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With news coming out of the that José Mourinho had somehow taken an interest in the managerial appointment at a third tier English club and put forward a recommended candidate, any Port Vale fan, myself included, could be forgiven for thinking that this was some glorified wind-up attempt.
As surprising as it turned out, the rumours were indeed true. Mourinho contacted Vale Chairman Norman Smurthwaite to confirm the legitimacy of the recommendation, the Chairman himself initially having thought he was the victim of some elaborate practical joke. The former Chelsea boss apparently proposed that Vale consider a Portuguese coach to replace departed Rob Page — and in the process, build a relationship with Premier League giants Manchester United.
So, just who is the man thought to be Mourinho’s candidate? The mystery name already billed as“the Recommended One” by sections of the Vale support? And is he the best candidate for the club?