Port Vale Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. It was founded in the late 1870s. When league football began, the first team – then playing under the name Burslem Port Vale – competed in the Midland League before being elected to the newly-formed Second Division of the Football League in 1892. However, it wasn't until 1896 that it was first recorded that newly appointed club secretary Sam Gleaves would take on what are now considered managerial responsibilities.
There have been 31 full-time managers: the most recent appointment is that of Darren Moore managers in February 2024. Tommy Clare was appointed in 1905 as Port Vale's first manager-secretary, though his role also included secretarial duties. The reported history and responsibilities of the club's management position remained sketchy and vague until Joe Schofield was appointed secretary in March 1920. He picked the first team until his death on 29 September 1929. His successor, a long-time backroom staff member Tom Morgan, was the first appointment to be referred to solely as the club's manager. From then on, the club employed a full-time manager, except for the 1935–36 season, when the club attempted to do without one and were relegated as a result. Morgan led the club to their best-ever league finish, fifth in the Second Division in 1930–31. John Rudge has had the longest tenure, of fifteen years and one month (749 matches) from 1983 to 1999. This was Rudge's only role in management, and he now serves as club president. He led the club to promotions in 1985–86, 1988–89 and 1993–94, as well as the Football League Trophy title in 1993. Freddie Steele was one of four men to have had two spells as manager, and in his first tenure, led the club to the Third Division North title and FA Cup semi-finals in 1953–54.
The following list details the statistical record of the managers and any honours or promotions they achieved. This chronological list comprises all those who have held the manager position of the first Port Vale team. Each manager's entry includes his dates of tenure and the club's overall competitive record (in terms of matches won, drawn and lost), honours won and significant achievements while under his care. Caretaker or interim managers and those who have been in permanent charge are included, where known.