Tomlinson has started all of Vale's 19 league games this season

Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson says the speculation linking manager Micky Adams with a move to Sheffield United is having no effect on the team.

Adams, 49, a Blades fan as a boy, has been linked with the job after Gary Speed left to become Wales boss.

Tomlinson told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's speculation, I don't think it's affecting the gaffer or our team.

"They haven't got a manager and ours is doing well so I suppose it makes for good reading."

Tomlinson admitted that the rumours have been discussed in the Port Vale dressing room but added that the squad see it as a compliment to how far they have come in a short space of time.

I've got great respect for him and owe him for taking a gamble on me Stuart Tomlinson

"A couple of the lads have mentioned it but newspapers always need something to write about," he said.

"He's a good manager so obviously clubs are going to try and headhunt him but he's doing his thing at Port Vale.

"He's not been here that long and he's obviously turned the club around and I'm sure he's going to want to continue the success he's having," the former Barrow man said.

Vale sit second in League Two, two points behind leaders Chesterfield going into the Christmas period.

Tomlinson, 25 praised the impact Adams has had on his own game in addition to the success he is having taking the whole club forward.

606: DEBATE Will Adams leave Vale Park for Bramall Lane?

"He's sorted me right out, I've come from non-league last season and had a run in the team," he said.

"Our defensive record is right up there at the moment in terms of clean sheets and goals conceded and you've got to put that down to man management.

"He's given me good self-belief, I've got great respect for him and owe him for taking a gamble on me."

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