Richards has passed 20 goals in each of the last two seasons for Vale

Captain Marc Richards has urged Port Vale to sort their off-field issues quickly to give themselves the best chance of promotion next season.

Vale are searching for a new manager, while local businessman Mo Chaudry is seeking control of the League Two club.

Richards told BBC Radio Stoke: "As far as the takeover bid is concerned, if it's going to happen, it needs to happen soon or be put to bed.

"A new manager needs to come in and build a squad for next year."

Barring a mathematical miracle on the final day of the campaign, Vale will be spending a fourth season in the fourth tier of English football.

They need to beat struggling Barnet on Saturday, Stevenage and Gillingham both need to lose their matches and there would need to be a swing of at least 11 goals between the three teams, because of Vale's inferior goal difference.

Vale reached the summit of League Two under Micky Adams, but his departure to Sheffield United at the end of December and the arrival of Adams' successor Jim Gannon were, according to Richards, the main reasons for their failure to win promotion.

"The only thing you can pinpoint as to what's hindered our season is the change of manager," said the 28-year-old, who scored his 20th goal of the season in the 7-2 demolition of Morecambe on Saturday.

"Micky left for Sheffield United and we had no complaints about that. He's from the area, he supported them as a lad and he's Sheffield United through and through.

"Obviously Jim Gannon came in and changed things around. It didn't work and we've paid the price."

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