Brightwell has been a coach at Port Vale since October

Port Vale coach Ian Brightwell will leave the club on Saturday to be replaced by former Cheltenham boss Keith Downing, BBC Radio Stoke reports.

Downing will become manager Dean Glover's number two at Vale Park after sorting out his contractual problems at his former club.

Brightwell told BBC Radio Stoke: "I was always aware of what could happen."

The 40-year-old arrived at Vale Park on a short-term agreement when Dean Glover was appointed as manager in October.

The former Stoke City defender also spent two seasons as a player, between 2002 and 2004, with the Vale making 37 appearances.

Downing is due to take up his role next Monday and will be alongside Glover for their League Two fixture away to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night.

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