In my view Coleman would bring success to Vale but would he want to come?
OVF editor Rob Fielding would love to see John Coleman in charge at Vale Park but he can’t see it happening…
Rob Fielding writes…
In my opinion, Accrington boss John Coleman would be a perfect manager for Port Vale. I believe he would be affordable, would be a success and could give the club a long-term managerial answer.
However, I doubt whether he would even want the job.
I see a lot of Vale great John Rudge in Coleman but I think the Accrington boss would only show his true worth if given time and by being shown patience…
One of the issues Vale face in filling the vacant management place is the instability and controversy that surrounds the club at the moment. We have an owner who freely admitted that he effectively forced former manager Rob Page out. That’s going to scare some candidates off especially candidates like Coleman who appears to have a supportive and less controversial board to report to at Accrington. Why would Coleman leave the security of his job (and the success he is bringing to Accrington) to enter the unpredicatability of life at Vale Park?
We also have the potential appointment of Micky Adams in some sort of Director of Football role. Would this put off a strong character like Coleman who presumably wants complete authority and control on the playing side? I know Adams has said he would not interfere with transfers and coaching if he were appointed, but Adams is clearly a strong character with set opinions and the new man would have to be amenable to whoever is appointed in a role that would sit directly above him.
I see a lot of Vale great John Rudge in Coleman but I think the Accrington boss would only show his true worth if given time and by being shown patience. He needs time to develop his side, move on the dead wood and develop his tactics and philosophy. Sadly, these things are in short supply at Vale right now. Both Bruno Ribeiro and Michael Brown failed to last a full season and with fans frustrated with the club’s position I wonder whether Coleman would get the time he would clearly need to turn things around? If he wasn’t an immediate success then fans could turn on him very quickly.
In an ideal world, I personally could see John Coleman doing a great job in the right circumstances, but the turmoil at Vale would not suit his slowly, slowly approach and the instability of the club may even put him off having any interest in the role in the first place.
It’s a real shame but it’s a sympton of how the controversies at Vale have a negative effect on how the club is perceived. The immediate problem obviously remains finding someone who can keep Vale from the trapdoor but arguably that danger will only go away when the turmoil at the club ends and that can only be through new ownership. I still think we need a fresh approach from a dynamic owner with a long-term vision for the club and the dedication to see it through.