Brown and Goodlad near full fitness
Long-term injury victims Ryan Brown and Mark Goodlad have received the all-clear to resume full training with the Vale squad, putting both in contention for a first-team place next season.
Emerging left-sided youngster Brown has been ruled out since March. The teenager suffered a horrendous eye injury following a collision with QPR’s Kevin Gallen. Brown is now able play again following surgery to repair sixteen fractures to his cheek, nose and eye socket.
Goalkeeper Mark Goodlad has been out of action for a year after a succession of operations on a finger injury. Two operations were unsuccessful before a third, which fused together the bone, finally proved a success.
Goodlad may take longer to stake a first-team place than Brown as the keeper will need to regain match fitness after his long spell out of action. Nevertheless, the news will come as a huge boost to fans.
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Mark Goodlad Factfile
Date of Birth: 09.09.1979
Height: 6.01
Birthplace: Barnsley
Previous Clubs: Nottingham Forest
Previous Clubs (on loan): Scarborough
Signed for Vale: 23.03.2000
Vale Appearances to Start of 2004/2005 Season
Games: 141 (+2)
Goals: 0
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Ryan Brown Factfile
Date of Birth: —
Height: 5.10
Birthplace: Stoke-on-Trent
Previous Clubs: —
Previous Clubs (on loan):
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Signed for Vale: 01.08.2002
Vale Appearances to Start of 2004/2005 Season
Games: 18 (+1)
Goals: 0