Martin Foyle
Encyclopedia
Martin John Foyle is an English
former footballer, turned football manager
. In his 20 year playing career he played 533 League games, scoring 155 goals. As a manager he took charge of Port Vale
and York City
.
He started his career with Southampton
as a trainee and after spending four years at the club, during which he was loaned out on two occasions, he joined Aldershot
. A move to Oxford United
followed and he became Port Vale
's record signing when they paid £375,000 for him in 1991. He spent nine seasons at the club, where he scored 107 goals, making him the club's record post-war goalscorer. After retiring, he managed the club's youth team and in 2004 took charge of first-team affairs, eventually leaving the club in 2007 by mutual consent. A spell as caretaker manager
at Wrexham preceded his appointment as manager of York City in 2008. Foyle took York to an FA Trophy
Final
and Conference National
play-off Final
, but resigned in September 2010.
, Wiltshire
, where he made his name in local football, before Football League
referee Tony Glasson recommended him to Lawrie McMenemy
, manager
of Southampton
. He joined Southampton as a trainee in 1980, signing as a professional in August of that year. He spent the summer of 1982 from May to October playing on loan with Swedish Division 5
side IFK Munkfors, which helped his development, scoring 30 goals in 22 appearances as Munkfors were promoted
for the first time since 1959. Shortly after his return to Southampton he made his first team debut on 15 January 1983 in a 1–1 draw at home to Coventry City
.
On 25 October 1983, he came on as a second-half substitute for Ian Baird
in a League Cup
match at home to Carlisle United
. His 86th minute goal brought the tie level on aggregate and was followed by the winner in extra-time. In the next round, Foyle came on as a sixth minute substitute for Mark Wright, who had broken his nose in a collision with his own goalkeeper, Alastair Sperring, but was unable to prevent Southampton going out 2–1 to Rotherham United
.
He spent a few weeks on loan with Blackburn Rovers
in March 1984, without making any first-team appearances, before joining Aldershot
in August 1984 for a small fee.
in 1984–85 under Chelsea
legend Ron Harris
. He was replaced by Len Walker
for the 1985–86 campaign, and another mid-table finish ensued. The club won promotion in 1986–87 after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers
3–0 in the play-off final. However Foyle missed out on the celebrations, as he was transferred to Oxford United
in March 1987 for a fee of £140,000, of which Southampton received £40,000.
during two seasons and scored 44 goals in 151 appearances for Oxford. The club avoided a relegation play-off in 1986–87 by two points, before a last place finish in 1987–88, after which manager Maurice Evans
was replaced by Mark Lawrenson
. Lawrenson resigned in October 1988, and was replaced by Brian Horton
; Oxford then posted mid-table finishes in the Second Division
in 1988–89, 1989–90, and 1990–91.
in June 1991 for a club record fee of £375,000. His first game was against former club Oxford, and he scored both goals in a 2–1 win. Although he finished as leading scorer in the 1991–92
campaign with 16 goals, the club finished bottom of the Second Division
that season and were relegated.
During the following season
Foyle was part of the team which won the Football League Trophy
and narrowly missed out on automatic promotion before losing the play-off final against West Bromwich Albion
. The 1993–94
season, with 18 goals, Foyle was again the club's leading scorer as the club finally achieved promotion in 1994. One of his 20 goals in the 1994–95 season
was the winner in Vale's 1–0 victory in the Potteries derby
at the Victoria Ground
in 1995, and later he was voted as the club's player of the year
for 1995. He played in the 1996 Anglo-Italian Cup Final
, scoring twice as Vale lost 5–2 to Genoa
. In 1998–99 the ageing striker became the club's top scorer for a fourth time, with nine goals.
During his time at Port Vale, Foyle scored 107 goals, making him the club's record post-war goalscorer. Some of his important goals include a late equaliser in a League Cup tie at Liverpool
in 1991, two at Brighton which sealed promotion in 1994, and one in a game at Huddersfield Town
in 1998 which saved the club from relegation.
left by mutual consent, and the team narrowly missed out on a play-off place on goal difference at the end of the 2003–04
season. Following the end of the season, Foyle aimed to keep players at the club, but eventually lost top scorer Stephen McPhee
and midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson
. The club also had to make massive cut backs due to having just come out of administration and when Steve Brooker
was sold to Bristol City
any chance of a play-off push was unlikely. Vale eventually finished 17th in a frustrating season where many players suffered injuries leaving the squad threadbare on more than one occasion. The next two seasons saw an increase in the playing budget as Vale got their house in order after administration and Foyle steered the side to 13th and 12th place finishes in League One
. Two cup runs to the 4th round of the FA Cup in 2005–06 and 4th round of the League Cup in 2006–07, coupled with the selling of players such as Chris Birchall
and Billy Paynter
saw the club make a profit on the financial front.
