Martin Foyle is a man with a plan and he is determined to take Port Vale all the way. The holder of the Valiants' post-war goalscoring record, Foyle was already a fans favourite when he took over from Brian Horton in 2004, but after achieving the highest coaching qualification available Foyle is looking to make an even bigger impact at Vale Park.

"We want to do better, the foundations of the club are much more solid now having gone through administration," Foyle told TheFA.com.

"We had a five year plan and we are well ahead of where we want to be, so credit has to go to everyone at the club.

"It's looking positive but we understand that you have to learn to walk before you can run. We finished 12th last season, and hopefully we can settle down this year and hold on to our betters players."

This month Foyle earned the UEFA Pro Licence and he was impressed by the engaging content.

Foyle said: "I've found it very rewarding, especially for me as I made my start in management just three years ago. It makes you aware of staff delegation and how you organise what needs to be done.

"I also encourage the people around me to get their full qualifications, because if your staff aren't on the same wavelength you're going to find it very hard.

"The topics have been very, very good and I really enjoyed coming back at Christmas when we had a three day stint and Steve McClaren, Sam Allardyce and Frank Arnesen all came to talk to us. To hear the top people speak is fantastic.

"The contrast between the top clubs and the area I work in is massive, the problems that we deal with aren't quite the same as those at the very top.

"But by the same token the coaches in the lower leagues were able to offer a lot to those at the top with the experiences they had been through.

"The best thing is the stories and the situations you find yourself in, and how you deal with them. You form relationships and that can really help in football, the more people you know well the easier it will be to do your job."

Foyle is certain that with the added knowledge in his armoury he can improve his players, and his team's chances of success.

"You have to change with the times and the new ideas are fascinating," Foyle admitted.

"All these things improve the players, I've gone back to my club and implemented things I've picked up here and I can see the effects.

"As a manager you have to change the mentality so that your players can adapt to change. The sports science side is fascinating, I took a course on it last year to give me a better insight.

"It all makes you a better manager, and undoubtedly organisation is the best tool you can have in the locker."