3rd May 2023

Darrell Clarke made many signings during a two and half year spell with the club – these are our pick as his five finest additions.

This is a personal choice. If you don’t agree or think OVF has missed an obvious contender out then – let us know your thoughts and post a comment at the bottom of the article…

Darrell Clarke Port Vale signings – five of the best

James Wilson

In terms of match-winning talent, the striker has to be top of the list even if his appearances have been restricted by injury. After a slow scoring start to the 2021-22 season, his run of fine form in the closing weeks was arguably crucial to Vale making the play-offs. He also starred in the League Two play-off games, netting a goal in all three as Vale were promoted to League One.

Connor Hall

James Wilson played a key role in the closing weeks of the 2022 promotion – Hall arguably was the catalyst at the start of the year. His signing from Harrogate added resiliance on the left side of the back three along with the ability to support attacks further up the pitch. His switch to Colchester United in January 2023 showed his worth as Vale’s defence looked a shadow of itself in Hall’s absence.

Tom Pett

While Hall and Wilson had an impact at crucial times, the ever consistent midfielder Tom Pett showed his often unsung worth through the whole season. A step up in quality on previous defensive midfielders, the experienced campaigner slipped seamlessly into central midfield and kept up his performance levels in both League Two and League One. Often overshadowed by more eye catching players, his worth to the Vale side is huge.

Ben Garrity

While Hall, Wilson and Pett were relatively well known lower league players, Ben Garrity was a pretty unknown quantity when he came to Vale Park in the summer of 2021. Fans at Oldham, where he’d been on loan, had been unimpressed by the Scouser but it turned out to be a different story in Burslem. Garrity was arguably the find of the season, adding lung-busting runs, constant workrate and a goal threat to the Vale midfield.

Ellis Harrison

Praise has been less forthcoming for Vale’s 2022-23 additions but we would argue that the addition of Ellis Harrison played a key role in keeping the club in League One. Well-known to Clarke and a proven goal threat when fit, Harrison boosted an injury-hit frontline and ended as the season’s top scorer with eleven goals.