Port Vale defender Richard Walker has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
Defender set for exit, while young striker agrees new deal
Port Vale defender Richard Walker has had his contract terminated by mutual consent after an injury-hit spell at the club.
Walker joined the League One strugglers in May 2006 but has made just 17 appearances since then and has not featured at all for over a year.
His absence from the side was caused by tendinitis in his knee which then required surgery, but instead of being downbeat about being released he is looking forward to making a fresh start at a new club.
Frustrating
"It has been a really frustrating 12 months for me, because it has never really gone away," Walker told Vale's
official website.
"I had surgery and it looks like it has been a success, but I then had a setback when I got an infection in it, but it was only superficial and it hasn't done any lasting damage.
"The chairman has been absolutely superb with me. It has been no fault of my own I have not been doing the business, but likewise, it is not his fault. I know in my mind what a good player I am when fully fit, and I don't think a lot of people here have seen that.
No resentment
"I have no resentment towards anyone at the club. Everything has been dealt with honestly and professionally. The club are allowing me to continue training with them until I regain 100 per cent match fitness, which I am confident is not too far off.
"I look forward to furthering my career elsewhere and wish the club every success in the future."
Lawrie deal
Vale also confirmed on Wednesday that James Lawrie has agreed a new two-and-a-half-year deal with the club.
The young striker had been attracting interest from a number of Premier League and Championship clubs but has rejected the opportunity to join a team at a higher level in order to remain at Vale Park.
"I am absolutely delighted with the deal," Lawrie told the club's
official website. "The manager is putting his faith in youngsters and obviously for myself, if I am doing well I will get my chance as well.
"There were a few clubs interested, which I was flattered about, but Port Vale is a club I like and would like to play for and develop from.
"I like the club and there is a good atmosphere at the club, although we are struggling, but I think I can learn a lot and push on. I have had a few injuries over the last few weeks, but hopefully I can push on now and take it from there.
"I will keep my head down and push on and help the club, whatever league we are going to be in."
