Coach Jimmy Bell leaves Port Vale
Development squad coach Jimmy Bell has left Port Vale to take up an assistant-manager’s position Southport.
I have had a week of sleepless nights thinking about it because I have really enjoyed my time at Port Vale and have loved working under Micky and for such a big club…
Bell joined Vale in the summer and was charged with the ten-man Development squad but he has opted to link up with long-term associate John Coleman, who has been appointed manager of Southport. Bell was previously Coleman’s assistant-manager for 12 years at Accrington.
Bell told the official Port Vale website: “I have worked at Port Vale – an absolutely magnificent club – for the past six months and I have really enjoyed my time here.
“I had an understanding with the gaffer, Micky Adams, that if an opportunity like this came up he wouldn’t stand in my way – he has really looked after me.
“I have had a great set of lads and had Jordan Hugill come through and I think there will be one or two others and I think they will all find their level and do well in the game.
“I will join Southport as number two. It will be a difficult job and it was a really, really difficult choice for me to take.
“I have had a week of sleepless nights thinking about it because I have really enjoyed my time at Port Vale and have loved working under Micky and for such a big club.
“I would like to thank everybody at Port Vale, who have been absolutely magnificent, every single one, the staff, the players and everyone have made me feel really welcome and I am going to miss everyone.”
Vale boss Micky Adams added: “Jimmy has only been here for a short while but he has made a big impact and I would like to wish him well in the future.
“He did a very good job in the six months he was at Port Vale and I am sure he will continue to do a good job with John Coleman at Southport.”