We are pleased to announce the signing of experienced Port Vale defender Chris Hussey on a deal until the end of the season. He joins on a free transfer, having been released from his contract at the League One side yesterday.
The 33-year-old joins just three days after scoring the winner against County, in our Papa John’s Trophy game against Vale on Tuesday night. He leaves Vale Park after a nine-month spell that saw him help the side to win promotion from League Two via the play-offs – the fifth promotion of his career
Capable of playing at left-back and left-wing-back, Chris brings with him a vast amount of experience playing in the Football League, making just shy of 400 EFL appearances so far in his career.
He originally began his career at AFC Wimbledon, winning back-to-back promotions up to the National League with them before departing to join Coventry City in the Championship. He spent four seasons at Coventry, making over 50 appearances before returning to Wimbledon in 2012.
He spent just one season back at Plough Lane before again moving on, and after a short spell at Burton Albion he helped troubled Bury win promotion to League One in 2015.
His most successful period came during a four-year spell at Cheltenham Town between 2018-2022, making over 150 appearances for the Robins and winning the League Two title in 2021. He made 43 appearances in League Two that season, with his performances seeing him named in the EFL League Two Team of the Season.
First-Team Manager Dave Challinor said:
“I’m delighted to be able to add Chris to the group – his experience, know how and previous success in the Football League will be really important for us going forward now. He’ll bring a calmness in decision-making and the ability to play in several positions on the left side is a big positive. We’re really looking forward to working with him and him integrating into the squad as quickly as possible.”
Director of Football Simon Wilson said:
“Chris adds to our list of players with experience of promotions and understands what it takes to win. He will bring significant qualities on the pitch with excellent set piece delivery and of course covers several positions within the left-hand side that we know will be important over the coming months. We have had nothing but positive references from previous clubs and look forward to starting work with him.”
