Young Port Vale defender signs first pro deal
Teenage defender Ben Lomax has joined teammate Baylee Dipepa in signing his first professional contract with the club.
Lomax was plucked from the youth ranks to make an impressive full debut against Wrexham in the Football League Trophy and also impressed on his full League debut – a 3-0 win over Blackpool.
The 18 year-old, who can play as wingback or in the back three, has joined striker Baylee Dipepa in signed a contract until 2026 with the club.
Manager Andy Crosby told the official Port Vale website: “I am delighted for Ben. Through his hard work, incredible attitude and performances on the pitch, he has thoroughly earned his first professional deal.
“With the way that he has conducted and applied himself since being in and around the First Team over the past few months, Ben has become a leading example of what can be achieved through hard work and an undying will to improve to all age groups within the Academy.”
The Valiants now have five graduates from the youth ranks on professional contracts – captain Nathan Smith, James Plant, Tommy McDermott, Baylee Dipepa and Lomax. Meanwhile, several other youth teamers – Jack Shorrock, Liam Brazier, Andrew Bauh, Rhys Walters and Logan Cousins have made first-team appearances.