Port Vale have signed former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Kyle Dempsey on a two-year deal. Jon Brady’s Valiants, who currently sit 22nd in League One with 42 points from 46 games and a recent form of LWLLD, beat a few League One sides to the 30-year-old’s signature after his release from the Toughsheet Stadium.

What attracted Port Vale to Kyle Dempsey?

Dempsey made more than 100 appearances for Bolton, scoring in the 2023 Papa Johns Trophy win against Plymouth Argyle.

How will Kyle Dempsey fit into the team?

Though his four years with the Whites were stymied by injury, he still managed 33 appearances last season, the last of which was against Luton Town in May. Vale have been busy rebuilding the squad this summer with Dempsey their fourth new arrival so far, and Brady is looking to Dempsey to drive the dressing room standards as they look to make an immediate return to the third tier.

What does the future hold for Port Vale?

Kyle Dempsey was someone we identified because he has the qualities we’re looking to build our team around, said Jon Brady, the Vale boss. He’s fiercely competitive, a natural leader and someone who sets high standards every single day. With the ball, he has real quality, seeing passes, creating opportunities for others and having the ability to influence games in the final third. He brings energy, intelligence and experience to our midfield, while also having the drive and desire to keep improving. As Port Vale look to bounce back from a tough season, they currently trail leaders Lincoln by 61 points and are looking to turn their form around after losing their last two games, including a 0-2 defeat to Lincoln on 2026-05-02.