Despite the improvements, the standard of football on offer was becoming a concern to some, with losses to League Two
Hereford United
in the FA Cup
and at eventually relegated Chesterfield
singled out in particular for criticism. Foyle did enough to stave off the critics at the end of the 2006–07
season with a some improved performances which saw the side finish in the top half. With a positive pre-season, which included beating a young Manchester United
team and some exciting prospects signing things appeared to be looking up, with chairman Bill Bratt claiming that the club's ambition would be challenging for play off places. However, the team had a poor start to the 2007–08
campaign claiming just five points from their first seven games and scoring just three goals and also losing in the League Cup to League Two Wrexham. Foyle's tenure as Port Vale
manager came to an end on 26 September 2007, as he left the club by mutual consent.
in October, but he eventually joined Wrexham in January 2008 as first team coach to manager Brian Little
and signed a new two-year contract with the club in May. He and Brian Carey
took over as joint-caretaker manager
s on 27 September 2008 after Little left the club during their first season in the Conference National
, while Foyle was placed as the bookmaker
's favourites to succeed Little. They were in control for the 1–1 draw against Torquay United
, although Foyle left the club after Dean Saunders
was appointed as manager on 2 October.
on 24 November 2008, following the club's sacking of Colin Walker. Foyle's first game in charge finished in a 1–1 draw at his home town club, Salisbury City
, who were managed by his former Southampton teammate Nick Holmes
. He said he was pleased with how the players reacted to his ideas following the match, although he branded some of the team as being "weak-hearted" following a 2–1 defeat to Altrincham
in December. He managed York to the FA Trophy
Final
at Wembley Stadium
on 9 May 2009, which was lost 2–0 to Stevenage Borough.
Foyle won the Conference manager of the month award for November after York won four league games and progressed to the FA Cup third round. After York finished the 2009–10
season in fifth place, he guided the team to the 2010 Conference National play-off Final
at Wembley, where they were beaten 3–1 by Oxford. He resigned on 24 September with York 15th in the table, 10 games into the 2010–11
season. Following this, his assistant manager at York, Andy Porter
, commented Foyle had been "sending his CV off everywhere" and was interviewed for the position of manager at League Two side Hereford United, being placed on a shortlist of seven. He was placed on a four-man shortlist for the Mansfield Town
managerial vacancy in December.
on 21 January 2011, although he left the club on 7 March following the sacking of manager Dave Penney. After being interviewed twice for the managerial vacancy at Conference club Newport County
in March he failed to make a shortlist of three for the job.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former footballer, turned football manager
Manager (association football)
In association football, a manager is responsible for running a football club or a national team. The manager of a professional club is responsible directly to the club president. The position of manager is almost exclusively used in British football...
. In his 20 year playing career he played 533 League games, scoring 155 goals. As a manager he took charge of Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
and York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
.
He started his career with Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
as a trainee and after spending four years at the club, during which he was loaned out on two occasions, he joined Aldershot
Aldershot F.C.
Aldershot Football Club was an English Football League club, which was wound up in the High Court in March 1992. They became the first Football League club since Accrington Stanley to resign from the League during the course of a season. The club was nicknamed the Shots for both the last syllable...
. A move to Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
followed and he became Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
's record signing when they paid £375,000 for him in 1991. He spent nine seasons at the club, where he scored 107 goals, making him the club's record post-war goalscorer. After retiring, he managed the club's youth team and in 2004 took charge of first-team affairs, eventually leaving the club in 2007 by mutual consent. A spell as caretaker manager
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
at Wrexham preceded his appointment as manager of York City in 2008. Foyle took York to an FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
Final
2009 FA Trophy Final
The 2009 FA Trophy Final was the 39th final of The Football Association's cup competition for levels 5-8 of the English football league system. It was contested by Stevenage Borough, who won the competition in 2007, and York City on 9 May 2009 at Wembley Stadium in London.Stevenage won the match...
and Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
play-off Final
2010 Conference National play-off Final
The 2010 Conference National play-off Final, known as the 2010 Blue Square Premier play-off Final for sponsorship purposes, was a football match between Oxford United and York City on 16 May 2010 at Wembley Stadium in London. It was the eighth Conference National play-off Final and the fourth to be...
, but resigned in September 2010.
Southampton
Foyle was born in SalisburySalisbury
Salisbury is a cathedral city in Wiltshire, England and the only city in the county. It is the second largest settlement in the county...
, Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
, where he made his name in local football, before Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
referee Tony Glasson recommended him to Lawrie McMenemy
Lawrie McMenemy
Lawrie McMenemy MBE is a retired English football coach, best known for his spell as manager of Southampton Football Club...
, manager
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
of Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
. He joined Southampton as a trainee in 1980, signing as a professional in August of that year. He spent the summer of 1982 from May to October playing on loan with Swedish Division 5
Swedish football Division 5
Division 5 is the seventh level in the league system of Swedish football and comprises 53 sections with 10 to 12 football teams in each.- The competition :There are 53 groups of 10 to 12 teams each representing a local geographical area...
side IFK Munkfors, which helped his development, scoring 30 goals in 22 appearances as Munkfors were promoted
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
for the first time since 1959. Shortly after his return to Southampton he made his first team debut on 15 January 1983 in a 1–1 draw at home to Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
.
On 25 October 1983, he came on as a second-half substitute for Ian Baird
Ian Baird
Ian Baird is an ex-professional footballer whose most notable spell was as a player for Leeds United. He had two spells at the club with his first spell having a season as captain and his second spell including a player of the year award and just after he left, he got a second division...
in a League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
match at home to Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
. His 86th minute goal brought the tie level on aggregate and was followed by the winner in extra-time. In the next round, Foyle came on as a sixth minute substitute for Mark Wright, who had broken his nose in a collision with his own goalkeeper, Alastair Sperring, but was unable to prevent Southampton going out 2–1 to Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
.
He spent a few weeks on loan with Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
in March 1984, without making any first-team appearances, before joining Aldershot
Aldershot F.C.
Aldershot Football Club was an English Football League club, which was wound up in the High Court in March 1992. They became the first Football League club since Accrington Stanley to resign from the League during the course of a season. The club was nicknamed the Shots for both the last syllable...
in August 1984 for a small fee.
Aldershot
He made 98 appearances and scored 35 goals in the league for Aldershot, as the "Shots" posted mid-table finishes in the Fourth DivisionFootball League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
in 1984–85 under Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
legend Ron Harris
Ron Harris (footballer)
Ronald Edward Harris , better known as Ron "Chopper" Harris, is a former English footballer who played for Chelsea in the 1960s and 1970s. Harris is widely regarded as one of the toughest defenders of his era - along with players such as Tommy Smith MBE and Norman Hunter - hence the nickname...
. He was replaced by Len Walker
Len Walker
Leonard 'Len' Walker was an English footballer and manager. He is most notable for being manager of Aldershot Football Club from July 1981 until November 1984, and then June 1985 until 11 April 1991.-Playing career:...
for the 1985–86 campaign, and another mid-table finish ensued. The club won promotion in 1986–87 after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
3–0 in the play-off final. However Foyle missed out on the celebrations, as he was transferred to Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
in March 1987 for a fee of £140,000, of which Southampton received £40,000.
Oxford United
He featured for Oxford in the First DivisionFootball League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
during two seasons and scored 44 goals in 151 appearances for Oxford. The club avoided a relegation play-off in 1986–87 by two points, before a last place finish in 1987–88, after which manager Maurice Evans
Maurice Evans (footballer)
Maurice George Evans was a football player with Reading Football Club, and later manager of Shrewsbury, Reading and Oxford United....
was replaced by Mark Lawrenson
Mark Lawrenson
Mark Thomas Lawrenson is a former professional football player, a defender in the Liverpool and Irish football teams of the 1980s; he since became a radio, television and internet pundit for the BBC and Today FM. He was born in England, but played for the Republic of Ireland because his...
