Port Vale Football Club is delighted to confirm that Mal Benning has agreed a new deal which will see him stay at Vale Park.
Our number 11 will remain a Valiant as we head into the 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season after he came to terms with the club on a new one-year deal
Benning arrived at Vale Park last summer following his departure from Mansfield Town, where he made more then 250 appearances, and featured 36 times for Darrell Clarke’s side during our 2021/22 campaign, as we secured promotion via the Play-Offs.
The 28-year-old played a central role in our Play-Off success, putting in standout performances against Swindon Town and Mansfield Town, scoring his high-pressured spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out win over The Robins.
Benning, affectionately known by fans as ‘Sir Mal’, scored three times last season, including the third goal in the Play-Off Final, where he also assisted our opener.
Director of Football Dave Flitcroft said: “I think it’s really important that when you build a squad, build a team, you can retain a good percentage of players who have been a success, because they know what standards need to be hit, how the culture of the club is, they know what is wanted by the club from top to bottom and Mal fits that culture.
“Mal had a season where he maintained a high level of performance and towards the last third of the season he truly excelled.
“I think his biggest test was when he wasn’t in the team, the way he reacted and responded was excellent, the Gaffer and Andy Crosby spoke about how he was the ultimate professional and supported the group so well.
“We all know what a good player Mal is on the pitch, but he possesses those other qualities as well that every squad and every team needs to have.
“He perfectly fits the culture of what we’re trying to bring to the football club and his technical performances throughout the Play-Offs displayed just how good of a player Mal is.”