Carol and Kevin Shanahan have enjoyed a whirlwind two weeks since buying Port Vale a fortnight ago, and they took another positive step on Tuesday by securing the services of John Askey for another three years as manager.
The pair had made finalising managerial situation a priority when they arrived, and with Askey now in place ahead of the 2019/20 season, they are both delighted to have concluded the deal so and they are looking forward to a more successful future on the pitch.
Kevin said: “It’s a big step because all of the information I’ve got from mates and people in the industry told me that the most important thing is to appoint the manager, so we’ve done that now.
“People have to keep in mind that the biggest thing that’s happened is that we didn’t go down and that we avoided administration.
“Just so people understand, that’s the level we’re starting from. Hopefully the only way is up now.
“In life, it’s about where you aim. Underneath we’re probably realistic, but if you target the middle you’ll probably end up at the bottom.
“If you aim high, you might just end up in the middle, and that’s our next step really. John comes across as a very considered man and he’s realistic with it all."
As a dedicated supporter of the club, Carol was impressed with the improvement in performances under Askey during the latter stage of last season, and she knows that he will give his all to continue striding in the right direction.
Although she knows that the manager will play a huge role in how the Valiants fare in Sky Bet League Two, she is also keen to unite every department at Vale Park so that the club can function to its maximum without risking the future of the football club.
She said: “The football has been far more entertaining than it was during the first half of the season, and my son couldn’t believe the change when he came to a game after John was appointed.
“We will go out in every match looking to win and you go into every season striving to be promoted, so it would be silly not to.
“However, there have been a lot of clubs who have gambled their future for accelerated success - that isn’t what we’re going to do.
“People will look at our budget and just see that as a number, whereas we’re seeing it as an investment and we’re already talking to John about how we can punch above our weight.
“It’s about how the whole club comes together so it isn’t in isolation like it has been. We will integrate everything together as one."