. Lawrenson resigned in October 1988, and was replaced by Brian Horton
Brian Horton
Brian Horton is an English former footballer and manager, who is working as Phil Brown's assistant at Preston North End.Horton played for Hednesford Town, Port Vale, Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton Town and Hull City as a midfielder...
; Oxford then posted mid-table finishes in the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
in 1988–89, 1989–90, and 1990–91.
Port Vale
He signed for Port ValePort Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in June 1991 for a club record fee of £375,000. His first game was against former club Oxford, and he scored both goals in a 2–1 win. Although he finished as leading scorer in the 1991–92
1991–92 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1991–92 season was Port Vale's eightieth season of football in the Football League, and third successive season in the Second Division. For only the third time in their history they competed in a division above rivals Stoke City...
campaign with 16 goals, the club finished bottom of the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
that season and were relegated.
During the following season
1992–93 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1992–93 season was Port Vale's eighty-first season of football in the Football League, and fourth successive season in the Second Division. John Rudge found new stars by bringing both Ian Taylor and Paul Musselwhite to the club at a combined fee of just £40,000. His team won the pre-season TNT...
Foyle was part of the team which won the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
and narrowly missed out on automatic promotion before losing the play-off final against West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
. The 1993–94
1993–94 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1993–94 season was Port Vale's eighty-second season of football in the Football League, and fifth successive season in the Second Division. They won promotion to the First Division as the division's runners-up, just one point away from champions Reading...
season, with 18 goals, Foyle was again the club's leading scorer as the club finally achieved promotion in 1994. One of his 20 goals in the 1994–95 season
1994–95 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1994–95 season was Port Vale's eighty-third season of football in the Football League, and first ever season in the First Division following their promotion from the Second Division. John Rudge led his team to safety in the league, whilst reaching the Second Round of the FA Cup and League Cup...
was the winner in Vale's 1–0 victory in the Potteries derby
Potteries derby
The Potteries derby is the football local derby in Stoke-on-Trent between Port Vale and Stoke City. The fans of each club both consider the other to be their main rivals; this has led to a heated atmosphere at these matches, especially with the rise of football hooliganism and the 'Naughty Forty'...
at the Victoria Ground
Victoria Ground
Victoria Ground may refer to:*Victoria Ground, the former name of Hartlepool United’s ground Victoria Park.*Victoria Ground, Stoke City’s ground from 1878 to 1997.*Victoria Ground, current home of Bromsgrove Rovers...
in 1995, and later he was voted as the club's player of the year
Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year
The Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
for 1995. He played in the 1996 Anglo-Italian Cup Final
1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup
The 1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup was the last ever Anglo-Italian Cup competition. The European football competition was played between eight clubs from England and eight clubs from Italy. Italian side Genoa lifted the trophy after beating English side Port Vale 5-2.-Format:For the competition there...
, scoring twice as Vale lost 5–2 to Genoa
Genoa C.F.C.
Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria...
. In 1998–99 the ageing striker became the club's top scorer for a fourth time, with nine goals.
During his time at Port Vale, Foyle scored 107 goals, making him the club's record post-war goalscorer. Some of his important goals include a late equaliser in a League Cup tie at Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
in 1991, two at Brighton which sealed promotion in 1994, and one in a game at Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
in 1998 which saved the club from relegation.
Port Vale
Persistent injuries forced him to retire from professional football in 2000, but he stayed at the club as manager of the youth team. Foyle took over first team responsibilities at the club on 13 February 2004 after Brian HortonBrian Horton
Brian Horton is an English former footballer and manager, who is working as Phil Brown's assistant at Preston North End.Horton played for Hednesford Town, Port Vale, Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton Town and Hull City as a midfielder...
left by mutual consent, and the team narrowly missed out on a play-off place on goal difference at the end of the 2003–04
2003–04 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2003–04 season was Port Vale's ninety-second season of football in the Football League, and fourth successive season in the Second Division. Brian Horton resigned in February, and was replaced by Martin Foyle. Vale fought for promotion, but finished outside the play-off zone on goal difference...
season. Following the end of the season, Foyle aimed to keep players at the club, but eventually lost top scorer Stephen McPhee
Stephen McPhee
Stephen McPhee is a Scottish former footballer. In a ten year career he has played for clubs in Scotland, England and Portugal. And has been capped for his country at under-21 level. A forward, he scored 55 goals in 249 games in all competitions.Starting his career at Coventry City, following a...
and midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson is an English footballer who plays for Conference National club Darlington. He is a left-sided midfielder and also a winger, and is known for his goal-scoring ability....
