Port Vale part ways with Ricky Miller, sign two attacking replacements
Ricky Miller leaves Port Vale as two newcomers join. The club has parted ways with striker Ricky Miller and signed Mark Cullen and Ryan Lloyd. Port Vale supporters will be able to see Cullen and Lloyd all season long at Vale Park. Fans can wager on Port Vale’s matches in League Two all season with this bonus and never miss a game.
Port Vale finished 20th in League Two last season just staving off relegation to the National League. The Valiants scored a league-low 39 times but somehow avoided the drop by eight points. With one striker out the door and two attacking players in at the Vale Stadium, let us look at the what Port Vale are giving up and gaining for 2019-20.
Out with the old: Ricky Miller
Miller arrived at Port Vale in 2018 on a two-year contract and expectations were high that the journeyman striker could power the Valiant in the goals department. Miller managed just four goals in 28 League Two matches and failed to replicate his form from Dover Athletic.
Miller’s play at Dover Athletic, 68 goals and 13 assists in 101 games, put him on the map earning him a transfer to Peterborough United. Unfortunately, stepping up to Posh didn’t work out well for Miller as he failed to notch a goal or assist in 13 matches.
The striker’s contract was canceled by mutual consent allowing him to depart Port Vale 12 months early.
In with the new: Mark Cullen
Miller departs the club but Port Vale manager John Askey was able to bring in a replacement almost immediately. Cullen joins the club from Blackpool on a free transfer. Not only is Cullen three years younger than Miller, but he also brings a winning mentality to the club.
Cullen will take a step down in divisions to join Port Vale which is a real coup for Askey. The striker bagged 21 goals in 89 league matches for Blackpool. Although he tallied just three goals in 12 matches last term, Cullen’s potential is high. Port Vale’s tally of 39 scores in 2018-19 could be easily shattered next season.
The former Blackpool man also had success at Luton Town. There, he struck the back of the net 22 times in 77 matches.
A familiar face: Ryan Lloyd
If the news of Cullen’s signing didn’t excite Port Vale supporters, will they be buoyed by the return of midfielder Lloyd? The 25-year-old began his career in 2013 with Port Vale having come through their youth system. Lloyd spent the last two seasons with Macclesfield Town.
His return and Cullen’s addition gives Askey new attacking options. On paper, Port Vale should be better in the final third and capable of scoring more goals than 39. That figure, which was the fewest goals in League Two last term, should be a driving force to improve for Port Vale when the new term kicks off.
Port Vale may have parted ways with an experienced striker, but they have gained two significant goal scoring and creating additions that should make them better overall.