Micky Adams leaves Port Vale to join Sheffield United

 

Micky Adams has left Port Vale to take over as manager at Sheffield United.

The much-travelled ex-Fulham, Brighton and Leicester boss, 49, has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to become Gary Speed’s successor at Bramall Lane.

United have agreed to compensate Vale, with Adams leaving the Potteries club in second place in League Two.

Micky Adams

Former Blades player Alan Cork will be Adams’ number two, while caretaker manager John Carver and assistant boss Sam Ellis have left the club.

Adams arrived at Vale Park in June 2009 and, within 18 months, has turned them into a promotion-chasing side.

Having come through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane before beginning his playing career with Gillingham, Adams has made no secret that he is a Blades fan.

He told the club website: “I’ve always supported the Blades and my favourite player growing up was Tony Currie. He was and still is my biggest idol.

“There is no doubt that my task is threefold. Firstly, to ensure that we avoid relegation and there is clearly enough time left in the season to do that.

“Secondly, to help us become a team that can challenge for promotion.

“Lastly, to develop a structure that will us build a reputation for home grown talent that fans can be proud of in their team.

“With the support of the board and the football staff, I intend to do everything I can to bring all that about.”

Former Sheffield United manager Dave Bassett, a close friend of Adams, told BBC Radio Stoke he would do a good job at his hometown club.

“Micky grew up watching them and there is always that dream of being their manager,” said Bassett.

“It will be a hard job, but Micky has got some good qualities.

“He’s worked as a coach, he’s managed at Fulham, Brighton, Brentford and we worked together at Nottingham Forest and Leicester.

“He has a good background and that’s important.”

Let North Staffs Football your thoughts about his departure – will this ruin Vale’s promotion chances?

Micky Adams poised for Port Vale exit

Port Vale manager Micky Adams has been offered the vacant manager’s job at Sheffield United.

The much-travelled ex-Fulham, Brighton and Leicester boss, 49, is the Blades’ choice as successor to Gary Speed.

BBC Radio Stoke understands that, once a compensation package is agreed with Vale, Sheffield-born Adams will depart for the club he followed as a boy.

Adams arrived at Vale Park in June 2009 and, within 18 months, has turned them into a promotion-chasing side.

Micky Adams

Having come through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane before beginning his playing career with Gillingham, Adams has made no secret that he is a Blades fan.

Former Sheffield United manager Dave Bassett, a close friend of Adams, told BBC Radio Stoke that he would do a good job at his home town club.

“Micky grew up watching them and there is always hat dream of being their anager,” said Bassett.

“It will be a hard job, but Micky has got some good qualities.

“He’s worked as a coached, he’s managed at Fulham, Brighton, Brentford and we worked together at Nottingham Forest and Leicester.

“He has a good background and that’s important.”

As things stand both Sheffield United and Port Vale have to agree compensation for Adams and, until that is finalised, Bassett says he will give 100% focus to Vale Park.

“He won’t down tools, he still has a job to do,” added Bassett. “He appreciates that Port Vale gave him an opportunity again and he will not disrespect them.”

Port Vale keeper dismisses manager move

Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson says the speculation linking manager Micky Adams with a move to Sheffield United is having no effect on the team.

Adams, 49, a Blades fan as a boy, has been linked with the job after Gary Speed left to become Wales boss.

Tomlinson told BBC Radio Stoke: “It’s speculation, I don’t think it’s affecting the gaffer or our team.

“They haven’t got a manager and ours is doing well so I suppose it makes for good reading.”

Micky Adams

Tomlinson admitted that the rumours have been discussed in the Port Vale dressing room but added that the squad see it as a compliment to how far they have come in a short space of time.

He said: “A couple of the lads have mentioned it but newspapers always need something to write about.

“He’s a good manager so obviously clubs are going to try and headhunt him but he’s doing his thing at Port Vale.

“He’s not been here that long and he’s obviously turned the club around and I’m sure he’s going to want to continue the success he’s having,” the former Barrow stopper said.

Vale sit second in League Two, two points behind leaders Chesterfield going into the Christmas period.