from these problems to help Vale to the final of the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1996. He then played a major role in the Vale side that achieved the club's highest finish since 1931, when they finished eighth in the second tier in 1996–97. Glover left Port Vale at the end of the 1997–98 season as Vale avoided relegation with a final day 4–0 win at Huddersfield. He had spent nine years at the club, becoming a crowd favourite in the process for his committed displays at centre half and right back. His many years with the "Valiants" entitled him to a testimonial game, in which singer Robbie Williams also played. He has the fifth most league appearances of any Vale player. Kidderminster Harriers The final year of his career was seen out at Conference National side Kidderminster Harriers. Glover was a regular fixture in defence for a "Kiddy" side that finished fifteenth in 1998–99. He took the decision to retire at the end of the campaign. Style of play Glover played as an aggressive tough-tackling midfielder for Middlesbrough, before being converted to a ball-playing centre-back at Port Vale. He was an intelligent player who had a good ability to read the game; he was also a good passer, though lacked pace and athleticism. Management career Coach at Port Vale Glover returned to Port Vale as a coach in Brian Horton's management team; however he left the club in April 2002. A short spell as Director of football at non-league side Stone Dominoes followed, before he came back to Vale Park in February 2004, when he was appointed assistant to new manager Martin Foyle. Glover took over as caretaker manager when Foyle left the club in September 2007. Glover was in contention for the permanent managers position, but his record of guiding Vale to only two wins from eight games contributed to his failure to get the job. After defeat to Morecambe at Christie Park in the Football League Trophy, Glover likened his side to a "pub team" and admitted that "this team is going nowhere". When Farsley Celtic manager Lee Sinnott was appointed as Port Vale manager, Glover returned to the assistant role. Vale went on to lose their League One status in 2007–08; they were thirteen points short of safety, only finishing ahead of Luton Town due to the latter being deducted ten points for entering administration. Manager at