Port Vale fans await news of club takeover
Port Vale supporters will be looking out for news on the potential takeover of the club by Synectics Solutions owners Kevin and Carol Shanahan.
This season was marked by fans protests against owner Norman Smurthwaite which were organised following a vote of no confidence in Smurthwaite by the official Port Vale supporters club.
Fans were upset by PR gaffes, lack of transfer funds and a lack of direction for a club which has seen a steady turnover of managers and players in recent seasons. The protests saw the return of the Black & Gold protest group, protest marches and red card protests during games.
However, Smurthwaite reacted furiously when the Supporters Club appealed for funds to support their protests and controversially said that he would put the club into administration on May 5th if a takeover deal had not been completed.
Vale’s next-door neighbours Synectics Solutions are owned by life-long Vale fans the Shanahans who have tabled previous bids for the club. Smurthwaite’s announcement prompted a new bid by the pair and despite reports of rival bids, the Shanahans and the club entered into an exclusivity agreement.
Fans are now waiting on news as to whether their bid has been successful or whether the club will be plunged into crisis once again.