Port Vale Football Club can confirm that Mal Benning has left the club and has joined Shrewsbury Town.
The 29-year-old defender joined the club in July 2021 from Mansfield Town and played 80 times for the Valiants.
Mal wrote himself into Port Vale folklore after getting on the end of David Worrall’s cross and producing a sublime finish in the 2021/22 Play-Off Final against his former club.
Port Vale Football Club Director of Football, David Flitcroft said:
“Firstly, as a board we would like to thank Mal for the time he has spent at the club, his contribution to our promotion season was outstanding. Mal has been an consummate professional since the day he arrived and has been fantastic to have in and around Vale Park.
“Mal triggered an extension on his previous deal that would’ve seen him stay at Port Vale for an extra season.
“However, after numerous conversations, it became apparent that due to the the summer recruitment and the emergence of our younger players from the academy, Mal wouldn’t get the regular game time that he would hope for and that a move away from Vale Park would be in his best interest.
“Having worked with Mal previously and personally knowing him as a player and person Mal will know he doesn’t leave here with the door closed, he and his family will always be welcome back and we wish him nothing but the best for his future career.”
The club would like to thank Mal for his service to the club and would like to wish him the best of luck for his future.