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Chris Birchall vs Burton
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CHRIS Birchall is hoping he can agree terms with Port Vale and stay with the club he joined when he was just nine.

The out-of-contract midfielder is being offered a new deal at the Valiants and will be informed of the details of the contract by post this week.

The 30-year-old has made 32 appearances for Vale this season, although 15 of those were as a substitute.

However, he's been happy to be part of a squad effort which has helped the club finish ninth in League One.

He said: "When I have had meetings with the manager he has said he likes me in the squad. Even though I have been in and out of the team, I have been in every single squad of the season when I have been fit and not on international duty.

"The manager has always said I am a utility player and good to have around because I can play in different positions. I have always had a good relationship with him and he knows what I am about.

"He knows this is a club I want to stay at. I have a big history here.

"He has been good with me and I feel as though I have repaid him."

After graduating through the youth teams at Vale Park, Birchall was signed by Adams at Coventry and also played for him at Brighton before joining him at Vale. However, he says he could stay at Vale Park, even if Adams decided not to sign a new deal.

The midfielder, from Yarnfield near Stone, added: "If I was at any other club with Micky then it would play a part for me. But my circumstances are I have been with the club since I was nine, so it's a bit different.

"I am a local lad and I am sure the club know I want to stay. I don't want to go anywhere else, but you have to look at interest elsewhere and the contract offer itself.

"We have to see what the contract is, it has to be right for everyone."