Owen completes move to Port Vale

Owen won promotion from League Two last season with Stockport County

Port Vale have completed the signing of Gareth Owen after the central defender negotiated the release from his contract at Stockport County.

Owen, 26, made five appearances on loan at Vale Park in December before being recalled by the League One club.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "It was getting a bit of a mess at Stockport, which was entirely their doing.

"I'm delighted that the club were patient. I've stuck to my word, I said I would sign and I'm delighted."

Crewe Alexandra had approached Owen with a view to a permanent move, but instead he has chosen to become Dean Glover's fourth signing of the January transfer window.

"Crewe spoke to my advisors but I wanted to sign for Port Vale," said Owen.

"I don't like going back on my word, it's not the way to go about your life.

"The deal that Port Vale have offered, from the chance to do my coaching badges to the fact that it's right on my doorstep, meant everything pointed to moving here."

Owen has not signed in time to play for the Valiants against Gillingham on Tuesday, but he will be in contention for a place in the team to face Notts County on Saturday.