Following the departure of Andy Crosby, there has already been much speculation about who could replace him. Here are some of the candidates who have been mentioned…
Darren Moore
Apart from his recent spell at Huddersfield (and perhaps that’s an indication of the trouble at that club) Moore boasts a highly impressive record and his signature would be something of a coup for the Valiants. His stats, Huddersfield-aside certainly stack up – a 48% win ratio at West Brom, 45% at Doncaster and a mighty 51% at Sheff Wed. The problem may be that Moore may hold out for a better option than a relegation threatened League One side.
Mark Kennedy
High up on betting lists after attending Tuesday’s game, the 47 year-old left Lincoln City earlier this season. His record at City was fairly modest (34% win ratio) and he was dismissed (according to the club) for his failure to develop talent and the club’s style of play – if true, that seem to put him at odds with Vale’s apparent long-term playing goals.
Mark Bonner
Perhaps the dark horse on the list, Bonner may not be a name that trips off the tongue but he quietly worked wonders at Cambridge where he was in charge for over two hundred games. Furthermore his age (38) and profile would appear to fit working under a Director of Football more in the style of a head coach than a manager. Could be a contender.
Derek Adams
Available after leaving Ross County this week, Adams has many admirers for his work on a budget at Morecambe. The 46 year-old already has four promotions to his name.
Michael Duff
Duff comes with a great reputation and may be the taskmaster to drive the Vale players on to better things in the style of a Micky Adams. He has had success with both Cheltenham Town and Barnsley but less so in the Championship with Swansea. The problem may be that, like Moore, Duff may not be attracted by a League One side in danger of relegation.
Gareth Ainsworth
Ainsworth with Port Vale fans after Vale’s 2013 promotion
One of the first people to be mentioned after his success at Wycombe and playing days in a Vale shirt, Ainsworth is out of work after leaving QPR. He had unprecedented success with Wycombe but would his style mean a complete reset of Vale’s aim to play possession-based football and would he work under a director of football? As a result, he appears to be an outside candidate.
Pete Wild
After cutting his teeth with AFC Halifax Town, the 39 year-old has done great things with Barrow, putting them into promotion contention. A rising star, Wild could fit the current system of reporting to director of football Flitcroft but would he want to come? After all, next season his Barrow side could replace the Valiants in League One.
Gary Bowyer
A steady pair of hands, Bowyer would not be an inspirational move but would perhaps represent a safety-first, sensible solution. He’s got plenty of experience but would the unassuming 52 year-old show a lack of ambition from the club if he was appointed?
There are plenty of other contenders too but we don’t have the space to list them all.
Which of the names we have listed do you prefer?
The only way Vale will get a decent manager is to get shut of Flitcroft, if he won’t go demote him, what manger is going to report to someone will not even go into the dug out, he’s spineless and gutless
If he would not work under a director of football then get rid of the director of football. Easy decision as director of football is obviously no good on playing side as lack of goals show.
Please no more ex players as gaffers
Let’s face it we must act very quickly and get the right man in. Ainsworth would shake things up, I am not a big fan of Flitcroft.
Fans favourite
I feel that Ainsworth would be a mistake. Never go back is a principle of mine.
Anisworth would be a good option dont think we will get him tho so out the 2 names floating about I’d go Kennedy over Robinson can’t see either keeping us up tho. Cheap option for the time being keep the academy staff in and wait for a better option for the start of next season
Moore would be good at this level. He has the experience
My heart says ainsworth,but we know what happens when ex players take the hot seat,so darren moore is my choice to dig us out of this big hole
I think Pete Wild would be a breath of fresh air ,hes young progressive and understands the director of football position . I think it be a great move for him and for Port Vale fc .Hes a big yes from me .
Get rid of flitcroft he’s a leach and now he is in the way
Ainsworth or bust
Darren Moore would be my choice.He has done well at a few clubs.Gareth Ainsworth did well at Wycombe, and knows Port Vale as a player and would be my 2nd choice but could we get either man?
Pete Wild for me. Did an unbelievable job at Halifax with a small budget and is doing the same now at Barrow. Problem is he’s half way through his 3 year project and would need to be lured away plus there’s compensation to be paid to Barrow. He can even bring Dave Worrall back with him as part of his coaching staff.
The fact that the new manager can bring in his own assistant and first team coach should make the position more appealing.
Flitcroft gas let the fans down if not the owners. No striker bought in for the last two windows. Gareth Ainsworth can work with a meagre budget as he has shown. He will need to as it appears the owners are selling players but not investing in the playing side of the club. The Cass decision while keeping Nathan Smith seems bewildering. Hope Robbie and Phil Taylor come in and bring in some investment for everyone’s sake. Whichever manager they bring in it needs to be done very quickly to at least give him a chance to keep us up. I suppose as is the norm it will be the cheapest option and a yes man so as not to rock the boat.
Will ryder is the cheap option which the set up is all about, someone who DF can manipulate
UTV
No ex players please or connections with the club , look what happened with the likes of Glover,Foyle,Aspin and Askey
Vale need someone who give players more confidence and concentration rather than just stand there like dummies leaving the opposition to score at will like yesterday took the
Lead then as usual they go to sleep very lucky to get a point.
Good luck who ever gets it but tomorrow will Ryder and Matt done want start with mighten up front with Wilson with his pace and Wilson passing skills could be start of a good partnership
Been a vale fan vale 50 odd years seen some ups and downs had some brilliant strikers Bookers( Ally browns )Lee mills) McPhee)that’s just a few of my head we have gone two January windows to bring a good striker in Flitcroft said that we had to wait for the other clubs that he had been talking to get there striker first before they would let there’s go to know reveil buy Ryan loft for £80.000 qrid what a joke 2year deal loan him out give uchie a contract
Darren Moore for me to get us out of the mess we are in flitcroft let him get on with us job if it is him or who ever gets in