Owen began his career with Premier League side Stoke City
Port Vale defender Gareth Owen has called for an instant improvement from the Valiants in order to halt their poor run of form.
Saturday's 4-2 defeat to Notts County means Vale have won just one of their last seven League Two matches.
Owen told BBC Radio Stoke: "There's no easy way around it, we have to take responsibility for our performances.
"Once the performances improve then hopefully the results will come and we will climb the table."
Everyone who goes out there has a responsibility to Port Vale to give everything they can
Port Vale defender Gareth Owen
The 26-year-old sealed a permanent move to the Burslem club last week after spending time on loan at Vale Park from Stockport County earlier this season.
The defeat at Meadow Lane was his first since completing his move to Vale and Owen said he hopes to bring some much needed solidity to the Valiants' defence.
"You can say that some of our attacking football is good but I do raise questions about our ability to play as a solid unit," Owen said.
"We have to work harder at the ugly side of football - getting behind the ball and putting tackles in.
"Everyone who goes out there has a responsibility to Port Vale to give everything they can and, sometimes, I don't think we do that," he added.
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