Chris Birchall signs until the end of the season

Chris Birchall has returned to Port Vale Football Club after signing a short-term deal until the end of 2012-13 season.

Birchall, 28, will no stranger to Vale supporters, after progressing through the youth team before making 78 appearances for the Valiants between 2001 and 2006. He has been training with Micky Adams’ men after leaving MLS side Columbus Crew in December.

Said Adams: “Chris is in good shape and he has a real passion to help Port Vale return to better times.

“He has also trained with us previously, which has already helped him fit into the squad. I know that Vale supporters will be looking forward to seeing him back in Burslem and we hope he can demonstrate some of the good form which made him such a fans’ favourite previously.”

The midfielder has also worked with the Vale boss before after Adams first signed him for Coventry City in 2006 and later, for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2009. After leaving the Seagulls, Birchall signed for LA Galaxy, where he played alongside the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donovan. He opted to stay Stateside last summer, signing for competitors Columbus Crew, before leaving at the end of 2012.

Added Birchall: “This is an exciting time for Port Vale and I’m pleased that Micky has given me the chance to sign for the club.

“Vale will always hold a special place in my heart and I’ve kept a close eye on the club’s fortunes since I left, even when I was playing in America. Hopefully, I can now play a part in changing those fortunes for the better moving forward.”

During his previous spell at Port Vale, Birchall became a hero in Trinidad & Tobago when he helped the Soca Warriors qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Birchall, who qualified to play for the Caribbean side as his mother was born in Port of Spain, made 39 appearances for the national side.

Please note that this signing is subject to the receipt of International Clearance from the United States