Morgan could be installed early next week

TRISTRAM MORGAN is officially still a Vale Rec player, but he is almost certain to be appointed Sylvans' new manager early next week. Sylvans sacked Richard Packman on Monday after finally admitting that they did launch an audacious swoop for player of the year Morgan more than two weeks ago.

Morgan has been thinking over the offer ever since. He has been unavailable for comment for the past three days, but it is understood that Sylvans will finally be in a position to unveil him as their new boss in the next few days.

The former semi-professional veteran midfielder is due to have showdown talks with Vale manager Ray Blondel on Monday.

'Tristram has been talking to Ray, who has gone away for a few days,' said Vale secretary Mick Solway.

'I believe they will be having another chat on Monday and that's all I know of the situation at the moment.

'I certainly haven't received a form or a transfer request from Tristram as yet.

'If he wants a transfer, he will tell Ray, who will then pass it on to the committee. But I can say now that our club wouldn't stand in the way of someone who was unhappy and wanted to leave.'

Morgan's expected appointment would be laced with irony because he was instrumental in Vale winning the Priaulx League title last season, which in turn prevented Sylvans wining a record-breaking 10th successive championship

Meanwhile, Sylvans club captain and junior island coach Tony Vance disputed rumours that he was being lined up as an alternative option should Morgan unexpectedly choose stay at the Corbet Field.

'There is no truth in that whatsoever,' said Vance.

'They have asked me in the past and the answer has been no each time. I'm certainly not going to do it. There's no way.'

On the playing front, the Avery brothers, captain Joel and Jarrod, both of whom were expected to leave St Peter's after Packman's dismissal are still considering their futures.

Jarrod has suggested that he and Joel could even retire because of injuries.

At the GFA, the executive hopes to appoint Mark Le Tissier as Dave Dorey's replacement, but it was unable to do so at an emergency meeting on Thursday night because not all senior officials were present.