The Valiants have given one-year deals to 18-year-olds Luke Dennis, Mike Calveley and Charlie Walford after all three impressed in the youth and reserves last season.

Their deals mean the Valiants have nine home-grown players in their senior squad, a figure which also includes keepers Ryan Boot and Joe Slinn, defenders James Gibbons and Nathan Smith, midfielder Billy Reeves and striker Dan Turner.

Centre half Dennis, left back Walford and midfielder Calveley could go on loan before they get a chance in the Vale first team but Ede says all three are bright prospects.

He explained: "Luke is a very calm defender who doesn't get rattled by anything. He also has a lot of pace. In fact he was one of the quickest in the youth team which is great for that position. When Bruno Ribeiro was here he was involved in the squad and played for the reserve team throughout the season and did very well, as he did for the youth team. He is a very calm footballer. "

"Charlie has a lot of skill, has very good work rate throughout and is a free kick specialist. He is a modern day full back who is very good going forward but he has improved dramatically on the defensive side of his game."

Port Vale left back Charlie Walford

Calveley's deal was no surprise because he was named the club's youth team player of the season at last month's end of season awards.

Ede added: "Mike is a central midfielder who is very strong, a good runner breaks play down from the opposition and gets us going. He was lynchpin in the youth team last year which is why he won that award."

The new professionals join goalkeeper Slinn who was in the same year group in the youth team but awarded a professional deal during last season.

The Valiants could look to get the first year professionals out on loan early next season, although that will depend on each player's development. If Vale feel they need to mainly improve technically then they are more likely to stay and play in the reserves. But if they need to improve physically then the Valiants will try to get them on loan playing regular games in non-league.

Read more at http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/meet-port-vale-s-new-professionals-charlie-walford-luke-dennis-and-mike-calveley/story-30380524-detail/story.html#L1ZCvXZCUots6twF.99

Article by Mike Baggaley, June 10th 2017