Next Port Vale manager: some left-field contenders…
Ok, we’re not saying any of these are nailed-on contenders but here’s a look at some of the more erm… interesting contenders that the bookies think have a chance of landing the Vale manager’s job.
So why are these candidates being mentioned? We guess the theory is that if, as expected, Micky Adams takes on some sort of Director of Football role it could dissuade some established managers (such as John Coleman, Brian Horton or Martin Allen) from being interested as they may want sole control of all playing matters.
As a result, it could be that Vale turn to less well-known and established candidates to take on the management role – and hence this list. Placing bets on these less popular candidates however could be quite risky, and so finding a site such as Top Football Tipster who provide betting tips and guides could be quite useful
By the way, we’re not saying Vale will go down this route – this feature is simply based on bookies’ odds – and we are not saying that any of these people are in contention, have been interviewed or will get the job… we simply thought the bookies’ odds made for interesting reading!
The bookies favourites
Jimmy Bell (6/4 on Sky Bet)
The former Vale academy boss was spotted at Vale Park on Tuesday night but that could be due to his team, Accrington, visiting the stadium. Bell is currently deputy to the highly rated John Coleman but will be well known to both Micky Adams and Norman Smurthwaite due to his spell with Vale (which resulted in the development of striker Jordan Hugill). Vale may feel that if John Coleman is unwilling to uproot then Bell may be the next best option.
Paul Ince (7/4 on Bet Victor)
The odds on the former Manchester United midfielder being the new Vale manager have been slashed in recent days. He is currently just 6/5 with Sky Bet having seen his odds reduce in recent days. His management spells are mixed. He did well at Milton Keynes but was a distinct failure at Blackburn Rovers and Notts County. His last job was at Blackpool where he left after 42 games in charge.
John Askey (12/1 on Bet Victor)
Suggestions that Askey had been interviewed by the club were dismissed by Norman Smurthwaite over the weekend but interview or not, he remains among the favourites for the bookies. The Macclesfield boss was a Vale junior but left without playing a senior game for the club. He is the son of Vale legend Colin Askey.
The also-rans
Sol Campbell (25/1 on Bet Victor)
Surely Vale would not gamble on another unproven manager after the failed experiments with Ribeiro and Brown? Nevertheless, some bookies have big Sol on the fringes of the betting odds.
Andy Morrell (25/1 on Bet Victor)
An odd one but perhaps with more legs than the Campbell link. Like John Askey, Morrell has had some success at non-league level (a win percentage of more than 50% while at Wrexham) but nevertheless he seems an unlikely option.
Dean Saunders (25/1 on Bet Victor)
We really can’t see this one happening but then again you should never say “never” when talking about the Vale. The former Welsh striker has had four distinctly average spells as a manager so it’s hard to see what the attraction would be.
Curtis Woodhouse (28/1 on Sky Bet)
Honestly? Gawd knows why the former footballer and boxer is on the bookies shortlist. Does someone know something we don’t about the Bridlington Town boss?