Ex-valiant Hardcastle is forced to bring end to his football career

FORMER Vale midfielder Lewis Hardcastle has been forced to retire from the game, aged just 22, because of a heart condition.

Hardcastle played nine games for the Vale on loan from Blackburn Rovers during the 2018/19 season. He moved on to Barrow but became ill in a game at Salford five weeks ago and the issue was discovered.

Barrow issued a statement: “Following the diagnosis of his condition, Lewis underwent a procedure to treat it.

“However, after further consultations with cardiologists, he has received medical advice which has, devastatingly, left him unable to continue his career.”

Barrow add: “The club is doing everything it can to support Lewis and his family at this difficult time and further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.”

Hardcastle played 69 games in total for Barrow, including captaining the side, and helped them to promotion back to the Football League by winning the National League title last season. The midfielder was brought to Port Vale by Neil Aspin at the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

· LEFT-BACK David Fitzpatrick is getting closer to match fitness.

Boss Darrell Clarke was asked about the defender at his pre-match press conference, and said: “Fitz had a slight setback. He is back on the grass today. Sometimes, when you say to fans he is back on the grass everybody thinks he is back training. But he is back on the grass doing light work. “So, hopefully not too long for Fitz.”

· THE latest edition of Vale fanzine Derek I’m Gutted!!! is now on sale. Issue number 103 is available from High Lane News in Burslem but also through mail order. To get a copy, contact editor Andy Mccormack at 29 Wade Street , Burslem ST6 1HR. Fanzine price is £1 but add either an extra £1 or a stamp to cover postage.

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