PLANNING STARTS FOR VALE

Valjants bid farewell to senior players as they look to revamp squad for League One challenge

- Clive Youlton

THE headline departure was Nathan Smith but other key players have been released by Port Vale as confirmed on the club’s retained list.

A whole host of the squad are still contracted beyond this summer but others have played their last game for the Burslem outfit.

Joining Smith in leaving Vale Park are Tom Sang, Ethan Chislett, Rekeem Harper and Jason Lowe - all of whom played their part in helping the club secure an instant return to League One this season.

Andrew Buah, Dan Jones and Diamond Edwards have also been released.

The club have confirmed they are in contract talks with Mitch Clark over a new deal and fans will be hoping that gets over the line.

Meanwhile, the club have opted to extend the contracts of young player of the season, Kyle John, defender Jesse Debrah, and academy goalkeeper Arron Davies.