Port Vale Football Club is delighted to officially unveil Frank Sinclair as Head of Coaching Development.
Sinclair is a vastly-experienced ex-pro and coach who will take on the responsibility of bridging the gap between the younger players and first team.
As fans may already be aware, Sinclair has been working with John Askey’s coaching staff since March 2020, having been invited into the set-up by Dave Kevan. Boasting terrific playing and coaching credentials, Sinclair impressed hugely at interview and has joined the club on a permanent contract.
“I’m delighted to be here. My first impressions are that I love the set up. It’s obviously a very family-orientated club, a community club, and I like that because there’s a synergy between all the departments,” said Sinclair.
“Obviously, I see a key part of my role as bridging the gap between the younger players and the first team. I want to bring them on and help them to feel closer to the first team players so that they understand that if they work hard and show the right attitude the gaffer (John Askey) can take a look at them. I want to give them the confidence to feel that someday they can break through.”
Sinclair’s own footballing journey began at boyhood club Chelsea, whom he joined at the age of 11. He impressed during his time through all youth levels and in April 1991 he was called into the first team by manager Bobby Campbell, who started him at left-back in his debut in a 3-3 comeback against Luton Town.
It was the 1992/93 season where Sinclair really made his mark on the team, as he became a centre-half following a career ending injury to Paul Elliott. Despite being just 5”9’, the London lad was rarely beaten in the air by opponents, and was known for his lightning pace, with him becoming a true fan favourite by the end of the season, winning the Chelsea Player of the Year award.
Sinclair went on to make 188 appearances for the Blues, winning the 1996/97 FA Cup, 1997/98 Coca-Cola Cup and 1997/98 UEFA Cup Winners Cup. He also represented the Jamaican national team at the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 1998 World Cup.
Later in his club career, Sinclair also featured for Leicester, winning the 1999/2000 League Cup before spells at Burnley, Huddersfield, Lincoln, Wrexham, Hendon, Colwyn Bay and finally Brackley Town. Following his transition to coaching, Sinclair has also gained experience managing the latter two sides (Colwyn Bay & Brackley Town) as well as Hednesford Town.
“I’d describe my coaching style as ‘adaptable’. When you are dealing with so many different personalities it is important to be able to work with an individual while coaching players as a group to help them improve technically,” said Sinclair.
“In terms of what success looks like I would say to be able to look at players and to see that they have improved in terms of their technical ability and their fitness and to see young players coming through and pushing for a place in the first team squad.”
Manager John Askey praised both Sinclair’s playing career and coaching abilities when reacting to the appointment.
“This is a terrific appointment for the academy and youth teams. Frank’s got vast experience and played at the highest level. The time that he came in towards the end of the season he did really well and fit in with the rest of the staff. It’s a really good appointment and can only help the football club,” stated Askey.
Club Chair Carol Shanahan said: “We are delighted that Frank is joining us. This is a huge boost for coaching at the club and is an investment in the future in terms of nurturing young talent and instilling the values of Port Vale as a community club in all we do – from coaching young players through to the first team.”