. The club also had to make massive cut backs due to having just come out of administration and when Steve Brooker
Steve Brooker
Stephen Michael "Steve" Brooker is an English football striker. In a twelve years professional career he has scored 86 goals in 294 games....
was sold to Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
any chance of a play-off push was unlikely. Vale eventually finished 17th in a frustrating season where many players suffered injuries leaving the squad threadbare on more than one occasion. The next two seasons saw an increase in the playing budget as Vale got their house in order after administration and Foyle steered the side to 13th and 12th place finishes in League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
. Two cup runs to the 4th round of the FA Cup in 2005–06 and 4th round of the League Cup in 2006–07, coupled with the selling of players such as Chris Birchall
Chris Birchall
Christopher "Chris" Birchall CM is an English-born Trinidadian footballer who currently plays in midfield for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy....
and Billy Paynter
Billy Paynter
William Paul "Billy" Paynter is a professional footballer who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion on loan from Leeds United in the Football League Championship as a striker....
saw the club make a profit on the financial front.
Despite the improvements, the standard of football on offer was becoming a concern to some, with losses to League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Hereford United
Hereford United F.C.
Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
and at eventually relegated Chesterfield
Chesterfield F.C.
Chesterfield Football Club is an English football club based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The club currently plays in Football League One, the third tier of English football. Despite being the fourth oldest Football League club in England, they have spent most of their existence in the lower...
singled out in particular for criticism. Foyle did enough to stave off the critics at the end of the 2006–07
2006–07 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2006–07 season was Port Vale's ninety-fifth season of football in the Football League, and third successive season in League One. Martin Foyle's side again finished in mid-table, whilst exiting the FA Cup and the League Trophy at the Second Round...
season with a some improved performances which saw the side finish in the top half. With a positive pre-season, which included beating a young Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
team and some exciting prospects signing things appeared to be looking up, with chairman Bill Bratt claiming that the club's ambition would be challenging for play off places. However, the team had a poor start to the 2007–08
2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2007–08 season was Port Vale's ninety-sixth season of football in the Football League, and fourth successive season in League One. Vale finished second-from-bottom, and were relegated, some twelve points from safety. Manager Martin Foyle left the club in September, and Lee Sinnott failed to...
campaign claiming just five points from their first seven games and scoring just three goals and also losing in the League Cup to League Two Wrexham. Foyle's tenure as Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
manager came to an end on 26 September 2007, as he left the club by mutual consent.
Wrexham
He revealed his interest in taking the vacant managerial position at Lincoln CityLincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
in October, but he eventually joined Wrexham in January 2008 as first team coach to manager Brian Little
Brian Little (footballer)
Brian Little is an English former football player and manager who is currently without a job after being relieved of his duties as manager of Gainsborough Trinity on 22 August 2011. Little has previously managed Darlington, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City,...
and signed a new two-year contract with the club in May. He and Brian Carey
Brian Carey
Brian David Carey is an Irish football manager and former player. He is currently on the coaching staff of Wrexham, having been manager there between January and November 2007.-Playing career:...
took over as joint-caretaker manager
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
s on 27 September 2008 after Little left the club during their first season in the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, while Foyle was placed as the bookmaker
Bookmaker
A bookmaker, or bookie, is an organization or a person that takes bets on sporting and other events at agreed upon odds.- Range of events :...
's favourites to succeed Little. They were in control for the 1–1 draw against Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
, although Foyle left the club after Dean Saunders
Dean Saunders
Dean Nicholas Saunders is a former Wales international footballer who played as a striker in a professional career which lasted from 1982 until 2001. He is the manager of Doncaster Rovers....
was appointed as manager on 2 October.
York City
He was appointed as manager of Conference National side York CityYork City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
on 24 November 2008, following the club's sacking of Colin Walker. Foyle's first game in charge finished in a 1–1 draw at his home town club, Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
, who were managed by his former Southampton teammate Nick Holmes
Nick Holmes (footballer)
Nicholas Charles Holmes is a retired footballer, who won the FA Cup Final with Southampton in 1976 and, from July 2002 to July 2010, was general manager of Salisbury City.-Southampton:...
