Byers return gave Valiants a timely mid-season boost

BSENT through injury more often than not, midfielder George Byers was happy to be back on the pitch contributing and admitted: “It's been a long time coming.”

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The midfielder came on as a second-half substitute against Accrington having played the final minute at Chesterfield.

Byers, below, told the club website: “It felt really good to be back out there and I got a good reception which was nice.

“Games like this will only strengthen that bond with the fans. We are all fighting to win games and that's what the supporters want to see.

“A team that's fighting to win games for their club. The lads are showing that.

“It means a lot to me to have a connection with the fanbase. It's special. I had it with Sheffield Wednesday and I now have it again and I thank the fans because it means so much, trust me.”

Meanwhile, Connor Ripley officially joined Swindon Town.

A statement on the club's website simply said: “We can confirm that Connor Ripley has joined Sky Bet League Two side, Swindon Town, on a permanent transfer. Connor, 31, joined the Valiants in the summer of 2023 upon the expiry of his contract with Morecambe and has gone on to make 79 appearances across all competitions, keeping 25 clean sheets throughout.

“The club would like to thank Connor for his time at Vale Park and wish him every success in his future career.”

Meanwhile, former Vale loanee Benicio Baker-Boaitey left Brighton and signed for Championship outfit Millwall in what was described as a “long-term contract.”