Chesterfield sign Port Vale midfielder Manny Oyeleke

Chesterfield have signed midfielder Manny Oyeleke from Port Vale on a two-year deal.
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The 28-year-old, who was set to be out of contract in the summer, has joined on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

The Blues have paid a small fee for him now to help with their promotion push this season rather than wait until the summer for him to become a free agent.

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The Spireites’ chief scout, Paul Lemon, watched Oyeleke start Vale’s match against Morecambe last Saturday.

Manny Oyeleke has signed for Chesterfield from Port Vale.Manny Oyeleke has signed for Chesterfield from Port Vale.
Manny Oyeleke has signed for Chesterfield from Port Vale.

The central midfielder has worked with boss James Rowe before at Aldershot Town when he was assistant manager at the Shots.

On working with Rowe, Oyeeke said: “I enjoyed two good years with him. I know all that he’s about and the type of football he wants to play. When I heard that he was interested, it was a big, big factor.

“The club’s flying and it’s built for success. The club is really ambitious and I want to be part of that.”

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Whilst at Aldershot Oyeleke was voted the fans' player of the year and players' player of the year in the 2017/18 season.

The Nigerian is a popular figure with the Vale fans but has suffered with some injuries during his time at the club.

He has made 23 appearances for the Valiants this season, scoring two goals.

In total he made 63 appearances during his time with the Vale, scoring five goals.

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"Port Vale would like to thank Manny for his contributions and wish him all the best for the future,” the club said in a statement.

Oyeleke was at Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers as a kid and then came through the Brentford academy.

He has had loan spells at Northampton Town, Woking and Canvey Island during his career.

Before joining Port Vale in 2019 on a two-year deal he had been at Exeter City.

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He is Chesterfield’s second signing in just a few days after striker Kairo Mitchell, 23, made the move from King’s Lynn Town.

National League clubs have until Thursday, April 22 to register new players for this season.

The initial player registration was March 22 but it was extended due to the campaign not starting until October.