. He said he was pleased with how the players reacted to his ideas following the match, although he branded some of the team as being "weak-hearted" following a 2–1 defeat to Altrincham
Altrincham F.C.
Altrincham Football Club is an English association football club from Altrincham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Conference North, having been relegated from the Conference National at the end of the 2010–11 season.-History:...
in December. He managed York to the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
Final
2009 FA Trophy Final
The 2009 FA Trophy Final was the 39th final of The Football Association's cup competition for levels 5-8 of the English football league system. It was contested by Stevenage Borough, who won the competition in 2007, and York City on 9 May 2009 at Wembley Stadium in London.Stevenage won the match...
at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
on 9 May 2009, which was lost 2–0 to Stevenage Borough.
Foyle won the Conference manager of the month award for November after York won four league games and progressed to the FA Cup third round. After York finished the 2009–10
2009–10 in English football
The 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League...
season in fifth place, he guided the team to the 2010 Conference National play-off Final
2010 Conference National play-off Final
The 2010 Conference National play-off Final, known as the 2010 Blue Square Premier play-off Final for sponsorship purposes, was a football match between Oxford United and York City on 16 May 2010 at Wembley Stadium in London. It was the eighth Conference National play-off Final and the fourth to be...
at Wembley, where they were beaten 3–1 by Oxford. He resigned on 24 September with York 15th in the table, 10 games into the 2010–11
2010–11 in English football
The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May...
season. Following this, his assistant manager at York, Andy Porter
Andy Porter (footballer)
Andrew Michael "Andy" Porter is an English former footballer, turned coach and manager, who is now a youth team coach at Stockport County...
, commented Foyle had been "sending his CV off everywhere" and was interviewed for the position of manager at League Two side Hereford United, being placed on a shortlist of seven. He was placed on a four-man shortlist for the Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
managerial vacancy in December.
Bristol Rovers
Foyle was appointed first team coach at League One club Bristol RoversBristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
on 21 January 2011, although he left the club on 7 March following the sacking of manager Dave Penney. After being interviewed twice for the managerial vacancy at Conference club Newport County
Newport County A.F.C.
Newport County Association Football Club are a professional football club based in the city of Newport, south Wales, who currently play in the Conference National, the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
in March he failed to make a shortlist of three for the job.
Managerial statistics
| Team | Nation | From | Port Vale Port Vale F.C. Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as... | 13 February 2004 | 26 September 2007 | 184 | 68 | 34 | 82 | 37.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrexham (caretaker) | 27 September 2008 | 2 October 2008 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | ||||
| York City York City F.C. York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions... |
24 November 2008 | 24 September 2010 | 102 | 44 | 30 | 28 | 43.1 | ||||
| Total | 287 | 112 | 65 | 110 | 39.0 | ||||||
As a player
Port ValePort Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
- Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
winner: 19931993 Football League Trophy FinalThe 1993 Football League Trophy Final was the 10th final of the domestic football cup competition for teams from Football League Second and Third Division, the Football League Trophy. The final was played at the Wembley Stadium in London on 22 May 1993. The match was contested by Port Vale and... - Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
runner-up: 1993–941993–94 Port Vale F.C. seasonThe 1993–94 season was Port Vale's eighty-second season of football in the Football League, and fifth successive season in the Second Division. They won promotion to the First Division as the division's runners-up, just one point away from champions Reading...
(promotion to First DivisionFootball League First DivisionThe First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
) - Anglo-Italian CupAnglo-Italian CupThe Anglo-Italian Cup is a defunct European football competition that was played intermittently between 1970 and 1996 between clubs from England and Italy. Founded by Gigi Peronace in 1970, following the success of the Anglo-Italian League Cup, it was played as a professional tournament until 1973...
runner-up: 19961995–96 Anglo-Italian CupThe 1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup was the last ever Anglo-Italian Cup competition. The European football competition was played between eight clubs from England and eight clubs from Italy. Italian side Genoa lifted the trophy after beating English side Port Vale 5-2.-Format:For the competition there... - Port Vale F.C. Player of the YearPort Vale F.C. Player of the YearThe Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
: 1995 & 1999
As a manager
York CityYork City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
- FA TrophyFA TrophyThe Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
runner-up: 2009 - Conference NationalConference NationalConference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
play-off Final runner-up: 2010