Port Vale Football Club can confirm that First Team Coach Danny Pugh has today left the club.

Danny moved to Vale from Blackpool in a playing capacity in January 2017, initially on contract until the end of the season before signing a new one-year deal in the summer of that year, having previously had spells at clubs such as Manchester United and Leeds United prior to his move to Vale Park.

The midfielder played enough games in the 2017/18 season to trigger another one-year contract extension into the following season.

This season proved to be a change for Danny, who began to take on more of a coaching role in the September of 2018, before being appointed interim manager for the first time in January 2019 following the departure of Neil Aspin and prior to the arrival of John Askey.

Following conclusion of the 2018/19 season, Danny took on a full-time coaching role at the club.

He made 56 appearances during his two and a half years playing time with the Valiants, scoring three goals for the club in that time.

Danny became an important member of the backroom staff under the management of John Askey, respected by both players and staff.

The former Manchester United man became interim manager of the club for a second time after John Askey’s departure in January 2021, with Danny this time overseeing seven fixtures, including crucial 3-0 and 5-1 wins over Grimsby Town and Southend United respectively.

Danny remained as First Team Coach at the club, following the appointment of Darrell Clarke, for the remainder of the season. Chief Executive Colin Garlick commented:

“Danny is of great character, a top lad and absolute gentleman. He has been a pleasure to work with. He came here as a player towards the end of his playing career and was the model professional. Since moving into his coaching role, he has been a real good link between the management team and the playing staff – everyone in the game respects Danny Pugh, I have never heard a bad word said about him because there isn’t one.

“With regard to his period in management, I think back to January when he took on that role in very difficult circumstances. I shared COVID with him in January and know how difficult that period was, even when he was suffering with the virus he was doing everything possible to prepare training sessions, plan for games and of course we were working together during the transfer window to recruit players.

“Danny is a top guy and I wish him and his family all the very best, he fully deserves it and he will always be welcome back at Vale Park.”

Everyone at Port Vale Football Club would like to thank Danny for his fantastic service and wish him all the very best for the future.