Smith is ace as Rec shuffle their pack

TONY SMITH has been installed as football manager of Vale Rec in a restructuring of the club. Club president Tony Blondel yesterday outlined the details of the shake-up that is designed to utilise the green-and-yellows' assets to the full.

'We have appointed a manager on the playing side of things in Tony Smith, who will have ultimate responsibility from top to bottom within the club,' he said.

'He will have an outstanding team of coaches in the likes of Chris Hamon, Johnny Reid, Martin Gaudion, Rob King and Tony Clarkson to work with.

'Tony is a wise, old head and has got the club at heart.'

Blondel added that the reason behind the move was the great demands in organising football clubs and their teams.

The time and effort that it entails to handle paperwork, keep in contact with players, ensure training is properly co-ordinated and completing other necessary duties needed to be delegated more efficiently.

'The coaches will coach - that is their greatest strength,' said Blondel.

'It will ease the burden on the likes of Chris and Johnny, give them more time in their family lives and let them do what they are best at.

'Team selection will be down to Tony, but he will do it in consultation with the coaches.'

The players were informed of the changes a few days ago.

'The restructuring is for the benefit of Vale Rec Football Club. We feel that this is the best way forward,' Blondel said.

'Everyone is going to be doing a little rather than a couple of people doing the lot.

'This has been done in full consultation and in agreement with the coaches.'