Sheffield United appoint Micky Adams as he quits Port Vale

Last updated : 30 December 2010 By Daily Mail

Micky Adams has quit Port Vale to take the reins at Sheffield United - the team he supported as a boy.

The 49-year-old said it was 'incredibly difficult' to leave Vale Park after 18 months in charge, but couldn't resist joining the Blades.

The former Leicester, Coventry and Brighton boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to take over from Gary Speed, who left Bramall Lane to become Wales' manager earlier this month.

Sportsmail understands Adams was offered a fourfold pay increase to leave Vale for South Yorkshire.

He said: 'This was an incredibly difficult decision for me - probably more difficult than many could imagine.

'I've made no secret of my desire to manage Sheffield United at some stage in my career and that time has arrived now.

'That is no reflection on anyone at Port Vale. Vale Park is full of fantastic, committed people and the backing I have had from the supporters has been nothing short of phenomenal.'

Adams has appointed Alan Cork as his No 2, while caretaker manager John Carver and assistant manager Sam Ellis will be leaving the club.

New direction: Ched Evans celebrates with Nick Montgomery (left) after scoring for Sheffield United against Hull

Reflecting on the task ahead, he said: 'There is no doubt my task is threefold. Firstly, to ensure 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 see 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.'

His first game in charge will come on Saturday when United go to managerless Burnley. The Blades sit a worrying 20th in the npower Championship - just two points above the drop zone.

Adams was brought up in the Tinsley area of Sheffield and revealed: 'I've always supported the Blades and my favourite player growing up was Tony Currie.

'He was and still is my biggest idol. When you're a kid you follow your team and I followed Sheffield United, along with my dad and brother - we were all season-ticket holders.'

Replaced: Speed left Bramall Lane to take over as manager of his native Wales

Adams joined United's youth set-up as a 12-year-old before being released at 16, when he signed apprentice terms with Gillingham.

Port Vale, who are second in League Two, have put Geoff Horsfield and Mark Grew in joint caretaker charge ahead of Saturday's trip to Rotherham.

Bill Bratt, chairman of the Midlands club, said: 'We thank Micky for everything he has done at Port Vale and we wish him well. I've made no secret of the fact that we did not want Micky to leave us.

'We have done everything we can to keep him. He has been a huge asset to the club and we have certainly been victims of the success he has had to date at Vale Park.

'When Micky joined us, we were struggling in League Two and he has turned us around to be real contenders.

'We have to ensure that our next appointment is the right appointment and everyone is working hard behind the scenes to get it right.'

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail