Former captain Tom Conlon departs Port Vale FC
Port Vale have confirmed the departure of former skipper Tom Conlon with the midfielder agreeing a permanent transfer to Oldham Athletic.
Conlon was last season’s captain at Vale Park. He suffered a long-term injury during Vale’s promotion season in 2021-22 but made a recovery to return to the side. He was a deserved Port Vale player of the year in 2021 as he scored ten goals in all competitions. He subsequently agreed a contract extension until 2024. Signed by former manager Neil Aspin in 2018 after a successful trial, Conlon spent six seasons at the club and made 183 appearances for the Valiants scoring 19 times.
Conlon suffered an injury in the summer and since recovering he has struggled to gain a place in the starting eleven this season. He will be seeking more regular football at his new club.
Port Vale’s Director of Football, David Flitcroft told the official website: “On behalf of everyone at Port Vale FC, I would like to thank Tom for his years of service for the club. Tom played a pivotal role in securing the club’s League Two safety in the 2020/21 season before playing an important role both on and off the pitch throughout our promotion season. We wish Tom nothing but the absolute best. He and his family will always be welcome back at Vale Park in the future.”
Conlon told the official Oldham website: “When I spoke to the manager he said where the club wants to go and it’s something that really got me excited. That’s what sold it to me straight away. But let’s be real, we’re in the National League now, we need to focus on winning the next game and seeing where that takes us.
“From a personal point of view I want to try to get myself in the team as quickly as possible. I know the lads are doing really well of late, so that’s my personal goal, but where the club wants to go to is something that I was definitely really excited about.”
Tom Conlon on the ball – Newcastle Town v Port Vale friendly, 2021 – AS Photos