Dodds, Birchall, Johnson and Morris commit futures

Port Vale Football Club has announced that four players have signed new deals with the club ahead of the League One campaign

The Vale quartet made up of Louis Dodds, Chris Birchall, Sam Johnson and Tom Morris have all committed their futures to the club by signing contracts.

Attacker Dodds and goalkeeper Johnson have signed new two-year contracts while midfielder Birchall and first-year professional Morris have signed one-year deals.

The Vale foursome follow in the footsteps of defender Daniel Jones who penned a new two-year deal with the Valiants last week.

Manager Micky Adams said: “Preparations are continuing in earnest for the new campaign and I’m really pleased that all four players have decided to commit their immediate futures to Port Vale Football Club.”

The Vale boss believes Dodds, who agreed terms last week will be an integral part of next season after the attacker played a vital role in helping Vale secure promotion.

“Louis has been an integral part of the squad, both on and off the pitch, for a number of seasons and I’m certain that he will continue to make a positive contribution to the team in League One,” said Micky.

Birchall who re-joined the club from spells in America playing for LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew will be excited to be playing for his home-club according to the Vale boss.

Micky added: “I’ve been impressed with Chris’ attitude since he returned to the club in January and anyone who has seen him play will know how hard he has worked and the impact he has made on the team. I know that for Chris, it still feels like coming home and I’m sure he will be excited about the new campaign.”

Young goalkeeper Sam Johnson has signed a two-year contract with the club and Micky believes under the guidance of Mark Grew he can reach his potential.

Micky said: “Sam had another good season for us and impressed in the fixtures he played in. He is a young player with a lot of potential. I know that under the guidance of Mark Grew, he will be looking to further that development this season and hopefully push Chris Neal.”

Left-back Morris has signed his first professional contract and Micky believes the Stafford-born player will be going all-out to impress this coming season.

He added: “For Tom, this is the first step in his professional career and I know he will be going all out to make a positive impression. He has earned his professional contract and I wish him well as he steps onto the first rung of the ladder.”