Blackburn Rovers forward Jack Vale has rejoined Scottish side Motherwell on a season-long loan.
He makes his return to Fir Park after a successful spell in the latter half of last season. The 23-year-old Welshman will now seek valuable playing time as he continues his development away from Ewood Park.
Vale, who has already featured twice for Blackburn this season, scoring in their Carabao Cup victory over Stockport County, is set to bolster Motherwell’s attacking options. His return to Scotland comes as the Steelmen aim to build on their sixth-place standing in the Scottish Premiership.
“It’s a nice feeling to be back at Fir Park,” said the former Wales Under 21 international. “The time I spent here last season was really good because I learnt so much in a short space of time.
“That was only from January onwards, so I’m hoping with this move being for the season, I can accomplish more.
“There’s new faces, but I know everyone around the place and some of the players from last time. It should be an easy transition, and hopefully, I can hit the ground running.
“I’ve been following all the results and everything about the club over the summer. It’s good to be back.”
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell expressed his satisfaction securing Vale’s return, adding depth to his squad as they aim to improve their league position.
“Getting Jack back for another season is great,” said the 40-year-old manager. “Everyone witnessed the impact he made last season. He has all the qualities to score goals at this level.
“We have been trying to get him back since the end of his previous loan deal, but Blackburn wanted to see him over the summer, which is understandable. He’s in the building, he’s match fit, and he’s ready to go.”
Vale made a positive impression during his previous loan stint at Motherwell, scoring three goals in 14 appearances. He has progressed through the Blackburn academy and has 25 appearances for his parent club, scoring twice. 18 of those came in the Championship, but loans to Barrow, Rochdale and Halifax did not help grow his reputation.
Last season, he joined Lincoln City, scoring twice in 17 matches, but his loan was cut short by mutual consent in January, allowing him to make his first switch to the SPFL.
Writer’s View
Vale has a lot to prove. His previous loan spells haven’t been full of goals, but there’s a real feeling that he just needs the right move to get going. His time at Lincoln was torrid – he only managed two shots in his 14 league appearances, but one of those resulted in a goal.
He needs bullets to fire, but he’s not one to stand around and wait for service. He works hard, tirelessly chasing lost causes like a terrier, and his attitude is impeccable. However, attitude doesn’t win games or get you a spell in your parent club’s first team.
Goals do that, and Jack Vale needs goals if this loan is to be marked as a success.
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