It’s only been 48 hours but Vale have moved swiftly to release their “Retained List” for the forthcoming 2024/25 season. Given the fact there are sixteen professionals still under contract for the forthcoming season with four academy players offered first year pro deals, its seems that there won’t be much scope for significant changes with Manager Darren Moore’s Squad, him likely needing to move players on before bringing in fresh faces to the Club.
After a quick review of the list, I’ve come up with the following thoughts,
- Continuity and Stability: Retaining key first-team players like Ethan Chislett, Ben Garrity, and Connor Ripley provides stability. Their familiarity with the club’s style of play and their contributions will be crucial.
- Contract Negotiations: The ongoing discussions with players like Uche Ikpeazu and Rhys Walters will determine the squad’s strength in depth. If they sign renewed terms, one would suspect they would be on a reduced rate so might free up funds if they choose to remain (or indeed leave) the Club. I’m acutely aware though it’s also asking of lot of former youth team players (in the case of Walters) to turn the fortunes around on their own.
- Academy Graduates: The promotion of academy talents such as Andrew Buah, Arron Davies, and Jack Shorrock to first-year pro contracts could inject fresh energy. These young players may surprise us with their performances.
- Departures: Farewells to players like Jayson Leutwiler, James Wilson and Gavin Massey create opportunities for others. It’s a chance for new faces to step up and make their mark.
- Loan Players: The return of loaned players like Dan Gore, Kacper Lopata, Alex Mighten, and Jensen Weir will allow for a change of philosophy with regard to the loan market. Whilst Vale might want to continue to foster younger talent, to survive in League Two they will need a lot more grit and determination than shown this season.
- Managerial Decisions: The coaching staff’s strategies, tactical adjustments, and player rotations will shape the team’s fortunes. Fans will hope for much more effective game plans and positive results in 2024/25.
In summary, Port Vale FC’s prospects hinge on a delicate balance between continuity, youth development, and smart recruitment. As the new season approaches, supporters eagerly await to see what the Summer Transfer Window will bring, now is the time for Vale to turn their fortunes around!
Vale’s Full Retained List
Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Port Vale Football Club can
confirm the retained list, with the club currently in conversation with several
first-team and academy players and their representatives.
The following first-team players remain contracted to Port Vale FC beyond June 2024:
Ethan Chislett
Mitch Clark
Jesse Debrah
Baylee Dipepa
Ben Garrity
Conor Grant
Alex Iacovitti
Dan Jones
Ryan Loft
Ben Lomax
Jason Lowe
Funso Ojo
James Plant
Connor Ripley
Tom Sang
Nathan Smith
The following players are out of contract this summer but remain in conversation with the
club with regards to renewed terms:
Uche Ikpeazu
Rhys Walters
Deklan Wynne
The following academy players have been offered first year pro contracts:
Andrew Buah
Arron Davies
Jack Shorrock
Rhys Walters
The following players will be leaving Port Vale FC following the conclusion of their
contracts this summer:
Jayson Leutwiler
Gavin Massey
James Wilson
The following players currently on loan at Vale Park will return to their parent clubs at the end of their respective loan agreements this summer:
Dan Gore (Manchester United)
Kacper Lopata (Barnsley)
Alex Mighten (Nottingham Forest)
Jensen Weir (Brighton & Hove Albion)
We would like thank the players who will be leaving at their end of their contracts for their
contributions to the club and we wish them the very best for their future career.
