OYELEKE’S MOVE WAS GOOD FOR ALL PARTIES - CLARKE

DARRELL Clarke says Manny Oyeleke’s surprise departure was a good opportunity for player and club. The 28-year-old midfielder has made a £10,000 switch to Chesterfield, who have been busy ahead of the National League transfer deadline of April 22.

Oyeleke had an injury-hit time in Burslem and was out of contract in the summer – but had started all the games in Vale’s current sixmatch winning run. He made his Chesterfield debut in a 0-0 draw with Boreham Wood on Tuesday. “I’ve only got high praise for Manny as a lad,” said Clarke, who heads to Carlisle today (12.30pm). “I assessed him, as I did every other individual, when I came to the club and he’s been outstanding with his effort and commitment in training and in games. He’s played a big part in that run.

“With his contract coming up at the end of the season, we’d got an offer in and it was only right that the club accepted that and put it to Manny. “By his own admission he’d have liked to have been on the pitch a lot more while he was here. He’s suffered injuries and it’s unfortunate he didn’t get the game time. “When you put the two together, it was a good opportunity for Manny and a good opportunity for the club for him to move on.”

Vale have this week tied winger Alex Hurst to a two-year deal too. Clarke said: “There’s always ongoing discussions when it comes to recruitment and re-signing players. “What I will say is that Hursty has been in negotiations for quite a while. We’re pleased to get it over the line.

“Until we get clarification from the EFL of the squad size and the capabilities and financials, it’s very hard to be planning too far ahead. Decisions on players will be made at the end of the season.

“As I’ve said to the players, they’ve had every opportunity to impress me since I walked through the door. “Yes, the team has been pretty settled in the last six games, but training has been sharp.”