Off the field problems won't affect the players - Owen

Gareth Owen

Port Vale defender Gareth Owen insists performances will not be affected by off-field problems at the promotion-chasing League Two club.

The Football League has imposed a transfer embargo on the club because of an unpaid tax bill.

Owen told BBC Radio Stoke: "The buzz in the dressing room is great and the lads haven't let anything affect them."

He continued: "They're battling every week and that is evident from the results we're getting."

Owen has been at Vale Park since 2008 and is now one of the senior members of Micky Adams' squad.

He explained: "You can't let it affect you because if you listen to everything that goes around the place then you wouldn't come in every morning."

Port Vale are still in contention for a play-off place after a solid run of results.

Owen said: "The most consistent team always goes up, and if you can go on a run around the Christmas period you usually achieve some sort of success.

"There are still plenty of points and places still to play for, and if you can be the form team between now and the end of the season then you have every chance of foing something in the league."