RYAN'S TASTE FOR SUCCESS

SERIAL winner Ryan Croasdale says earning promotion with Port Vale is 'right up there' with his many other achievements in the game.

- Clive Youlton

The 30-year-old midfielder certainly knows how it feels to be part of a successful squad while he has suffered heartache too.

Croasdale played for AFC Fylde in a National League play-off defeat to Salford City in 2019 before returning to Wembley to help his club lift the FA Trophy.

In 2021, with Stockport County, the club finished third in the National League, losing in a play-off semi-final to Hartlepool.

Not to be deterred, Croasdale was a mainstay the following season as County became champions and were promoted to League Two.

In 2023, he helped Stockport get to the League Two play-off final where they lost on penalties to Carlisle after a 1-1 draw.

Then again, in 2024, Stockport were champions - this time of League Two - after which he signed for Vale.

It’s not surprising that Croasdale won accolades at the player of the year awards and he has helped Vale back to League One - a division he is yet to play in.