Midfielder happy after signing contract

Chris Birchall believes he owes Port Vale after signing a new one-year contract with the Valiants.

The former LA Galaxy midfielder is thankful to Vale for giving him the footballing education at the start of his career.

Birchall said: “I have been here for a long period of my career then went away for a bit but I feel like I owe the club a lot, they have helped me to get to where I am internationally.

“It’s nice to be back, financially and on the pitch everything is stable and we have gone up to a new division in League One and it is just an exciting time.”

The midfielder believes that exciting times lie ahead for Vale as life back in League One starts next season.

“It’s exiting there have been a lot of years when the club has been financially stricken really and a lot of dull times for the fans and not being able to get out of League Two,” said Birchall.

With a new contract and Vale ready and raring for League One, Birchall reckons the Valiants have nothing to worry about in League One and shouldn’t fear anybody.

He said: “The lads before I was here got off to a great start and in January the chairman came in and everything looked great and we carried on and got promoted.

“It is nice being in League One because you are just a stones throw away from a big league.”

Birchall added: “There are a lot of big teams in League One with the likes of Sheffield United, Coventry and Wolves.

“Hopefully we can do well against them and really not be frightened about being in this league because there really is not much to worry about.”

To watch the full extended interview with Chris Birchall please watch Valiant Player.

Birchall talks about:

-       - Playing with David Beckham

-       - His commitments with Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup.

-       - Tom Pope scoring exploits in League One.

-       - The atmosphere in Stoke following promotion.