Taken from our matchday programme against Shrewsbury Town, we caught up with our number seven, Mitch Clark. For more exclusive interviews like this one, be sure to pick up your copy of "The Valiants" available from all kiosks, our Club Store and online for just £3.
Mitch, first of all, thanks for joining us. You’re currently in your third spell with the Vale, talk us through how you felt re-joining the club and how this season has been for you so far.
“Yeah, first of all joining the club again is unbelievable, I think I’d say this is home for me now.
“The season for me so far that though has been disappointing with the majority of it coming from me having a knee surgery leaving me without 4-5 months of football.”
Speaking of your injury, you recently made your comeback after quite a lengthy lay-off. Quite simply, how are you doing?
“I’m doing really well! I’ve come back a lot earlier than expected but not too early to be concerned.
“Rehab has been really good from the very first minute I come out of surgery. I’m now just looking forward to hopefully getting minutes between now and the end of the season.”
Your injury was one that kept you on the injury table for quite a while. Talk to us about how the club supported you through that rehabilitation process because it can be quite a lonely process for a player.
“I couldn’t thank the club enough during my time while being injured. To the Owners, the Manager, the players and the medical team.
“I had to have a bit of time at home with me having major surgery on my knee which left me bed bound for a while. So that was a hard time for me, but everyone was constantly in contact making sure everything was okay etc.
“I have to say Mike Hine gets a big shout out. While I’ve been in rehab, he’s been great. He also knows I’m quite up and down with my moods and he’s handled that really well! Haha.”
As we touched on, you’re in your third spell with the club and throughout that time, you’d have seen the club evolve. Just talk to us about the differences you’ve seen in the club since your original loan with the Vale.
“The difference is stupidly crazy how far this club has come, and it deserves nothing but the best by the way.
“It’s a great club with great fans. This club, these fans are why I came back to the Vale.”
This past month saw Darren Moore brought into the club as Manager. How have you found working with the Gaffer and the new coaching team?
“The gaffer hasn’t been here long, but he has made it clear what he wants from us as a group and it’s up to us to do that!
“He’s been great though, very good with the lads. You know if you need to speak to him regarding anything, his door is open, and he will certainly be honest. Which is great.”
Who was your footballing idol growing up?
“Supporting Newcastle United when I was younger, I always looked up to Shearer, being the club legend and everything. Shame I can’t score like him though!”
How does Mitch Clark like to relax away from football?
“I like to play golf when I’m off or believe it or not, I like to watch cricket when it’s on.”
Finally, what is your message to the Port Vale supporters for the remainder of the season?
“Actions speak louder than words. See you all soon. UTV!”