Norman Smurthwaite says CEO is doing a good job and there’s no pressure to sell
Responding to calls from fans and OVF to name a realistic asking price for the club, owner Norman Smurthwaite says there’s no pressure to sell.
Smurthwaite stood down as chairman at the end of last season and has assumed a less high-profile position at the club. Smurthwaite has appointed Colin Garlick as the club CEO – and Garlick’s impact been praised by many fans including this website. However, some fans believe the club will only move forward under new ownership.
I am under no pressure to sell which is good for both the club and myself…
Earlier this month, OVF editor Rob Fielding appealed to the owner to name a realistic asking price, an article to which Smurthwaite responded by saying he would sell to the right buyer.
In an email conversation with Fielding Smurthwaite added that he felt that ” Colin Garlick is doing a good job.”
Responding to questions of ownership he added: “The ownership issue is having no impact financially or operationally as the budget is 20% higher than last year mainly down to Alnwick’s and Grant’s money .”
He concluded: “I am under no pressure to sell which is good for both the club and myself.”
These final comments seem to indicate that there will be no imminent sale of the club until the owner deems it to be the right time.
Note: OVF asked and received permission to publish the owner’s email comments.