"I've heard great things about the club," says new midfielder Simmons

Midfield technician Elliot Simmons said the Stones' style of play was a big factor in swapping Vancouver for The Vale.

The smooth-passing 26-year-old penned a one-year deal with the club this week, subject to FA and FIFA approval, and hopes to slot right into the eye-catching approach the team deploys.

"Listening to the club's philosophy, that was a real selling point," said Simmons. "I like to play attractive football and been playing that sort of way over the last couple of years so it's going to be great to come into that type of environment.

"I like to get on the ball, be composed but break up the play as well. I like to break through the lines of players but first and foremost, I put the team first and do anything I can to help the team win. I'n going to give 100 per cent I'm on the pitch and do anything to win."

That will be music to the ears of new manager Matt Taylor.

"The manager has had a really great career and obviously played with some top midfielders so I'm looking to get as much advice off him as possible. I'm really looking forward to playing under him," said Simmons.

Simmons has taken a circuitous route to get to the Stones. Born in Luton before moving to Canada at the age of five, he returned to the UK to trial with West Ham and Arsenal before spending four years in the same MK Dons Academy that produced Dele Alli. The last seven years of his senior career have been spent in Sweden, Finland and Canada.

"I've added different bits to my game by playing in different countries but I feel I'm coming into my best years now," said Simmons. "I loved my time in Canada but I decided to come back for personal reasons and a bit of a change in family situation. I wanted to come back to the UK. I had a few training stints in the UK with a few teams and loved the experience."

Simmons wasn't short of offers but the Stones moved quick to secure his services.

"I've heard lots of great things about the club here," he said. "The plan was to always get myself back in England and establish myself over here. I'm eager to prove myself here.

"It does feel like I'm coming home. Even though I haven't been here for years it's always been my base. I'm really really excited to come back and experience the UK football scene. It's where I started and I'm keen to get going."

📸 Pictures by Sean Troup. Follow him on Instagram HERE