Captain reflects after 2-2 draw with Forest Green Rovers on his 150th Port Vale appearance.
- Tom Conlon | “It is in our DNA to never give up”
- Port Vale captain Tom Conlon speaks to iFollow the Vale after his side’s 2-2 draw with Forest Green Rovers on his 150th appearance for the club
- Conlon: “There is a never say die attitude that the gaffer has put into us and Cros [Andy Crosby] said at half-time that we are third in the league for gaining points from behind, and that is something to be proud of and is important.”
Port Vale captain Tom Conlon says the Vale’s character is instilled within the club after Darrell Clarke’s side came from 2-0 down to secure a point against Forest Green Rovers at Vale Park on Saturday.
Reflecting post-match on his 150th appearance for the Vale, Conlon said:
“It is what is built within the club; that is in our DNA now to never, ever give up – that is not just the players, that is everyone at the club.
“There is a never say die attitude that the gaffer has put into us and Cros [assistant manager, Andy Crosby] said at half-time that we are third in the league for gaining points from behind, and that is something to be proud of and is important.
“They have scored from nothing, but I think like the gaffer said at half-time, it is a big part of football and if you don’t defend set-pieces you are going to be in trouble.
“We didn’t start great on that front, but at half-time at 2-0 down, if somebody offers you a point, you probably take it.
“We are slightly happy with it but of course we wanted three points and I thought we should have got them today.”
Conlon, who hails from Porthill, said he was proud to bring up 150 appearances for the Vale, though his immediate focus is getting back to his best form to contribute as Darrell Clarke’s side look to continue their solid start to life back in League One.
“It is a real milestone,” Conlon said. “I am pleased to get there but now I want to get to 200, that is my next goal, but my main focus is getting back to form as quickly as I can.
“I am playing a different role, which is something I want to get better at and I am under no illusions that I need to get back to my best,” Conlon explained.
“I am doing everything I can to get there, I am not there yet but that is something I am building to and that is my personal motivation.”