Striker James Wilson extends stay with Port Vale

Striker James Wilson has agreed a short-term deal with Port Vale FC after training with the club in recent weeks.

Wilson originally left the club in the summer after failing to agree terms but in an apparent u-turn the club announced he was training with the side and he has now agreed a new, unspecified length, deal.

The locally-born striker was signed in the summer of 2021 and his quality was soon apparent although the first-half of his debut season was beset by injury issues. However, the striker came back to hit top form in the closing stages of the season. He then starred in the club’s successful play-off campaign, scoring in both legs against Swindon Town in the semi-finals and again at Wembley as the Valiants went up to League One. However, last season Wilson was again hit with injuries which saw him score just four times. He was offered a new deal at the end of the season but initially turned it down and “left” the club before returning to join in training several weeks later.

Wilson’s signature means that Vale’s forward options are boosted with Wilson joining Ellis Harrison and loanee Josh Thomas as a striking option.

Manager Andy Crosby commented on the deal saying: “James has shown on numerous occasions at Port Vale his undoubted qualities and I firmly believe there is much more to come from Willo and it’s my job and the coaches and other staff in various depart to help him maximise his availability and undoubted potential.”

Wilson has been handed the number 29 shirt for the new season.