ROB Heys has heaped praise on boss John Coleman after Accrington Stanley reached the League Two play-offs – and the chief executive hopes the club can continue to stave off interest in their manager with Port Vale the latest club to plan an approach.

Coleman has guided Stanley from the UniBond First Division to the brink of League One during 12 years in charge and that success is leading to increasing links with other clubs.

It was reported at the weekend that Port Vale plan to approach Stanley for permission to speak to Coleman. Bury, recently promoted, are also searching for a new boss.

Vale may now decide to wait until Stanley’s season is over before making any move and the Reds would be far from pleased if an approach came before then.

Heys said: “We’d be very disappointed if Port Vale chose to come in at such a time. He’s done a fantastic job. I can’t praise him enough.”