James Plant

James John Plant (born 3 November 2004) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Port Vale. He has previously played on loan at Nantwich Town and Salisbury.

Early life
James John Plant was born on 3 November 2004 in Werrington, Staffordshire; his grandfather, Ian Powell, ran a food fan selling spit roasted chickens from his blue van in Stoke-on-Trent city centre for 40 years before his retirement in 2023. He played for Werrington Tigers as a small child and had a trial with Crewe Alexandra before he joined Port Vale at under-nine level. His elder brother, Matthew, played non-League football for Abbey Hulton United.

Career
Plant made his senior debut for Port Vale in a 1–0 victory over Stockport County in an EFL Trophy group stage game at Vale Park on 30 August 2022; he came on as an 86th-minute substitute for Tommy McDermott. On 24 September 2022, he joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Nantwich Town on a work experience loan, having been recommended to joint-manager Ritchie Sutton, who said Plant would bring "energy, enthusiasm, quality and a great attitude" to the "Dabbers" squad. Plant made his debut later that day, and was named as man of the match in a 2–0 defeat at Whitby Town. He was praised by "Dabbers" supporters for his "creative playing style and energetic performances". He found the experience tough and one that he learned a lot from. On 31 January 2023, he joined Southern League Premier Division South club Salisbury on a work experience loan, alongside Tommy McDermott. He was named as Player of the Match in each of his first two appearances for Salisbury and scored on his fourth appearance, a 3–0 win at Hanwell Town. He was named as the club's Player of the Month for February. He received a career first red-card during a 3–0 victory at Metropolitan Police on 4 March. On 30 March, it was announced that the loan deal had been extended until the end of the 2022–23 season. He made his League One debut for Port Vale on 10 April, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute for Gavin Massey in a 0–0 draw with Oxford United. He started his first League One game eight days later, impressing alongside Tom Conlon in central midfield in a 2–1 defeat at Ipswich Town after Tom Pett was ruled out due to injury. He signed his first professional (two-year) contract in April 2023; David Flitcroft, the club's director of football, said that "his ability, attitude, character and commitment to getting better is outstanding and is now a benchmark for all players who come through the academy". Plant scored his first goal in the EFL in a 3–2 loss at Charlton Athletic on 29 April.

Plant began the 2023–24 season strongly and was teasingly nicknamed "Son of Crosby" by his teammates due to manager Andy Crosby's fulsome praise for his attitude and performances. He signed a new contract in November, before turning 19, to keep him at the club until at least 2027. However, he dislocated his shoulder the following month and was ruled out of action for up to 12 weeks. He made his return in a 3–0 defeat at Derby County on 2 March, where he was played out of position at left-wing-back. He was praised by manager Darren Moore after again being played out of position on 10 April, this time playing at right-back against Ephron Mason-Clark in a 3–0 defeat at Peterborough United.

Style of play
Plant is a versatile player who is able to play as a forward, central midfielder, or wing-back. He has a good temperament.