Johnson back at Vale Park after loan deal is cancelled
Port Vale goalkeeper Sam Johnson’s disappointing loan spell at Gateshead has been brought to a premature end.
Johnson initially joined the National League side on a season-long loan and the tall stopper would have had expectations of a full season’s football behind him as he started Gateshead’s first ten games.
However, a disastrous performance in the 1-0 home defeat to North Ferriby in September saw Johnson dropped by manager Neil Aspin and the keeper has made just one substitute appearance since.
Johnson signed a one-year deal in the summer but with goalkeeping competition at Vale Park extremely fierce he is unlikely to be in contention for a first-team place as Vale have Miguel Santos, Ryan Boot and Harry Pickering on their books.
A loan spell or move elsewhere seems most likely for Johnson who has made 26 senior appearances for the Valiants.