Port Vale have officially confirmed the signing of Adam Crookes on a two-year deal after the defender was released by Nottingham Forest. The 21-year-old recently announced his departure from the City Ground after 13 years and said he was “excited” over what’s to come next.
The time has come to move on after 13 years at @NFFC. Big thanks to all the staff and players who have helped me to develop as a person and a footballer along the way. Excited for what’s next… pic.twitter.com/ahAzy6uDl4
— Adam Crookes (@adamcrookes97) May 30, 2019
Mitch Clark, who was recently on loan at Port Vale, replied to the tweet and said: “Good luck bro hopefully see you soon” which inferred that Crookes would join him at Vale Park this summer. That’s now been confirmed by the club, meaning the pair may be renewing acquaintances if Clark joins permanently.
Vale manager Josh Askey made it clear he would like to sign the defender after Crookes’ successful loan spell last season, and the player’s agent admitted that the Valiants were Crookes’ preferred choice. The 21-year-old made 19 appearances for Vale last season, playing at left-back and centre-back.
He struggled for opportunities at Forest, failing to make a single first-team appearance after rising through the youth ranks, but he could now make a name for himself at Vale Park. The Valiants finished 20th in League Two last season with 49 points from 46 games.
Only seven clubs boasted a better defensive record than Vale (55) and only five clubs picked up more clean sheets (15).
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Martin O’Neill should sell Nottingham Forest striker
