The Valiants have confirmed that Mitch Clark has agreed to join the club, subject to FA and EFL Approval.
The 24-year-old is no stranger to the Valiants having spent three separate loan spells with the club but is now a permanent member of Andy Crosby’s playing squad.
Most recently Clark has spent time in the North West, where he was ever-present in Accrington Stanley’s squad making 76 appearances in all competitions over two seasons, getting him valuable experience at League One level.
Commenting on Mitch’s arrival, Manager Andy Crosby said:
“Vale fans will be well aware of what Mitch can offer to our squad and since he was last here at Vale Park, he has had two years of valuable experience in this league with Accrington Stanley where he has adjusted to and shown he is more than capable of dealing with the demands at this level.
“I’m going to support Mitch, like all our players both on and off the pitch, and I look forward to him taking responsibility for his continued growth and development. We also have some amazing role models at our club who he can lean on for advice and guidance.”
Director of Football, David Flitcroft said:
“Mitch is a player we have been monitoring since January and when the season finished, we started to close in on making him a permanent signing.
“There have been lengthy negotiations going on, Mitch has also had personal issues to address. We’re happy to confirm that these have now all been dealt with and we have a positive outcome.
“Technically, Mitch has learned his trade at two outstanding Premier League environments and had good learning experiences with us here at Vale.
“His numbers and data last season at Accrington Stanley were excellent and were a big factor in us wanting to recruit him. He is at a great age, wants to improve and get better, has unreal drive and commitment in wanting to defend and attack in equal measure.
“His honesty in handling and dealing with the gambling issue surrounding him was absolutely immense, as a club we understand that people make mistakes and if they are accountable and take ownership, we support and work with them on making a potential weakness a strength.
“The new learning and high-performing environment being created on the training ground and around the club will help Mitch to have total focus on all aspects of his game.”
