Port Vale: New signings will be crucial in promotion push, says Chris Birchall

CHRIS Birchall says Port Vale's transfer window signings will have a crucial role to play in the club's push for promotion form League Two.

The Vale old boy became Micky Adams' first January recruit last week, the arrival of defender Darren Purse was announced during Saturday's 4-0 trouncing of Plymouth, while club chairman Paul Wildes last night Tweeted news of another arrival due to be unveiled tomorrow.

• GALLERY: Match Action: Port Vale 4 Plymouth Argyle 0

Birchall made his second Vale debut when he came off the bench against Plymouth.

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The victory kept Vale just two points off top spot in League Two ahead of this weekend's crucial clash with leaders Gillingham.

Centre-half Purse, aged 35, will officially become a Vale player today after leaving Plymouth by mutual consent.

Vale boss Adams revealed he is also in discussions to extend the loan deal of another centre-back, Liam Chilvers, which could pave the way for the exit of Gareth Owen.

Adams, pictured below, says there are more "irons in the fire" too, and Birchall reckons that is good news for all involved. He said: "Darren's had a great career and he's a leader. He's going to be a great acquisition, not just on the pitch but off ot too

"That's what the gaffer is looking for – people like that to come into the team and not just to perform on the pitch, but help the lads with their experience to make sure we achieve promotion this year.

"The team have done unbelievably well so far this season and now I think the gaffer is trying to bring in a couple or a few players to help the club over the finishing line.

"There are still 20 games to go, but we've got calibre in the team. It looks good, but there is still a lot of work to do."

Purse did not feature for either side as Vale ran riot against Plymouth.

Jennison Myrie-Williams and Ben Williamson grabbed a goal apiece while Tom Pope also netted a brace to take his personal tally for the season up to 25.

In doing so, he became Vale's quickest player to reach the landmark, beating a marker laid down by Wilf Kirkham during the club's 1925/26 campaign.

Adams said: "Darren is an experienced player who knows the job and he is a leader.

"It is my opinion that he kept Plymouth in the division last year with his leadership qualities, so I think it's a decent signing coming here until the end of the season.

"He's vocal. We're not a particularly vocal side, so it's a quality I need hopefully to take us forward.

"We've got other irons in the fire as well. I've had fantastic talks with the new chairman (Paul Wildes) and (chief executive) Norman Smurthwaite, and we are all in agreement that we are in a fantastic position at this moment in time and want to take it forward if we possibly can. If we need to add more faces then we will do so."