PORT Vale have extended defender Ritchie Sutton's contract until the end of the season, writes Michael Baggaley.

The 24-year-old Burslem-born centre-half joined the Valiants in the summer from Nantwich Town on a six-month deal which was due to run out next month.

However, manager Micky Adams has given the defender a longer deal after being impressed with his potential and attitude.

Sutton has only started three games this season, but has faced fierce competition to get into a defence which has kept 13 clean sheets in 25 games.

Adams said: "Ritchie deserves this contract extension. He has done well since coming out of non-league and has fitted in with the group.

"He is fitter now and we like what we see about him.

"I felt he had done enough to suggest he would be a good acquisition to the squad."

Sutton, who grew up supporting Vale, has lost around a stone in weight since joining Adams's squad.

He made his full league debut in the goalless home draw with Gillingham on October 16. He also came on for the final 20 minutes of Vale's 5-0 win at Stockport 10 days ago, but the form of centre-halves John McCombe and Gareth Owen mean Sutton is having to be patient.

Adams added: "Sometimes the hardest part of being a football manager is keeping everybody happy.

"But Ritchie is part of the squad and has shown when he has gone on the pitch that he is a good acquisition."

Meanwhile, Vale's home game with Stevenage, which was due to be played tomorrow, has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.

However, manager Adams and McCombe had the consolation of being nominated in the Football League's November honours.

Adams is in the running to win League Two manager of the month, while McCombe could get the player award when the decision is announced next week.

Not that Adams, who was named manager of the month for September, is getting too excited about the possibility of winning another award.

"I am not even thinking about it," he said.