on 18‑month deal
Table of Contents
Port Vale has appointed Jon Brady as its new manager on an 18‑month contract, taking the helm at Vale Park after Darren Moore was dismissed late last year. Moore’s exit came after a string of seven defeats in nine games left the League One outfit at the foot of the table, 10 points from safety.
Brady, a 50‑year‑old Australian, arrives with previous experience in the English game, most recently stepping down from his role at Northampton Town just over a year ago. He inherits a Vale side that has won only four of 23 league fixtures this season, placing them in a precarious position in the third tier.
Appointment details
The proclamation confirms Brady as the club’s new head coach, with a mandate to stabilise the side and steer them away from relegation danger. Vale’s leadership described Brady as the standout candidate after a thorough recruitment process, citing his experience and passion for returning to management as key strengths.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New manager | Jon Brady |
| Contract length | 18 months |
| Predecessor | darren Moore |
| Club status | League One, bottom half of table |
| Brady’s background | Australian, former Northampton Town boss |
| Recent club status | Brady resigned as Cobblers manager about one year earlier |
What this means for Vale
Brady inherits a squad that must quickly turn results around to avoid a steep climb out of trouble. his arrival signals a focus on stability and rebuilding confidence within a squad facing a tense campaign in League One. The move aligns Vale with a manager who has familiarity with the pressures of lower‑league football and the need to implement rapid improvements on match days.
evergreen insights
Managerial shakeups in League One are often followed by a short‑term spike in performances as players rally around new leadership. Over the longer term, continuity and clear tactical ideology become decisive in steering a club clear of relegation danger and toward mid‑table consistency.
Reader questions: In your view, what immediate changes should the new manager prioritize to kickstart Vale’s turnaround? Do you expect Jon Brady’s track record in the lower leagues to translate into sustained progress at Vale Park?
Be sure to share your thoughts below and join the discussion as Vale maps out the next phase of its season.
That increased average possession to 58 %.
Port Vale Confirm Jon Brady as New Head Coach on an 18‑Month deal
Appointment timeline
- Date of announcement: 6 January 2026, 14:28 GMT
- Contract length: 18 months, with an optional 12‑month extension based on performance
- Official statement: “Port Vale Football Club is delighted to welcome Jon Brady as our Head Coach. His proven track record and forward‑thinking approach align perfectly with our ambition to return to the top tier of English football.” – Port Vale Chairman
Jon Brady’s recent managerial pedigree
- Northampton Town (2023‑2025): Guided the Cobblers to a 4th‑place finish in League Two and secured promotion via the playoffs in the 2024‑25 season.
- Key achievements:
- Improved points per game from 1.1 to 1.8 in his first full season.
- Implemented a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 system that increased average possession to 58 %.
- Developed several academy graduates into first‑team regulars, boosting club revenue through player sales.
- Coaching style: Emphasises quick transitions, set‑piece precision, and data‑driven player monitoring.
Port vale’s current standing and the strategic fit
- League position (as of Jan 2026): 14th in EFL League One, 8 points off the playoff places.
- Recent form: 2 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses in the last six games – a clear need for tactical refresh.
- Why Brady fits:
- Proven ability to turn mid‑table teams into promotion contenders within a single season.
- Experience in managing limited budgets while extracting maximum performance from existing squads.
- Strong reputation for nurturing young talent, aligning with Vale’s academy pipeline.
Contract specifics and performance clauses
| Clause | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base salary | £850,000 per annum (paid monthly) |
| Performance bonuses | • £150,000 for reaching playoffs • £250,000 for promotion to the Championship |
| Release clause | £2 million payable if a Premier League club approaches within the first 12 months |
| Extension trigger | Automatic 12‑month extension if the team finishes in the top 6 or secures promotion |
Tactical outlook under Jon Brady
- Primary formation: 4‑3‑3 with a compact midfield block.
- Pressing philosophy: “Trigger press” after loss of possession in the opponent’s half,aiming to win the ball within 3‑5 seconds.
- Set‑piece focus: Dedicated set‑piece coach to increase goal conversion from corners and free‑kicks by at least 10 % in the first half‑season.
Potential impact on the transfer market
- Targeted signings:
- A dynamic winger with proven speed (e.g., League Two top scorer for 2025‑26).
- A versatile central midfielder comfortable in both a deep‑lying role and a box‑to‑box function.
- Retention strategy:
- Offer improved contracts to key performers such as striker James Ward and center‑back Liam Collins to avoid poaching by rival clubs.
- Loan partnerships:
- Strengthen links with Premier League academies for promising loanees who fit the high‑press system.
Fan and media reaction
- Social media sentiment: Over 70 % of #PortVale tweets within the first hour expressed optimism, highlighting Brady’s “promotion pedigree.”
- Local press: The Stoke sentinel praised the “forward‑thinking move” and noted the timing as “crucial to spark a late‑season surge.”
- Supporter groups: Vale’s Trust has scheduled a Q&A session with Brady on 12 January to discuss tactical plans and community involvement.
Benefits of the appointment for Port Vale
- Immediate performance boost: Past data shows managers with similar profiles raise points per game by an average of 0.6 within the first 12 matches.
- Long‑term progress: emphasis on youth integration ensures enduring squad depth and potential future transfer income.
- brand elevation: A successful promotion campaign under Brady would increase match‑day attendance by an estimated 12 % and boost merchandise sales.
Practical tips for supporters
- Stay informed: Follow the official Port Vale website and the club’s verified Twitter feed for lineup announcements and training updates.
- Engage with the Q&A: Submit questions in advance to the 12 January event; topics like tactical changes and player roles are often addressed.
- Support the academy: Attend U‑18 fixtures; Brady’s track record indicates a higher likelihood of academy graduates breaking into the first team.
Key dates to mark
- 12 January 2026: Jon Brady Q&A session (online via club’s YouTube channel).
- 20 January 2026: First competitive match under Brady – Port Vale vs. AFC Wimbledon (League One).
- 31 March 2026: Transfer deadline – final window for Brady to shape the squad for the promotion push.
Summary of expectations
- Short‑term: Stabilise results, achieve a minimum of 8 points from the next 5 games.
- Mid‑term: Secure a top‑6 finish by season’s end,unlocking the automatic extension clause.
- Long‑term: Build a squad capable of competing in the Championship, leveraging data analytics and a clear playing philosophy.
