Vale have players who 'shouldn't be in this league'

Ronan Curtis (left) scored five goals in 16 appearances in League Two for AFC Wimbledon in 2023-24

Port Vale summer signing Ronan Curtis says the League Two club can be optimistic about promotion this season because they have players "who shouldn't be in this league".

Vale boss Darren Moore has overseen an extensive reshaping of the squad with 11 new arrivals as the club hope to bounce straight back to League One following relegation last season.

Curtis, 28, who has signed a three-year contract in Burslem, spent the second half of last term in League Two with AFC Wimbledon after nearly six years with Portsmouth.

"I've only been at two clubs my whole career, so I didn't know how it was going to pan out when I got here but it's been really good and I've settled in nicely," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We're building good connections."

Curtis said boss Darren Moore, who was given the backing of Vale co-owner Carol Shanahan following their unsuccessful battle against the drop, was "the main reason" he signed.

He said Moore was a "brilliant manager" and, after managing in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and winning a stunning promotion to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023, backed him to do "some special stuff here too".

"He knew what he wanted to do this season and he's got the players in. It's the toughest league to get out of, you've got to have a big squad. We've got some fantastic players here," Curtis said.

"Last season wasn't good enough. The aim for me is to get out of this league. It's a tough league but with the players we've got and those we've brought in - players who shouldn't be in this league, they should be in the league above or the one above that even.

"We have to turn up every game and show what we're about."