Adams not ‘at loggerheads’ with Smurthwaite

Micky Adams has told the Sentinel that the relationship between himself and owner Norman Smurthwaite is fine and the pair “haven’t got the sort of relationship that everyone says we have got.”

We haven’t got the sort of relationship that everyone says we have got where we don’t talk to each other and we are at loggerheads. That’s not the case…

Adams was asked for his views following claims that Smurthwaite was set to reduce next season’s playing budget and he said:  “If the budget is to be slashed then we need to look at it and look at all areas footballing wise. He has already talked about slashing the Development Squad, that will be a saving in itself. Whoever is the manager next season will have to work within the confines of the budget.”

However, it was perhaps his response to a question about his relationship with Smurthwaite that was most surprising. Adams added: “Don’t get me wrong, Norman and I talk. We haven’t got the sort of relationship that everyone says we have got where we don’t talk to each other and we are at loggerheads. That’s not the case.

“We do talk. I am helping him with certain things in the club commercially at the moment and I will continue to do that.

“I have been waiting for this contract offer and we will see when we get it.”

Until these latest remarks, Adams has been surprisingly frank with his comments regarding the Vale chairman, often contradicting claims from Smurthwaite and at one point opining that “talk is cheap.” Whether that tough stance was merely Adams’ tactic for getting a new contract that he approves of or evidence of a deeper divide has been the subject of much debate.

However, these latest comments appear to show a softening in Adams’ approach and perhaps the strongest indication yet, that he could be persuaded to extend his Vale Park stay.