Adams decision by end of March?
Norman Smurthwaite has rubbished tabloid reports of exit but says he won’t expect Micky Adams to make a decision before the end of the month.
Chairman Norman Smurthwaite has denied reports in the People newspaper that Micky Adams is set to leave the club and be replaced by playing legend Neil Aspin.
The rumour was published in the Sunday newspaper as talks between Adams and Smurthwaite continue to drag on with the newspaper claiming that Adams was set to leave with Aspin being approached to replace him.
But Smurthwaite denied any approach to the FC Halifax manager Aspin saying: “I’d not heard of him, and I don’t mean to offend supporters or anyone by saying that. I have not spoken to him and haven’t spoken to anyone about any other manager during my tenure.
“I haven’t spoken to an owner, a manager or a ball-boy about a new manager.”
Aspin is widely regarded as one of the club’s best-ever defenders after he joined the Valiants from Leeds in 1989. After retiring from playing he has increased his reputation as a non-league manager to watch after success with Harrogate Town and current club FC Halifax. But some fans would be reluctant for another former Vale player to be handed the reigns after mixed success for Martin Foyle and Dean Glover.
Adams still appear to be the owner’s preferred choice as manager. However, despite earlier claims that Smurthwaite hoped for the managerial situation to be concluded by late February or early March, it now looks to run on for several more weeks. The Vale owner added: “Micky and I have a gentlemen’s agreement and I think, all things being equal, he will be manager next year.
“Micky wants to look at what the budget is for next year. By the end of March we should be in that position and I can give him my best estimate.
“Micky has never had that situation before. He has been parachuted in and not been able to make that sort of informed decision. If Micky chooses not to accept the offer at the end of the month then I would have to look for a Plan B, but at the moment I don’t have one. I want Micky to stay.”