Port Vale FC confirm signing of Gavin Massey
Port Vale FC have confirmed the signing of former Wigan Athletic forward Gavin Massey.
He becomes the club’s third signing of the summer joining Lewis Cass and Funso Ojo.
Club statement:
Port Vale Football Club is delighted to confirm that Gavin Massey has signed for the club following his departure from Wigan Athletic.
The 29-year-old began his career with his local club, Watford, via their affiliated Harefield Academy that he joined in 2007.
During his scholarship in 2010 he helped the Watford reserve side win the East Division title and was rewarded for his performances with a place in the first team squad for the final game of the 2009/10 season.
The following season he made his debut in the Championship, coming on as a sub against Coventry City, and after interest from Premier League sides such as Liverpool, he signed a two-year professional contract with the Hornets.
Massey went on four loan spells during his time at Vicarage Road, turning out for Wealdstone, Yeovil Town and Colchester United twice, before signing for The U’s having made nine appearances for Watford.
He spent four years with Colchester, picking up 42 goal involvements in his 178 games, before securing a move to Wigan Athletic, where he has spent the past five years.
Massey, who can play as striker, winger or wing-back, became a fan favourite at Wigan, with who he helped to achieve two promotions, with the most recent coming last season where he played 46 times as they won the League One title.
Massey arrives having notched 84 goal contributions in the 409 matches of senior league football he has played.
Quotes:
Port Vale Director of Football David Flitcroft:
“Gavin is a player that we have been chasing for a while, and he brings with him a lot of brilliant League One and Championship experience.
“He is a person who takes on a leadership role within a dressing room, and his character perfectly fits the mould of what we look for in our players.
“He arrives at the club with outstanding references about him as a person, and he brings a personality that fits the culture we have built at the club.
“On the field he is a top player as well, he’s scored some really important goals in his career, he loves to get forward as he has an excellent attacking instinct and intent.
“He also brings a wealth of experience to the squad and that winning mentality that we strive for from our players.
“His versatility and ability to adapt and play across multiple positions and systems is so important and makes him a real asset to the side.”
Factfile
Age: 29
Clubs: Watford, Colchester Utd, Leyton Orient, Wigan Athletic
Loans: Wealdstone, Yeovil, Colchester Utd
Appearances: 415
Goals: 46