Vale put up for sale in 2015
Here is a rolling report of Norman Smurthwaite’s sale of the club which started in December 2015 and ended in the summer of 2016.
Vale for sale 2015
Selling the club but not the ground would be a major concern
OVF editor Rob Fielding believes it would be a huge risk to sell the football club and not the Vale Park stadium.
Port Vale in “exclusivity” deal with potential buyer
Norman Smurthwaite has told BBC Radio Stoke that he has entered an exclusivity deal with a potential purchaser of the club.
Five things for any new owners of Port Vale to consider
Rob Fielding outlines his own personal wishlist of items that should be high on the agenda of any future Port Vale owner.
Smurthwaite: Port Vale sale could be done by February
BBC Radio Stoke reports that Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says a sale of the club could be completed by as early as February.
Sentinel: Potential buyers include American consortium
The Sentinel claims that an American consortium is among three “serious” contenders to purchase the club.
Smurthwaite “in dialogue” with four potential buyers of the club
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has told the Sentinel that he is in talks with four potential buyers of the club.
Supporters Club: Mystery buyer interested in Port Vale
The official Port Vale Supporters Club claim that a North East based businessman has expressed an interest in buying the club.
200% Blog: When “shooting from the hip” goes wrong
Influential football blog Two Hundred Percent has written a stinging editorial about recent events at Vale Park.
Kick It Out slams “outrageous” Smurthwaite over Hasselbaink comments
Leading football anti-racism organisation Kick It Out say that recent comments by Norman Smurthwaite were “outrageous” and a “sad day” for Port Vale.
Vale owner “deeply sorry” to fans offended by racism comments
In a wide-ranging statement on the official Port Vale website, Norman Smurthwaite has apologised for any offence caused by his comments on racism and violence and withdrawn from social media.
Supporters Club ‘very disappointed with developments’
Port Vale Supporters Club will be holding a committee meeting to decide on the “best course of action” after describing themselves as “very disappointed” with recent events.
A few ideas following this sorry mess…
Even by Port Vale standards, it has been a remarkable week, here we look at a few ways to mend bridges and maybe help get Vale back on track.
Port Vale owner says it’s time for players to deliver
Chairman Norman Smurthwaite says players need to convince fans and show that they are “punching above their weight.”
Time to take a break from mixed media messages?
OVF editor Rob Fielding thinks it may well be time for the club to conduct any potential sale behind closed doors.
Club statement confirms Port Vale is for sale
Several days after it was reported by the local media, the official Port Vale website has issued a statement on the sale of the club.
Smurthwaite not ruling out selling club but keeping ground
Norman Smurthwaite says that he would be expecting around £4m for Port Vale FC but he would be prepared to sell the club for a smaller amount and renting the Vale Park stadium to the new owners.
Port Vale owner linked with Torquay United
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has played down reports of taking over Torquay United after he put Port Vale up for sale.
Port Vale desperately needs less drama and more stability
After a 72 hour period of incredible drama, OVF editor Rob Fielding believes most fans will want an end to the soap opera.
Norman Smurthwaite puts Port Vale up for sale
Owner Norman Smurthwaite says that the club is “officially” up for sale but is at pains to point out that “it’s not a distress sale.”
Smurthwaite denies sacking claims but questions own future
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says his comments to a group on a supporters coach were misinterpreted and he is not poised to sack manager Rob Page.
This is a time for clear heads not snap decisions
Rob Fielding understands that Rob Page’s future is in the balance – but whether he stays or goes – he hopes the club don’t rush into a snap decision.
Smurthwaite tweets: questions have to be asked
The Port Vale chairman took to Twitter after the FA Cup defeat to Exeter, saying the “buck stops with me” and that it is a “very sad day” for the club.