Who should be the new Port Vale manager? The Valaints are reportedly close to naming a new manager to succeed John Askey. Here are the candidates which are tipped by the bookies and media.
New Port Vale manager
David Flitcroft
The overwhelming favourite with the bookies at time of writing is the former Mansfield Town man. It’s little surprise as Flitcroft’s record is a pretty decent one. With more than three hundred games under his belt he has a win ratio of over 40% and a promotion at Bury to his name. Flitcroft also managed interim Vale manager Danny Pugh while at Bury so the pair should know each other well.
John McGreal
A one-club manager albeit one with long service and a reputation for promoting youth and playing attractive football, McGreal is the other frontrunner alongside Flitcroft. If Vale are looking for a long-term appointment then McGreal may fit the bill. He has over 200 games under his belt during a four year spell with Colchester which produced a win ratio of over 37%.
Derek Adams
Something of a long shot as he’s contracted to Morecambe, nevertheless Adams has a lot of admirers and a host of impressive achievements. Over 550 games in charge and a win ratio of over 42% plus three promotions, a Scottish domestic trophy and a manager of the year award.
Graham Coughlan
Heavily linked by some in the media, Coughlan has to be something of a long shot as his record doesn’t really compare with any of the previous candidates. He’s managed 83 games for two clubs with his spell at Bristol Rovers significantly more successful than his last spell at Mansfield Town.
Danny Cowley
Something of a long shot as he reportedly won’t join a League Two side, nevertheless Cowley would be a huge coup for the club. He certainly worked wonders at Lincoln City winning two promotions and the Football League Trophy. Despite having a troubled spell at Huddersfield Town, his win ratio remains a hugely impressive 51%.
And one which won’t be a contender…
Bizarrely, interim boss Danny Pugh is still listed by several bookies despite Vale’s owners being clear that Pugh will not be named as the new manager. Pugh remains highly regarded at the club and will be retained in the coaching set-up.
New Port Vale manager? Your thoughts
Who is your favourite? Someone on this list or someone else entirely? Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.

Overwhelming go for Flitcroft
Did a good job whilst with us. Unlucky to be sacked
I would go for David Flitcroft. Decent all round record and vastly experienced both as a player and a manager. Should be OK but you never know in this game, we would have to wait and see. Bound to get some good help from Danny Pugh as they have previously worked together.
Would be a great coup if we could get the Cowley brothers
Paul cooke
Not who it will be but think we need someone in fast so give time settle in for a tough run in
As a Colchester Utd fan l thought John McGreal was unlucky to be sacked last season after taking us to the playoffs & the Carabro Cup QF ( seeing off Spurs & C’ Palace in the process) . He could do a good job at Port Vale if given the opportunity.