Digest: Port Vale owner rejects bids for club
A summary of the week’s events including Norman Smurthwaite rejecting two bids for the club
Monday 8th May
Defender Remie Streete sends a message to fans after departing the club. He tells the official club website that “most importantly, I would like to thank the fans who gave their support, week in, week out, to myself and my team mates.”
A club statement from Norman Smurthwaite says he has rejected the two bids for the club. However, Smurthwaite says that Manor Shop, one of the bidders, may be interested in becoming shirt sponsors. The statement says:
Following the speculation in the Press and Media over the weekend it is important that clarification is given to all interested parties. On Sunday 30th April 2017, after the Fleetwood game, I received a text from Mr Kevin Shanahan of Synectics Solutions Ltd making an unconditional offer of £1.25 million for all business activities within Port Vale Football Club Limited and Alchemy Land Limited, this offer was rejected. On Wednesday morning, 3rd May 2017, the Synectics Solutions Lawyer confirmed the offer and again it was rejected. A subsequent offer, later that day, was then made by the Synectics Solutions Lawyer to which if accepted could have had serious financial implications going forward for Port Vale Football Club and was again rejected. As it became clear that Synectics Solutions wish to have an involvement within the Club the opportunity of taking on a Stand Sponsorship or Front of Shirt Sponsorship was presented to them by myself but sadly both these opportunities were rejected.
Turning to the offer of a Consortium headed by Manor PC it can again be confirmed that this offer has been rejected. Manor PC, and its sister Company ICL, are Port Vale’s Main Maintenance and Installation Contractor and currently are Stand Sponsors. The same opportunity was offered to Kevin Jones and I am delighted to announce that he has responded in a positive way regarding this opportunity, and dialogue will be engaged between Port Vale Football Club and Manor PC with regard to the Front of Shirt Contract.
I do not anticipate any further dialogue with either party with regard to the sale.
Tuesday 9th May
Port Vale say they are in talks with defender Andre Bikey about a new deal.
Wednesday 10th May
Young midfielder Mike Calverly signs his first professional deal with the club. Calverly was named the club’s youth team player of the season earlier in the month.
Bidders Synectics Solutions say they are still interested in buying the club despite Norman Smurthwaite rejecting their £1.25m bid.
Thursday 11th May
Port Vale announce a reduction in the prices for season tickets. Details are available on the official Port Vale website