James Wilson: from Champions League to Port Vale
Despite being just 27, Port Vale striker James Wilson has had quite the career. Back in 2017, Wilson was named in Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League squad. Nowadays, Wilson plies his trade for Vale in EFL League One.
The Biggest Club Competition on the Planet
The Champions League is without doubt the biggest club tournament in the world. Every player dreams of playing in UEFA’s elite club competition, and Wilson featured in Man United’s Champions League squad six years ago. Things are hotting up in this year’s edition and, according to the latest Champions League odds, United’s rivals Manchester City are the tournament favourites. The Champions League winner odds for City are just 9/4, while Chelsea are priced at 12/1.
Although Wilson never played for United in Europe, being named in the Champions League squad was quite the achievement. The Staffordshire-born star featured 15 times for the Red Devils in the Premier League, scoring three goals. Wilson went on to play for the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby County and Sheffield United.
Wilson Switches Salford for Port Vale
After a spell in Scotland with Aberdeen, Wilson returned to English football in 2020, signing for Salford City. 18 months later, the striker moved to Vale Park and went on to play a big role in Vale’s promotion to EFL League One.
He came to life in the latter weeks of the season after a dry spell in front of goal, scoring in both legs of the semi-final success over Swindon Town. Wilson was also on target in Port Vale’s 3-0 League One play-off final win over Mansfield Town at Wembley Stadium in May.
The 27-year-old has had a frustrating season with injury. He missed the start of the 2022-23 campaign with a calf issue but returned to action in September. He scored his first League One goal for the Valiants in an impressive 2-1 win at Derby County in October. His best performance of the season so far came in an outstanding victory over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. Wilson bagged both goals in the 2-0 away win in December.
🗣️"Goals, assists, game time, that's all I want to do, to play football and enjoy myself…"
⚫️⚪️@OfficialPVFC striker James Wilson says the team will benefit from having lots of goalscorers
🎯Vale average over a goal a game so far this season…#BBCFootball | #PVFC pic.twitter.com/6uaMTbfvMm
— BBC Radio Stoke Sport (@BBCStokeSport) December 6, 2022
Wilson’s Experience Key for Vale
Port Vale’s first year back in the third tier was always going to be a challenge, but Vale have certainly held their own so far. Of course, staying up is the priority, though the Stoke-on-Trent outfit have their eyes set on a top-half finish.
With just a couple of months of the season left, the games will come thick and fast for Port Vale. Clarke’s men have had a solid season up to now, but they must keep the momentum ticking. There are several tough games on the horizon, and Vale will need to be at the top of their game for the remainder of the campaign.
📆 April Fixtures
We've got 7️⃣ fixtures coming up in April with 3️⃣ of them available for domestic streaming on iFollow ⤵️#PVFC | #UTV
— Port Vale FC (@OfficialPVFC) March 28, 2023
Wilson is certainly one of Port Vale’s most experienced players, despite turning just 27 last December. The No. 9 will be a key man as Vale look to steer well clear of the relegation zone and hunt down a top-half finish.