VALE OF CHEERS
Luke Hannant is excited to link up with Neil Aspin again at Port Vale
LUKE Hannant says reuniting with his old Gateshead boss Neil Aspin at Port Vale can help his quest to show he’s got what it takes to make the Football League grade.
The 24-year-old has landed an 18-month deal with the League Two side after impressing for National League Heed this season.
The FLP revealed earlier this month that Vale were one of a handful of EFL clubs chasing the versatile midfielder’s signature – and Aspin has won the race.
“It’s made it easy to settle in knowing I’ve played under the manager before at Gateshead,” Hannant told The FLP. “We both know how each other works so I’m happy to be playing under him again.
Faith
“I played well under him at Gateshead and he said I was always in his mind to bring through. He’s put his faith in me so now I’ve got the opportunity to repay him and prove to everyone I can play at this level.”
Hannant’s rise has been rapid with the former Cambridge United youngster playing in English football’s tenth tier just two seasons ago.
He cut his teeth in the Northern League Division Two for Team Northumbria while studying for a sports science degree at Northumbria University.
There he was spotted by Aspin who gave him a trial at Gateshead before signing him at the start of last season. He spent time on loan at South Shields last season and has gone on to become an important player in Gateshead’s side.
He signed off his career there with the winning goal in their midweek FA Trophy victory at Boreham Wood and says Non-League has prepared him for his next challenge.
Challenge
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “I’ve been aiming to get to the Football League since I was 18 and it’s finally done – I can’t wait.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind that I would have a good chance of getting there if I worked hard but I never took it for granted. I had my time out at Uni and then thought I’ve got one opportunity left so I gave it my all. The time playing Non-League football has been important.
“I wasn’t ready at 18, I didn’t think I was ready to progress so coming away and getting first team appearances in NonLeague has built me up to go into the Football League with a bit more confidence and experience than I would have had.”