Micky Adams replaced Dean Glover as Port Vale manager in June 2009

Port Vale defender Gareth Owen believes the club will continue to progress under the management of Micky Adams.

Vale finished 10th in League Two, four points away from a play-off position, in Adams' first campaign in charge.

"Everyone's confidence took a bit of a dip last year, but he's rebuilt that," Owen told BBC Radio Stoke. "I think it's improved as the season's gone on.

"Everyone in the squad is together and we've got a squad that could be on the verge of good things."

Owen continued: "He's been brilliant, he's been a breath of fresh air around the club. He's got us fit and organised, and he's got us wanting to play football."

The former Leicester, Brighton and Coventry boss replaced Dean Glover as manager in June 2009 and took over a squad that had ended the previous season in 18th position in League Two.

Much of Vale's improvement was based on a tough fitness regime implemented by Adams in pre-season, and former Stockport captain Owen is expecting more of the same when the players return to Vale Park at the start of July.

"I've got my trainers and spikes ready," he said.

"I'll be doing a lot of gym work in the summer because we know it's going to be hard, but it stood us in good stead because we were one of the fittest teams in the league last season."

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