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.

Fans on the coach reported Smurthwaite talking about a “new manager” but the Vale owner told the Sentinel: “If it came over that way then that is not what I said. Rob is still in charge of managing Port Vale.”

That is not what I said. Rob is still in charge of managing Port Vale…

However, he was clearly upset by Vale’s cup loss adding:  “I was livid. I went on to the bus to apologise and said there would be changes at the club, what they are I don’t know yet. I am the guy who takes responsibility.

“The manager’s role is only as good as his results, Rob knows that. There are days when I leave games questioning everything. I questioned more then everything here.”

The chairman added: “I have put a lot of money into the club and not seen the return that the fans deserve.”

On Sunday, Smurthwaite also tweeted: