Michael Brown given contract extension as Paataleinen is ruled out of manager role
Norman Smurthwaite has told BBC Radio Stoke that Michael Brown has been given a contract extension and will remain at Vale Park either as manager or as assistant.
Smurthwaite, who also ruled out “consultant” Mixu Paataleinen as a possible manager says that depending on results Brown will be appointed manager or assistant to a new boss.
He has always been in my plans to have some involvement in management in the football club…
The Vale owner told the radio station: “He has been waiting for the chance. He has always been in my plans to have some involvement in management in the football club. I haven’t put a timescale on it, results will dictate the timescale, not the job itself.
“If he didn’t get the job he will remain as assistant manager. I have committed myself to that. – in fact I have signed the documentation today – and given him an extension to his contract, until at least June .”
In a wide-ranging interview Smurthwaite also told the radio station that:
- Mixu Paataleinen was at the Huddersfield game as an advisor but was not a contender to be manager.
- That Vale may sign one of the two trialists Chris Eagles and Tom Hitchcock
- That Colin Garlick is the club’s CEO as he takes more of a backseat role