Port Vale's out-of-contract skipper Paul Harsley believes it will be "a very difficult challenge" for them to gain promotion next season.The relegated Valiants are likely to be among the favourites to make an instant return to League One next season but Harsley admits that will be easier said than done.

He told the Sentinel: "It will be a very difficult challenge to bounce straight back. If people think it will be easy then they are living in cloud cuckoo land. The clubs that go down in any division don't go straight back up all that often.

"It's been disappointing this season, though I think there's some momentum for us with the recent run we've had.

"But in League Two the football will be totally different. You're not going to get many games where teams try to pass it. It will be more direct and we have to contend with that."

The midfielder has been offered a new deal by boss Lee Sinnott but remained tight-lipped on his future. "I've spoken to the manager, who wants me to stay. I'll have to see," he added.

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