Patience sees Askey land his target Mills
ZAK Mills has signed a one-year contract at Port Vale, the 28-yearold defender becoming the club’s second new signing of the summer following the arrival of striker Devante Rodney.
So, here’s what we know about the new arrival.
BEST POSITION
He’s primarily a right-back, but can play all across the back four or in midfield if needed.
HE GAINED EXPERIENCE IN NON-LEAGUE
He played for Histon before joining Boston in 2014. He’d been in Boston’s youth system, returned to play for the first team and spent two years there before getting his break in the Football League with Grimsby Town.
SIGNS FOR GRIMSBY IN 2016
He made 58 league appearances with Grimsby over two years.
He had to compete with the more experienced Ben Davies for the right-back spot, but still gained valuable league experience.
In fact, when he was released in 2018, The Grimsby Telegraph reported: “Mills’ release proved to be one of the biggest surprises upon the announcement of the club’s retained list, with many fans expecting him to be offered a new deal upon the expiration of his previous contract.”
MORECAMBE
He stayed in League Two with Morecambe.
Upon completing the deal, the then
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley said: “Zak has a non-league background and is very hungry and focused.
“He is a player we’ve always been impressed with in the past when we’ve seen him play or played against us.
“He’s a good athlete, decent defender and has a couple of years’ experience playing at League Two. He is a right-back, but we’ve actually seen him play left-back and centre midfield which always helps.
“We see him as a player who can get even better and hopefully he’ll do that.”
He lived up to his potential in his 12 months at Morecambe – winning the supporters’ player of the year award.
OLDHAM
He was in demand in the summer of 2019. In fact, John Askey tried to bring him to Vale but missed out to Oldham.
Mills only went on to start 19 league games for the Latics, but Askey feels that was because they were trying to develop a younger player in his position.
So, the Vale boss was delighted to get his man this time around.
WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE JAMES GIBBONS?
With competition for his place. The signing of Mills isn’t a snub towards Gibbons, but Askey had long made clear he was looking to bring in competition. In fact, Askey sees Gibbons as a player who could potentially go on to play at a higher level.
WHAT ABOUT MITCH CLARK?
Never say never with that one, but a deal isn’t imminent and now Vale have other priorities.
Vale could have been waiting for some time - maybe even until January - while Leicester decided on whether Clark should go out on loan higher than League Two. In the meantime, Askey would have missed out on Mills. The deal was also better for the budget than potentially paying all Clark’s Leicester wages to get him on loan.
WHAT DO VALE SAY?
He knows this level, and it gives us good competition for young James (Gibbons) who will need that,” assistant manager Dave Kevan told the club’s website.
“He’s a good footballer and he likes to join in going forward, we’re looking forward to working with him.”
“He’s come in as a right-back first and foremost but if we need him to play in another position, he’ll be available for that role.”
WHAT DOES ZAK MILLS SAY?
He told the club’s website: “It has been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks so it is good to get it sorted and signed.
“Bar up front there are not many places I can’t do a job.
“That comes in handy towards the end of the season when there are niggles. I can fill in most places, all the way across the back and get in midfield if needs be.
“But primarily if I can stay at right-back I prefer it.”