First January move for Valiants as Connor Halls exits for Colchester United
Left-sided centre-half Connor Hall has left Port Vale for Colchester United for an undisclosed fee – Vale’s first move of the 2023 January transfer window.
The defender told the official Port Vale website that: “I have loved playing for Port Vale, however the commute from my home in Cambridgeshire has been challenging for both me and my family and when the chance to move far closer to my home presented itself, I was interested in pursuing that opportunity.”
It is a really difficult decision to make as I have loved playing for the club during the past 12 months, with last season’s Play-Offs and the win at Wembley the highlight of my career, without doubt…
Hall was a revelation when he was signed from Harrogate Town in the 2022 January window. The left footer added balance to the back-three and also linked well with Chris Hussey or Mal Benning on the left flank, often surging forward from the back. However, the defender was slow to adapt to League One football and has regularly seen his place taken by Dan Jones this season.
The centre-half had a message for fans and staff on his departure saying: “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Port Vale supporters for their backing from day one – it has been a privilege to play for your club and one of the most enjoyable periods of my career to date.
“I am so appreciative to Carol and Kevin for the opportunity to represent Port Vale; I will be forever thankful for their support, they really are wonderful people.
“It is a really difficult decision to make as I have loved playing for the club during the past 12 months, with last season’s Play-Offs and the win at Wembley the highlight of my career, without doubt.”
Manager Darrell Clarke added: “Connor has been tremendous for me and my staff throughout his 12 months at Port Vale and will be remembered for playing his part in a really successful year for the club.
“We respect his decision to move on, thank him for his commitment to the club during the past year and wish him and his family well in the future.”
The 29-year-old featured in 52 matches in all competitions, helping Darrell Clarke’s side to secure promotion to League One via the Play-Offs in May. The Valiants are expected to bring in a replacement for Hall during the January window.
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