Five of the best Port Vale signings by Rob Page
His spell at the club wasn’t long but nevertheless he managed to add some quality additions to the Port Vale squad. Here are the best Rob Page signings…
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Best Rob Page signings for Port Vale
Anthony Grant
Snapped up on a free transfer from Crewe, Grant was an inspired signing by Page. A quality performer at lower league level, Grant proved to be an influential figure in the Port Vale midfield and at time of writing is doing a sterling job during Swindon’s push for promotion. Grant’s ability to break up attacks and shield the defence proved vital and his departure in January 2017 set the seal on a miserable Vale relegation under Michael Brown.
Jak Alnwick
A free signing from Newcastle United, Alnwick proved to be one of the club’s few saleable assets in recent years. His form was such that he kept promotion winner Chris Neal out of the side. When Alnwick left Vale for Rangers following Grant out of the exit door, it sparked a “revolving door” period for Port Vale keepers as the club struggled to replace him.
Sam Foley
Another midfield signing of proven quality, Foley provided some much needed goals from midfield with six in his first season. Injuries reduced his impact during his second season but on his day he remained a proven and experienced midfield performer.
Ben Purkiss
A well-spoken player with influence on and off the pitch, the future PFA chairman provided some much-needed competition in the right-back slot. He was pratically first-choice throughout his two-year stay in the Potteries making eighty one appearances for the Valiants.
AJ Leitch-Smith
Page snapped up trialist Leitch-Smith and his hunch proved right during his brief stay in the Potteries. The striker recovered from a woeful spell at Yeovil to hit thirteen goals. However, his spell was somewhat soured when he turned down a contract offer and opted to join Shrewsbury Town instead.