Watching, waiting and working hard.
Training has finished for the day and winger Kaid Mohamed has just concluded his press conference.
Summer signing Gavin Tomlin is next up to face the waiting press and that’s exactly what they’re doing, waiting.
Surely the striker who has just returned from injury hasn’t forgot that he is doing his press duties today.
A few minutes later an out-of-breath Tomlin races through the press conference door, it’s ok he hasn’t attempted to bunk-off press duties – he’s been in the gym!
“You have to put the work in and hopefully some time down the line you will reap the rewards of it, that’s what I am trying to do.
“We have to put the work in,” he said.
It has been a frustrating month for Tomlin, a hamstring injury had kept him out the side since the 2-1 win against Bradford City before his return to action in the win at Carlisle United.
In that time he has seen fellow striker Tom Pope find his shooting boots while young Ben Williamson has come into form.
“It’s part and parcel of football, I am experienced enough to be able to deal with it now, I’ve had these similar minor injuries before, I am strong enough to deal with it.
“I’ve kept focused, it’s going to be difficult to get back in the team because the boys have been doing really well upfront, I’ve got to work hard and wait for my time,” Tomlin explained.
Tomlin has been an agitated spectator, itching to get on to the pitch to help the side, the former Southend United forward explains how watching matches, as a professional footballer can be frustrating.
Tomlin said: “I can’t take it to be honest, you see things happening in a game that you believe that you could have an impact on and potentially score and make a difference to the team, it’s frustrating watching but you have to be patient and you have to get through it.”
It was all smiles for Tomlin on Saturday, a return from injury coinciding with Vale’s first away win of the season and their first clean sheet. Tomlin says now he is fit he will need to work hard to earn back his starting spot.
“When you come on you need to make an impact on the game because you want to start the next game.
“It gives us confidence, especially keeping the clean sheet, it’s something to build on for the next game.
“It gives us that confidence going into the next game.”
Watch Tomlin’s full interview on Valiant Player or a preview on our YouTube Channel.