Port Vale manager Darren Moore remains optimistic that his team can avoid relegation from League One this season, despite recent setbacks.
Their 1-0 loss against Peterborough United has widened the gap to safety to eight points, with more than half the season still to play.
In an interview with BBC Radio Stoke, Moore expressed frustration, stating, “Everyone’s feeling it—players, staff, and fans alike. But we are seeing a team that hasn’t given up. We’re creating chances and battling hard for each other.”
Although the Valiants have only suffered one defeat in their last four matches across all competitions, their record stands at just three league victories from 20 games. Moore acknowledges that he holds responsibility for the team’s current tally of only 15 points and 13 goals.
“I take full responsibility; that’s part of my job. It’s my duty, along with the coaching staff, to rally the players to keep pushing forward,” he remarked.
Moore, who guided the club back to the third tier last season, emphasized the ongoing commitment of his players. “They’re fighting hard, and we must maintain our belief that we can find that crucial win to turn our season around. We feel we are close, but at the moment, crucial moments in games aren’t going our way. We can’t wallow in self-pity; the path to change lies in the next match.”
Looking ahead, Port Vale faces a challenging schedule with away games against seventh-placed Huddersfield Town and third-placed Bradford City, followed by a pivotal home match on New Year’s Day against Blackpool, who sit eight points ahead.
“We will keep working hard and remain resilient. The players are putting in the effort, but we need to step up and improve. Too often, we’re conceding goals due to lapses in concentration. Right now, we need to perform nearly flawlessly to secure those three points,” he added.
“Change won’t happen overnight. We need to embrace the challenges, experience the struggles, and find a way to succeed, no matter how difficult it may seem. There’s no one to guide us through this; we must confront it ourselves.”