Artell signs for Northampton Town
David Artell leaves Port Vale: as was widely predicted by the media, defender Artell has signed a two-year deal with Northampton Town following his controversial departure from Vale Park.
The former Crewe Alexandra defender did ‘agree’ a two year deal with the club, but following the deadlock of the protracted 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 turned the new offer down.
Northampton Town manager Aidy Boothroyd told the Northampton Chronicle: “We’ve got a player who has been promoted three times, he’s a senior figure and he knows league two inside out.
“I tried to bring him in earlier in the season and I got knocked back. You then start going through your list of players and sometimes you get lucky, like we have here.
“Port Vale’s loss is unfortunate, but it’s our gain.”
The experienced Artell has played for five other League clubs and has almost four hundred appearances to his name. He was expected to play a key role in the new season.
Following Artell’s exit, Port Vale will have John McCombe, Clayton McDonald and Joe Davis as their main central defenders for the forthcoming season ahead. Richard Duffy can also fill in the centre if required.
David Artell leaves Port Vale – your thoughts
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