Consistent Port Vale defender lands POTY award for second time

Port Vale FC have announced that central defender Nathan Smith has been voted the player of the year for the 2022/23 season.

Smith played in all but one of the club’s fixtures and has now passed 350 appearances for the club.

He told the official website: “I am absolutely delighted to be named as this year’s player of the year.

“It’s always a great feeling receiving an award that’s voted for by the supporters whether that’s player of the month or player of the year.

“Parts of the season may have been a bit more difficult than we would’ve liked but I’d like to thank the fans for always being there and being behind the team every step of the way.”

Controversially, there was no in-person player of the year awards ceremony this season with the result announced online instead.