Former Valiants: Ryan Boot moves to National League side
National League side Solihull Moors have confirmed the signing of former Port Vale goalkeeper Ryan Boot.
Boot broke into the Vale first-team as a regular starter last season and although he performed well on occasion he was criticised after several high profile errors. He was released in the summer.
A statement on the official Solihull Moors website confirmed:
Moors are pleased to announce that ex Port Vale keeper, 23 year old Ryan Boot, has committed himself to the club for the next season.
Ryan turned professional at Port Vale in April 2013 having initially been an academy player at Stoke City.
In a five-year career there he made 28 appearances, mainly last season, plus various loan spells at Worcester City, Newcastle and Macclesfield. In 2013 he had a trial at Fulham. He is particularly highly regarded for his kicking ability.
Strangely, he did not start out as a goal keeper “I used to play outfield, and during a tournament, our keeper got injured and I was forced to go in goal”. And between the sticks he stayed!
On 29 August last year he started his first EFL game for the “Valiants” and kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park, before saving two penalties to help Vale win the resulting penalty shoot-out. He impressed new manager Neil Aspin and his performance against Wycombe Wanderers earned him a place on the EFL Team of the Week.
However, with Vale having two other contracted keepers, Ryan was released upon the expiry of his contract in May this year.