Ben Whitfield says Vale fans helped persuade him to stay
Port Vale loan star Ben Whitfield says the support of the supporters was a “big part” in his decision to stay on loan with the club.
The Bournemouth man also said he did consider a permanent move to Vale Park.
The fans here were a big part of why I stayed, they seemed to enjoy the way I play and I am enjoying my time here…
Whitfield commented: “I had a bit of a say in it but it was all higher than me really. There was a point where I could have been coming permanently but now I have signed on loan I want to keep playing my part and doing well for the team and hopefully we can push ourselves up the table.
“I have progressed well under him. He has helped me out with the way he is playing at the minute, the philosophy he has put to the team. I am enjoying the way he is working and that is showing on the pitch as well.
“It is a complete change if you have to go somewhere else for six months, you have to get in their team wherever you go, you have to prove yourself and win the fans over.
“The fans here were a big part of why I stayed, they seemed to enjoy the way I play and I am enjoying my time here.”