Keith Downing left his managerial role at Cheltenham in September

Keith Downing has said that he expects to leave Port Vale following the club's final game of the season.

Outgoing manager Dean Glover signed off his reign at Vale Park with a 2-1 win at Barnet on Saturday.

"My remit was to come and help Dean, my last day was today, and as far as I'm concerned that's it," the former Cheltenham boss told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It's a good club to manage and it's up to the board to take stock and see where they want to lead the club."

Downing has been the temporary assistant manager at Port Vale since March, and is being tipped as one of the possible candidates to take over the top job on a full-time basis.

Paul Ince and John Ward are among the other names that have been linked with the role, and Downing believes it is an attractive proposition for any manager.

"The club has got potential," said Downing. "It can grow and get better, but it won't be a quick fix.

"People need to have that patience. I understand the fans' frustrations with the situation, but there's circumstances behind that."

In the meantime, Glover has been offered a role with the Valiants' youth team, and Downing thinks he still has a role to play at the club.

"I know that Dean's been a diligent worker, with total care for the club and his players," Downing added.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't help him keep the job, because when I came here, it was my intention to do that."

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