Tom Pope: Port Vale striker commits to club until 2015

League Two top scorer Tom Pope has signed a new two-and-a-half year deal with boyhood heroes Port Vale.

The 27-year-old, who has scored 25 league goals this campaign, was due to be out of contract this summer.

But he has now committed to the current League Two leaders until 2015.

"I think everyone can recognise the contribution of Tom this season, both as a goalscorer and through his hard work for the team," Vale manager Micky Adams told the club website.

"That contribution has been rightly rewarded and I welcome the opportunity to work with him for the remainder of this season and beyond."

Prior to this season, Stoke-on-Trent-born Pope had only scored a total of 29 goals in 163 league games during spells at Crewe, Rotherham and Vale.

And Pope believes the way that Vale play their football has been the main factor behind his goal tally this season.

"I've made no secret of my desire to stay and I'm really pleased we have come to an agreement on a new deal," said Pope.

"I know people have been talking about my goal tally this season but I think that's down to the style we play and how all of the players work for each other.

"The gaffer has put a lot of faith in me and I'm really pleased I have been able to repay that faith by committing to the club for a further term."