Written by
Simon Austin
February 1, 2026
Will Ryder has left his role as Port Vale Academy Director after four-and-a-half years to take on a new opportunity.
Ryder joined Vale in October 2021 from Crewe, where he had been Head of Coaching for 19 months. During his time as Academy Manager, a number players progressed from Academy to first team at Vale, including Jack Shorrock, Rhys Walters and James Plant.
Graduate Baylee Dipepa, now at Southampton, also went on to play for England Under-17s, scoring two goals. In February 2024, Ryder had two games in interim charge of the first team, alongside Matt Done and Danny Lloyd, following the sacking of Andy Crosby.
Writing on LinkedIn, Ryder said: “I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved during my time at PVFC and confident the Academy is in a strong position to keep moving forward. Thank you to everyone for your efforts, dedication and for the support and belief shown in me.
“It has truly been a pleasure to lead this Academy. I wish all involved every success for the future.”
Category Three Vale placed 84th (out of 86 clubs) in TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings for 2024/25, down from 65th the previous season.
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