Former Manchester United centre-forward James Wilson has been released by Port Vale after his contract with the club has been allowed to expire.
Wilson moved to Vale Park back in 2021 after an 18-month spell at Salford City. In his first season with the club, the frontman found his form once more, bagging 15 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions, including a goal in the 3-0 win against Mansfield Town in the League Two play-off final which earned Darrel Clarke’s side promotion to England’s third tier at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
However, his time with the Valiants since that strike at Wembley Stadium two years ago went downhill rapidly, compounded by recurring injuries. Across the last two seasons, the 28-year-old has found the net merely eight times in 58 appearances for the club. Now, his spell in Stoke-on-Trent is up as Port Vale have confirmed that Wilson will not be retained ahead of the 2024/25 season, alongside Jayson Leutwiler and Gavin Massey.
Wilson burst onto the scene ten years ago when Manchester United caretaker player/manager Ryan Giggs handed him his debut at Old Trafford against Hull City. Then a teenager, he grabbed the bull by its horns and scored a brace.
James Wilson hit a debut brace against Hull in 2014. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/aDEXK3rvfJ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 31, 2017
Unfortunately, Wilson would play just 19 more times for the Red Devils, eventually leaving the Theatre of Dreams on a permanent basis at the end of the 2018/19 season, five years after that impressive debut in front of the Stretford End.
Writer’s View
Wilson’s career hasn’t panned out how he would have hoped. From being a rising star at Manchester United, one of the biggest teams on the planet, the centre-forward now finds himself looking for another club after being released from a team that has just been relegated to League Two.
Nevertheless, all hope isn’t lost. Wilson’s last prolific campaign came in England’s fourth tier and he will certainly have offers from clubs. It’s important for him to find the right side that can help him rekindle his form from two years ago.
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