A PORT Vale fan rang my phone-in show at MUTV on Saturday to ask if I was interested in the managerial vacancy at Vale Park.

I politely declined and said something about wanting to enjoy the rest of my life.

It wasn’t an insult to Port Vale, far from it, just a recognition that whoever goes in there has one hell of a task on his hands.

And it’s for that reason that I hope those in charge are sensible enough to go for an experienced figure, not a novice, because it’s going to need someone who knows the ropes.

In many ways, the decision is as big for Port Vale as Alan Shearer’s appointment was for Newcastle.

We all know the possible consequences for Vale next season if they get this one wrong.

I see John Ward’s name has been floated around for the past few days and, while it’s not for me to comment on individuals, I would have thought it was that kind of appointment they needed.

But for goodness sake don’t let me hear or read Paul Ince’s name again. You’ve got to keep a sense of perspective and reality here – and throwing those kinds of names into the hat just misleads those silly enough to believe them genuine candidates.

Ex-players who’ve earned severe amounts of money in their time are not likely to be going for the kind of position Vale can offer them right now.

True, Ince did go for something similar a few years ago when he went up the road to
Macclesfield, but he had a bit of money to spend if memory serves.

And the fact he’s already served his apprenticeship in the lower leagues, and since had a taste of the big time at Blackburn, means he’s not likely to be dialling Bill Bratt’s number any day soon.

Other Stoke City stories online today:

Stoke's new training ground likely to be approved

Faye concerned about lack of energy

Lou Macari: Port Vale need experienced manager

Premier League title lands in Stoke...for 90 minutes

Lou Macari: Fans are the ones who can save Newcastle