Artell becomes first player to exit Vale

Port Vale FC have revealed that David Artell has turned down the new contract terms offered by the club and has left.

The former Crewe defender did ‘agree’ a two year deal with the club, but following the deadlock of the Keith Ryder takeover, none of the contracts were able to be ratified with the Football League.

The club’s administrators have offered players revised contracts until the end of the season but Artell has turned the offer down.

Manager Micky Adams commented: “I’m very disappointed, both personally and professionally, as I genuinely believed that Dave would stick with the club.

“These have been uncertain times for the club and I believe Dave has attracted interest from other clubs. However, we have worked with him for the whole of the pre-season period and I am very disappointed to see him leave.”