Promising Nantwich Town player Richie Sutton is set to join Football League Two club Port Vale on professional terms.

Following negotiations between the two clubs it has been agreed that there will be no fee involved in Sutton’s move to Vale Park. However, the ‘Dabbers’ will receive a percentage of any future transfer involving Sutton.

Sutton, a 24 year old defender, was released by Crewe Alexandra in May 2007 but has always maintained his ambition of returning to the Football League. After spells in non league football with Stafford Rangers, Northwich Victoria and FC Halifax Town he signed for Nantwich during the closed season in 2009.

Nantwich Town has always encouraged it’s players of aiming for the highest possible level and has acquired an excellent reputation over the years of providing young players with a pathway to the professional ranks and Sutton is no exception to this, following the likes of Wes Wilkinson, Simon Hackney, Matt Bailey, Matty Freeman and Kelvin Mellor in addition to approximately 20 players who are currently with Stoke City, Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra. With over 18 teams in the youth set up Nantwich Town can be confident of it’s future and the future of it’s young talent.

Richard Sutton said: “I’m delighted to be joining Port Vale Football Club whom I have supported since I was a boy and have been a season ticket holder in the past. I wish to thank Port Vale manager Micky Adams for giving me the chance to prove myself as a professional footballer and also to give a big thank you to Nantwich Town Football club for the way they have looked after me during my time at the club and for not standing in my way of achieving my dream!

Nantwich Town are a great club with fantastic facilities and I wish them all the very best for the future”.