The departed – how are the players who left Vale Park this season faring?
There have been a number of players to exit the Valiants this season – with some names more well-known than others – here’s an update on how they have been doing since leaving the club.
Ben Whitfield
A player whose worth to the side often divided opinion, Whitfield was made available for transfer in the summer. He played no part in the early stages of the season and in early September he was released from his contract. It prompted an angry tweet from Whitfield’s agent Dan Fletcher who said “Sometimes you have to do everything you can to get a player away from a manager.” After leaving Vale he immediately signed for National League side Torquay United where he has made 29 appearances, scoring six times.
Vale appearances: 72 games, 8 goals
Connell Rawlinson
The strapping Welsh central defender was transfer-listed in the summer but was still training with the squad in early August. However, he accepted a contract offer from National League side Notts County on the 5th August and left the Valiants. Since then he’s made 33 appearances for County, scoring twice.
Vale appearances: 36 games, 2 goals
Luke Daley
A relative unknown at Vale Park, Daley was the subject of a big money transfer to Huddersfield Town during the summer. As he’s just turned 17 years old, he hasn’t troubled the first-team at Huddersfield yet but he is a regular in the Development Team.
Vale appearances: none
Joe Berks
The midfielder signed a six month contract in the summer of 2019 and had a loan spell with Stafford Rangers. He was released in January 2020 and he has now joined Chasetown FC where he lines up alongside another former Valiant in Levi Reid.
Vale appearances: none
Lucas Green-Birch
The youngster was offered a six month professional contract in the summer of 2019 and was loaned out to Market Drayton Town. However, the 18 year-old failed to earn an extension on his deal and was released in January 2020. He has now joined Market Drayton Town on a permanent basis.
Vale appearances: none