Defender's sole aim is promotion with the Vale

Vale’s new signing, Darren Purse, enjoyed his first day training with the club this morning and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“He said: “I’ve swapped a relegation battle, with Plymouth dropping into the bottom two after the result at the weekend, with a team that is pushing for automatic promotion,

“There is a massive difference between Port Vale and Plymouth, because Port Vale look like they are going to score goals.

“You look at the result at the weekend and you can’t get much better than that and it is obviously something that has drawn me to the club, the potential to get promotion this year is there for everyone to see.”

Darren was part of a Plymouth side that at one stage last season looked dead and buried, but the defender feels it was of of his big achievements in the game when the Pilgrims secured their place in the Football League.

“When I went to Plymouth they were really in the mire. I know it sounds weird, but it was probably one of the best things I have done in my career, staying up with Plymouth last year.

“When I joined them they were nine points away from safety and it was a magnificent achievement to avoid the drop.

“They are in a similar position again now and I will be keeping an eye on their results, but more important now is to concentrate on getting Port Vale promoted.”

So what can the Vale supporters expect from Darren Purse? “I am a no nonsense defender, that’s what people seem to portray me as. I can play a bit of football if I need to.

“I can organise people and try to motivate people as much as I can. It does exactly as it says on the tin with me really and hopefully the Port Vale fans will see that over the next few months.”