Former Valiants in frame for Gateshead job?
Media reports that Neil Aspin is heavy favourite to be appointed while Micky Adams is also a contender.
The role became available after Gateshead terminated the contracts of manager Malcolm Crosby and his assistant Gary Owers at the weekend after a poor run of form. It’s a sought-after position as Gateshead have ambitious plans to build a new stadium and return to the Football League.
Vale legend Aspin was controversially sacked as manager of FC Halifax Town after a poor run of form. However, his non-league management credentials remain strong.
Aspin was born in Gateshead and managed Harrogate Town between 2005-2009 before joining Halifax Town, who he guided back up the divisions to the National League in 2013. They reached the play-off semi-finals in 2013-14.
He signed Jamie Vardy – currently the Premier League’s top scorer – for Halifax in 2010 from Stocksbridge Park Steels, having spotted his talent some time before.
Aspin is the heavy bookies’ favourite to succeed Crosby at Gateshead.
Former Vale manager Micky Adams is another contender. Adams successfully guided Sligo Rovers out of the relegation zone this season but he has now returned to England for “family reasons.”
In a further Vale connection, former midfielder and Gateshead reserve team manager Micky Cummins is joint caretaker manager along with skipper Ben Clark.