Defender signs for League Two side for an undisclosed fee, subject to EFL and FA approval.
- Connor Hall completes permanent transfer to Colchester United
- Defender helped the Vale win promotion to League One, making 52 appearances for Darrell Clarke’s side in his 12 months at Vale Park
- Hall to Port Vale supporters: “I have loved playing for Port Vale, however the commute from my home in Cambridgeshire has been challenging for both me and my family and when the chance to move far closer to my home presented itself, I was interested in pursuing that opportunity.”
Defender Connor Hall has completed a permanent transfer to League Two side Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old joined the Vale in January of last year and has featured in 52 matches in all competitions, helping Darrell Clarke’s side to secure promotion to League One via the Play-Offs in May.
Hall informed director of football Dave Flitcroft and manager Clarke of his desire to move nearer to his Cambridgeshire home this week, and following Colchester’s bid, the club has supported Connor’s wish to be closer to his family.
In a message to Port Vale staff and supporters, Hall said:
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Port Vale supporters for their backing from day one – it has been a privilege to play for your club and one of the most enjoyable periods of my career to date.
“I am so appreciative to Carol and Kevin for the opportunity to represent Port Vale; I will be forever thankful for their support, they really are wonderful people.
“It is a really difficult decision to make as I have loved playing for the club during the past 12 months, with last season’s Play-Offs and the win at Wembley the highlight of my career, without doubt.
“However, the commute from my home in Cambridgeshire has been challenging for both me and my family and when the chance to move far closer to my home presented itself, I was interested in pursuing that opportunity.
“Colchester United are a club with strong ambitions and I think my experiences of winning promotion from League Two here at Vale Park will help me in the next stage of my career.
“Finally, I would like to thank the gaffer, his staff and my teammates for their support throughout the past 12 months. It has been an emotional journey for everyone involved and one I have been proud to play my part in.
“I wish the Vale all the best in the future and will be keeping my eyes on the results from afar.”
Commenting on Hall’s departure, Flitcroft added:
“During the past three years, we have built a culture that is centred around recruiting great people and then how we best support and develop them.
“We have created a family which we protect at all times and Connor has been a huge part of the Port Vale family during the past 12 months.
“This is a personal decision for Connor and, while we are sad to see him move on now we have reached an agreement with Colchester, we respect his desire to be significantly closer to home to support his family, at this stage of his career.
“We would like to thank him for his efforts in helping the team to win promotion from League Two and for the part he has played in this season to date too.”
Manager Clarke continued:
“Connor has been tremendous for me and my staff throughout his 12 months at Port Vale and will be remembered for playing his part in a really successful year for the club.
“We respect his decision to move on, thank him for his commitment to the club during the past year and wish him and his family well in the future.”