Former Sheffield Wednesday winger Marvin Johnson has joined Port Vale, reuniting with his old manager Darren Moore after leaving Hillsborough this summer.
The 34-year-old becomes the latest of Wednesday’s departing players to find a new club following a turbulent off-season at S6.
Experienced wing-back @Marvinjohnson28 has today joined the Valiants on a short-term contract.
Welcome to the Vale, Marvin! 🙌
More: https://t.co/sVJtkGVe3a#PVFC | #PVFC150 pic.twitter.com/EHnsMy7Unp
— Port Vale Football Club (@OfficialPVFC) October 13, 2025
Johnson Reunites With Moore
Johnson played under Moore during his time at Sheffield Wednesday, forming a strong bond with the former Owls boss who guided the club back to the Championship in 2023. The pair now link up again at Port Vale, where Moore has been in charge since February 2024 and helped secure promotion from League Two last season.
The winger was one of the Owls’ most consistent performers in recent campaigns, featuring in all but 5 of their Championship fixtures last term. His versatility made him a key part of the squad that earned promotion 2 years ago, and Moore’s presence at Vale Park is believed to have been a major factor in his decision.
“If we can get anywhere near the same success we had before, that would be fantastic,” Moore told club media after confirming the deal.
For Johnson, who has represented clubs including Middlesbrough, Oxford United, and Motherwell, this move offers an important late-career opportunity. Port Vale’s ambitions to establish themselves in League One provide the experienced wide man with another platform to make an impact.
Wednesday’s Summer Exodus
The move comes amid continuing turmoil at Sheffield Wednesday, with multiple financial issues still overshadowing events at Hillsborough. Several embargoes remain in place, and a points deduction is widely expected as a result of ongoing payment problems under owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The loss of head coach Danny Röhl during the summer was followed by a major player exodus. In total, 11 first-team players departed on free transfers. Josh Windass joined Wrexham, Michael Smith signed for Preston North End, and defenders Pol Valentín and Callum Paterson dropped to League Two with MK Dons.
Johnson’s exit adds to a growing list of experienced professionals to have left the club since the end of last season. Reports suggest only Stuart Armstrong and Ben Hamer remain without clubs from that outgoing group.
For Port Vale, the capture represents a statement signing ahead of the winter period, adding both depth and leadership to Moore’s developing squad. The club’s strong early-season form has raised hopes of a potential push into the top half, and Johnson’s arrival will only strengthen that optimism.
Writer’s View
Johnson’s reunion with Moore feels like a natural step for both parties. Port Vale have added a proven performer at this level, who knows exactly what the manager expects. For the player, it offers stability and familiarity after a difficult few months for everyone connected to Sheffield Wednesday.
As for the Owls, their situation remains precarious. The club’s off-field troubles have already cost them a host of senior professionals and one of the Championship’s most promising young coaches. While supporters will hope for better days, Johnson’s switch to Vale Park serves as another reminder of just how quickly the landscape has changed at Hillsborough.
