Norman Smurthwaite is back as Port Vale chairman

The Sentinel newspaper reports that Tony Fradley has stepped down as chairman of Port Vale with owner Norman Smurthwaite returning to the role.

Fradley steps down after a twelve month spell in the role.

However, Smurthwaite says he will not be returning to day-to-day activities at the club and will be leaving those in the hands of CEO Colin Garlick.

Smurthwaite told the newspaper: “Tony paid a fee to represent the club at away games and greet clubs in the boardroom.

“Since I stepped down I have not been involved in the day to day running of the club, unless I have been asked to get involved, for example with the Ricky Miller deal.

“My relationship is more with the manager than the running of the club, other than stadium maintenance.”