Plant, 18, will commence his first professional contract with the Valiants in the 2023/24 season.
- James Plant agrees first professional contract with Port Vale
- Port Vale forward made his first league start this month in League One clash at Ipswich Town
- David Flitcroft: “James’ ability, attitude, character and commitment to getting better is outstanding and is now a benchmark for all players who come through the academy to endeavour to earn a professional contract.”
Port Vale Football Club is delighted to confirm that young forward James Plant has agreed to sign his first professional contract with the club.
Subject to EFL and FA clearance, Plant’s contract will commence in the summer of 2023, which will complete an excellent 12 months for the Werrington-based youngster.
Plant made three appearances in the Papa Johns Trophy in the early stages of the campaign before helping the Valiants’ Under 18s to progress to the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in ten years.
Impressive loan spells at Nantwich Town and Salisbury preceded Plant’s league debut for the Valiants against Oxford United in April, before he shone on his first League One start at Ipswich Town earlier this month.
Speaking about the club rewarding Plant with his first professional contract, Port Vale’s director of football David Flitcroft said:
“We are delighted to have agreed a first professional contract with James; he represents the future and the direction of our academy moving forward,” Flitcroft explained.
“Will Ryder and his incredibly committed team are building an outstanding academy, where players are developing daily and joining the first team environment with a readiness and belief that they can make a positive impression.
“James has been in and around the first team group for a period of time, having been involved since pre-season. He has had two successful loans as part of that development, which I think is really important for the growth of young players and James’ experience is an example for others to follow.
“His ability, attitude, character and commitment to getting better is outstanding and is now a benchmark for all players who come through the academy to endeavour to earn a professional contract.”