Owen Completes U-Turn To Sign For Vale

Gareth Owen has re-signed for Port Vale after a week of speculation. The Vale defender was due to pen a two year contract at Gresty Road on Thursday morning before a last minute change of mind scuppered the deal.

Owen was the one who originally initiated the move as he became disillusioned at Vale Park but, days after telling the media his Vale career was over and nothing could change his mind, the re-appointment of Micky Adams seems to have, well, changed Owen's mind.

It's major u-turn for the former Stoke City youngster who on Tuesday told BBC Radio Stoke that his decision was set in stone and he was all set to join the Alex. Speaking on Tuesday evening Owen said:

'It's ifs, buts and maybes. If Micky Adams came in, would that change again when the EGM comes along? It won't really affect my decision. I've already said I'm going to leave so I think that's set in stone now.

'It'd be a weak man to go back on his word. I've already told them that I want to leave, to go back and say no I think would be poor on my part.

'I don't think it's fair to keep messing people around. I said I would be turning down a contract and that I would be leaving, I don't see that changing.'

Thankfully though it's a lucky escape for the Alex from a player who clearly never had his heart set on a move to Gresty Road and one could argue a case of ourselves being pawns in contract negotiations at Vale Park.

Dario, meanwhile, will turn his attention to his original transfer targets this summer with a new centre back and striker still top of his wish list.

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