Port Vale F.C - Valiantly

Today Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite announced that Port Vale would be looking for a new manager to lead them in the 2014/15 season after finishing in ninth place last season. The identity of the new manager is yet to be announced, but there are various contenders all up for the job.

"Our ninth placed finish last season shows we have a decent enough side, but I believe they need the right management so that we can progress to the higher reaches of the game. We are a team that has spent over fourty-one years in League One since it's formation, and I think it's definitely time that we prepare for the good fortune by getting ourselves a new, qualified manager."

Port Vale, who found themselves in administration in 2012 and sitting in League Two were bought by Norman Smurthwaite and achieved automatic promotion under then boss Micky Adams. It is hoped by fans and players alike that The Vale will achieve promotion within the next two seasons under their new manager, who's identity is still up in the air.

"My philosophy is promotion in two seasons or they're out of a job. It's time to stop playing around and make the people of Burslem and Stoke proud."

(Quotes taken from interview with Port Vale owner N. Smurthwaite after dismissal of manager. (June, 2014))

I picked my head up from the table and looked at the breakfast in front of me.

Bacon, pancakes, syrup. Watermelon, Coffee, Ice Water. I had the biggest hangover I had ever experienced since I could remember. But, I couldn't really remember much right now. I surveyed the spread and reached out for some bacon and pancakes before placing them on the porcelain plate in front of me.

I grasped the knife and fork to my left and prepared to dig in, but as soon as the prongs of my fork had pierced the crisp rind of the bacon -

Brrrrrringgg... Brrrinnnngg

It was my phone.

I fumbled around in my pocket for about five seconds before picking my phone out and pulling it to my ear.

"Jonathan?"

"Whoah. Talk a little quieter please, I had a late one last night."

"Ah, I know those all to well. But you didn't confirm whether you are or are not Jonathan."

"I am."

"Great. I'm Norman Smurthwaite, the chairman of Port Vale football club, and I believe you have all the tendencies needed in a successful manager. I want you to pack your suitcase and get on the next flight to England so we can discuss the terms of your contract.

It didn't really sound like I had much of a choice in the matter, but the man sounded like he had faith in me and at least I'd get to finish my breakfast before I'd need to leave, right?

"We've sent a car to come and take you to the airport. It's waiting outside." The phone then went dead.

I grabbed a napkin and shovelled as much bacon as I could inside of it before heading towards the elevator so I could pack my bags and leave sunny Colorado for dismal Stoke-On-Trent.