Smurthwaite hints at new signing and would consider Pope return
In a series of tweets, Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has suggested that there could be another new player arriving at the club.
In a reference to the “sweetie jar” (the term associated with the owner funding a new signing) Smurthwaite tweeted:
looks like that sweety jar and pen coming out again.Must be the sun
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) July 22, 2016
Smurthwaite also said he would normally not bring players or coaches back to the club but he would make an exception if either Tom Pope or Micky Adams were to return to the club. Pope has recently been transfer listed by Bury and linked with a return to Vale Park.
Smurthwaite tweeted in reply to a fan:
I do not agree.I would not normally look to the past but would do for Tom and for Mickey Adams 2 massive assets of our Club
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) July 22, 2016
He also suggested Pope would be interested in a move to Vale:
He would come l would take him doubt Bury would sanction it
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) July 22, 2016
He also praised the performance of Jerome Thomas in a behind closed doors friendly with Benfica:
Watching Jerome today wow what a signing.Were going to be very very very good
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) July 22, 2016
Praised manager Bruno Ribeiro’s connections:
Bruno is a very humble man but has some massive connections
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) July 22, 2016
And suggested there could be some high profile friendlies next summer:
We will have some very interesting Pre Seasons next term.
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) July 22, 2016