Released Port Vale duo find new clubs
Released Port Vale pair Shaun Brisley and Adam Crookes have secured deals with new clubs.
The pair were two of fifteen players to be released by Darrell Clarke at the end of the season. So far, Scott Brown has linked up with Exeter City in a coaching role while Zak Mills has joined Walsall.
Now, Shaun Brisley has agreed a two year contract with National League side Wrexham.
Fellow defender Adam Crookes has joined National League newcomers Grimsby Town on a one year deal.
Crookes initially joined on loan from Nottingham Forest before agreeing a two year deal with the Valiants in 2019. He made 39 appearances and scored once playing mainly in the left-back position. The defender was unlucky with injury in 2019-20 after he suffered a “freakish” training ground injury which ruled him out of the close of the truncated season. Last season, he struggled to break into the side with Cristian Montano and David Fitzpatrick often preferred as left-back. Crookes did have a spell as a left-sided centre-back towards the end of the season and did at least have the consolation of scoring in the 5-1 win over Southend United.
Experienced centre-half Brisley joined as a free agent in 2019 and made 43 appearances, scoring twice. Initially seen as a back-up for regular central pairing of Nathan Smith and Leon Legge, he impressed when replacing an injury Smith in January 2020. Brisley did so well he was nominated for the February League Two player of the month. He struggled to make the starting eleven at the start of the 2020-21 season but broke in later when Vale switched to a back three.