Port Vale youngster Rhys Walters says he’s “enjoyed” playing for the club again and his goal is to earn promotion back to League One.
Walters signed a long-term contract earlier this season and has broken into the first-team in recent weeks. It’s a far cry from the start of the season when the player was involved in lengthy contract negotiations and then picked up an injury. At that point, his future at the club looked in some doubt.
Talking of his return he said: “The gaffer’s given me that opportunity and I’d like to think I’ve taken it. I’ve enjoyed it.”
Walters heaped praise on his teammates adding: “They’re really nice lads and I really learnt a lot from them either playing alongside them or in training as well. The senior lads – they’re just really helpful.”
On his protracted contract negotiations Walters said: “It’s quite a stressful situation I’ve been through but I think the main thing is I’m back here and I just want to help Port Vale get back into League One. It’s frustrating to be out for that length of time but everyone’s welcomed me with open arms.”
The midfielder has now made 26 senior appearances for the club and is in line to make his 27th when the Valiants take on Morecambe at the weekend.

Good luck to the lad, he gives the squad another midfield option. I was pleased when the club resigned him. He genuinely wants to play for the Vale, and that’s so important with all signings.
The lads doing very well since his return, a lot better than we could have hoped for. Sadly there’s not a lot of loyalty in football nowadays and if Norwich or anyone else had offered him a better contract he wouldn’t be here. Let’s just hope it turns out well for both club and player. I just wish Moore would show the same belief and loyalty in Chislett.