Not fair on them – Port Vale boss explains decision to release West Brom and Cardiff loanees

Port Vale manager John Askey says it is “not fair” to retain loanees Kyle Howkins and Mark Harris as neither featured in his plans.

The duo were allowed to return to their parent clubs early as Askey “cleared the decks” ahead of the club’s final game of the season.

Askey said that the club felt that Howkins was not 100% fit after he returned from a long-term injury. He told the media: “Kyle came in and played a couple of games but, after the Exeter game, he didn’t look 100 per cent fit so we thought it was best, if we weren’t going to use him, that he goes back.”

It was a similar story with Cardiff City striker Harris as Askey added: “It is the same with Mark Harris really. Mark’s not really broken into the team while I have been involved so it was better for him to go back, especially as we are safe now.

“It’s not fair on them and it is better to clear the decks. So, anybody like that, then they have gone back if we can’t use them.”

However, loan duo Mitch Clark and Adam Crookes will play in the final game against Bury with Vale potentially set to make enquiries about both players who are out of contract in the summer.