Port Vale: Fraser delighted with captaincy honour

by Steve Shaw

PORT Vale midfielder Tommy Fraser has spoken of his delight at being named the club's new captain ... at the age of 21.

Fraser, a summer signing from Brighton, replaces 31-year-old Sam Stockley as club skipper while striker Marc Richards, aged 27, has been appointed vice-captain by boss Micky Adams.

The midfielder said "Being a captain at the age of 21 at a big club like Port Vale is a great achievement.

"As far as I'm concerned it's just an armband, though, because we've still got some great characters at the club and nothing in that sense will change.

"I hope to lead the team to a successful season. Some players thrive on things like this – and I'm certainly one of them."

"It's a nice confidence boost to know you're wanted at a club and that people appreciate you.

"I'm just looking forward to getting back fit and leading the team."

Fraser has yet to fully recover from ankle ligament damage and is likely to miss Saturday's League Two opener against Rochdale at Vale Park.

His promotion represents a huge show of faith from Adams, who previously coached him during his 10-month managerial stint at Brighton between May 2008 and February 2009.

Fraser beat competition from more experienced campaigners, including Stockley, Richards and former Stockport captain, 26-year-old Gareth Owen, to land the role.

However, Fraser is not without pedigree, having already amassed 102 senior appearances at League One level – and was captain of the club's youth team.

But while Fraser is more than qualified to lead Adams's troops this season, he will be able to call on trusted confidantes should he ever need advice.

"I've played a lot of games at a higher level than this. I've been in the game for three or four years and I've seen and learned a lot of things," Fraser added.

"These boys around me, the likes of Gareth Owen, Rico and Stocks, they are going to help me a great deal.

"I've also got people back home such as Nicky Forster (Brighton striker) who I speak to a lot and Dean Hammond, whose a very good mate, and he's captain at Colchester United. So if ever I need any advice I've got good people around me."

VALE midfielder Ross Davidson has agreed to join Stafford Rangers on a month's loan. The 18-year-old will move to Marston Road on Saturday.