Midfielder needs three or four games to get match fitness

Chris Birchall has admitted it’s good to be back – and he can’t wait to play a role for this hometown club.

The midfielder came on for the last stages of yesterday’s win over Plymouth Argyle after signing a short-term deal with the club on Thursday for the remainder of the campaign.

“It was great for a team performance,” said Chris following the game. “We needed to get back to winning ways and the boys have done it.

“Me personally, I had 15 minutes but I need a good three or four games to get my own match fitness. The rest of the guys have done great. My last game was the end of October in America and I’ve been training for the last four or five weeks with Vale. It’s going to take me a little bit of time to increase my minutes but I’m looking forward to it and hopefully, we can carry on winning.

“It’s nice to be back in the fold and like the Chairman said, these are exciting times for the club and hopefully, there are a few more signings to come in.”

Although the 28-year-old has been training with the side since finishing his spell with MLS side Columbus Crew, he said a deal wasn’t on the table until the Christmas period.

“It only became apparent about a week ago. We were always laughing and joking about it and I think everyone knew that if I was performing well in training and the gaffer saw something he liked, then we would speak. Micky has always been good with me and we have a great relationship. Hopefully that can continue.

“My targets are to get my fitness back, play games and hopefully, bring some experience to the team. The squad has done unbelievably well and I think the gaffer is looking to bring in players who can help to get us over the finishing line. There are a lot of games to go – 20 games – but we have the calibre in the team. We know that we have a lot of work to do but the lads have done fantastically well so far.”