Port Vale have already made their first summer transfer move – grabbing experienced left-winger Ronan Curtis on a free transfer – but will need to reject any bids for four current players if they are to bounce back to League One at the first time of asking.
taking a look at the four players who performed admirably despite Vale’s relegation last term, explaining why there will be an expectation that they will attract interest in the coming transfer window.
Ethan Chislett
The South-African born midfielder was a rare transfer success story for Port Vale last season.
Playing just behind the striker, Chislett got off to a great start in Burslem, scoring twice in a first round Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood, the first a sumptuous hit from the edge of the box and the second a header to win the match as Vale came from behind to win.
Chislett played in 54 games in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, despite suffering a few minor injuries and being temporarily benched when Darren Moore took Andy Crosby’s position.
Chislett experienced relegation during his tenure at AFC Wimbledon, but he chose to stay and had a great season in League Two in 2022–2023, scoring nearly the same amount of goals in 51 games.Before already-relegated Vale faced Cambridge, the playmaker gave give a quick update on his condition during a pre-game news conference. “As for this season, hitting double figures doesn’t just come from you on the pitch,” he said.
“The club has provided me with excellent attention. This season, both managers have looked after me personally, and I have a lot of
Chislett played in 54 games in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, despite suffering a few minor injuries and being temporarily benched when Darren Moore took Andy Crosby’s position.
Chislett experienced relegation during his tenure at AFC Wimbledon, but he chose to stay and had a great season in League Two in 2022–2023, scoring nearly the same amount of goals in 51 games.
Before already-relegated Vale faced Cambridge, the playmaker gave give a quick update on his condition during a pre-game news conference. “As for this season, hitting double figures doesn’t just come from you on the pitch,” he said.
“The club has provided me with excellent attention. This season, both managers have looked after me personally, and I have a lot of
Baylee Dipepa
While few Port Vale supporters could have claimed to know anything about Baylee Dipepa at this time last year, the 17-year-old had a breakthrough season in the second half of the previous league season.
The nine-year-old boy from the area scored three goals in League One, but it was his poise and self-assurance that stoked speculation that he was linked to Manchester United, one of the biggest teams in the Premier League.
After his incredible goal against Bristol Rovers gave the Valiants a fleeting chance to avoid relegation, he was named to the England under-17 team, becoming the only player from a club outside the top two divisions, just when supporters of the teenage sensation would have preferred the commotion surrounding their teenage sensation to die down.
Dipepa’s exploits continued for his country – to date, he has four goals in three games for the u17s.
Dipepa is committed to Port Vale through at least the summer of 2026, having only inked his first professional deal with the team in January. However, if his career trajectory continues at its current pace, Vale will likely have to contend with huge money and major teams for the young player.
Connor Ripley
The majority of Vale supporters would concur that the goals conceded column could have been far worse if it weren’t for Connor Ripley, despite the strange suggestion that a goalkeeper who allowed 74 goals in a team with the second-worst defense in League One is a significant player.
The former number one for Middlesbrough, Preston North End, and Morecambe was excellent in goal during the previous season and undoubtedly among the best in League One.
Ripley would be extremely difficult for Vale to replace this summer, but he will know that there are things to work on, such playing too far beyond his goal and what seems to be an uncomfortable on-field connection with center-back Nathan Smith.
He is also an authoritative
Due to these qualities, he is a desirable candidate for League One clubs, and his Championship experience might convince larger clubs to give him a chance.
He has a contract that expires after this season, much like other Vale players, so fans should anticipate that he will start a second season with the team barring a major offer.
Ben Garrity
Garrity was another who shone through the entirety of last season despite the team’s disappointing form – his no-nonsense and combative displays often the only shining light in a Vale team that in the most part lacked bite.
Speaking at the same press-conference as Chislett (above) though, he appeared to allay any fears that he might look to leave following relegation, saying: “The main aim is rebuilding and going again. We have had the highs of being promoted and it is the best feeling I have had in football but you probably have a lot more lows than highs.
The one drawback to Garrity is that he has been used in a number of roles by former managers Darrell Clarke and Andy Crosby, even starting as a striker on occasion, due to his propensity to play himself into exhaustion.
However, it appears like Darren Moore will give Garrity a significant part. Moore said, “I am going to change the club captain, yes,” when asked if he was considering replacing Nathan Smith as captain during a supporters’ club meeting. Both an off-field and an on-pitch captain will likely be present. Yes, that’s what we’re going to do.
Although he hasn’t said who will wear the armband the next season, Garrity seems like the front-runner.
But, Garrity, who has played consistently for Port Vale for three seasons in League One and Two, is expected to draw interest from parties. Throughout these campaigns, he has also been almost unavoidable, and at 27, he is perhaps approaching his prime.
With 140 games played and 25 goals for Vale, Moore needs to exert every effort to hold onto the former Blackpool player. To demonstrate to Vale supporters that the team means business, a new contract and the captaincy would be very beneficial.
Supporters were concerned about a lack of funding, but the last two men to commit to the Port Vale project, manager Moore and now Ronan Curtis, both signed lengthy contracts (three and five years).
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