A commanding presence on the pitch, Darren has plenty of experience to go with his appetite for the game. The kind of player you'd much rather have on your side than against you, he can chip in with a few goals from midfield too. An injury picked up in a pre-season game against Annan Athletic unfortunately meant that Vale fans had to wait a while to see him in action, but after regaining fitness cemented his place in the side with some outstanding displays in midfield. Won President's Player of the Year for 2009-10.