Gannon led Stockport to promotion to League One in 2008

Jim Gannon has taken over as Port Vale manager after signing a one-and-a-half year contract at the League Two club.

The 42-year-old, who left his last role as Peterborough manager in April, will lead the Valiants in their FA Cup third round tie at Burnley on Saturday.

Gannon succeeds Micky Adams, who left to take over as Sheffield United boss.

"I have enjoyed my time out of the game but I know I am ready to return and this is a challenge that excites me," Gannon told BBC Radio Stoke.

Vale chairman Bill Bratt added: "Jim is one of the most qualified coaches at this level. His record and credentials speak for themselves.

"We were impressed by his enthusiasm and knowledge of the lower leagues."

Gannon, who has been out of the game for 10 months, will work with the current backroom staff of assistant manager Geoff Horsfield and coach Mark Grew.

"It's unusual to be coming into a club in a good position in the league," Gannon continued. "It's my main target to finish at least in the top seven because anything else would be a failure.

"I am raring to go, the players have been positive and now I hope we can work together to bring success to the club."

Gannon, who also spent six months in charge of Motherwell in 2009, began his managerial career at Stockport in 2005 with the club rooted to the bottom of the Football League.

However, he guided them to the League Two play-off final in May 2008, when County beat Rochdale 3-2 at Wembley to win promotion.

His new club are currently fourth in League Two after a 2-1 win against Burton on Monday stopped a run of three successive defeats.

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