PORT VALE manager Micky Adams has sparked a race for the club captaincy by saying he has an open mind on who should be his skipper.

Defender Sam Stockley and striker Marc Richards led the side last year, although centre-half Gareth Owen will also be a strong candidate, having captained Stockport to promotion in the 2007/2008 campaign before switching to the Valiants last season.

Adams says he will delay a decision on who gets the job until after the players report back for pre-season training on Wednesday.

He said: "That's all up for grabs, but it is certainly something I will be looking at.

"I want someone to lead the troops on the pitch, so they have to show they have those leadership qualities and, hopefully, can be my voice on the pitch."

Stockley became captain when he was signed by Lee Sinnott at the start of last season, but the armband went to Richards because Stockley failed to hold down a place under Dean Glover.

Andy McCormack, editor of Vale fanzine Derek I'm Gutted!!! said there are few obvious candidates to step into the role.

"I know the fans like to see someone clapping their hands and geeing people on, but unless you have a character who can really walk into that role, it is a bit irrelevant," he said.

"I don't think there are too many real leaders on the pitch, although maybe Gareth Owen might emerge. Because of injuries, we didn't see what he can do last season."

A further option would be to make the new player-coach captain.

Adams is also considering a number of experienced players for the job, including former Vale star Gareth Ainsworth.

The 36-year-old has a year left on his contract at QPR, but they are unlikely to stand in his way if he landed the job at Vale.

Meanwhile, Adams will have plenty of competition for the goalkeeping position next season as Daniel Lloyd-Weston has committed his future to the club.

The keeper has signed a one-year professional deal after impressing for the youth side last season.

Lloyd-Weston joins Joe Anyon and Chris Martin challenging for the number one spot next season. All three keepers are products of Vale's youth system.