VALE CLOSE IN ON NEW COACH AFTER WHITEHEAD’S EXIT

PORT Vale are close to appointing a new first-team coach after confirming Dean Whitehead is joining Turkish top-flight side Besiktas.

The 40-year old links up with Besiktas assistant boss Adam Murray, who had a spell coaching at Vale Park last season. Whitehead leaves with a promotion on his CV having arrived at the club last summer and then been part of the management team – including manager Darrell Clarke and assistant Andy Crosby – that guided the club back into League One via the play-offs.

He also leaves with Vale’s thanks and best wishes having told them some time ago about the move so they have had time to plan to bring in a replacement.

Director of football David Flitcroft said: “First and foremost, we would like to thank Dean for his commitment to Port Vale during the past 12 months – he has played an important role alongside Darrell, Andy and the coaching staff to drive the high standards that ultimately led to a successful season.

“When we recruited Dean last year, we knew he was a good fit with our values and ambitions. “Success naturally breeds growth and our environment and culture of developing people – both on and off the pitch – means our people will have the opportunity to improve and grow with Port Vale or, as in this instance, by their success being noticed by clubs at the highest level.

“When an opportunity as unique and exciting as this arose for Dean, we hoped we could convince him to stay, though we will never stand in the way of somebody’s development if the opportunity to progress is as significant as this one.

“He has regularly stated in our communications that this has been a difficult decision given the success we have enjoyed together. “Dean played at the highest