Who owns Port Vale FC?
Who owns Port Vale FC? Find out the answer in our special feature.
Who owns Port Vale FC?
Carol and Kevin Shanahan have owned Port Vale FC since the 7th May 2019. They purchased the club from former owner Norman Smurthwaite who had been in charge of the Valiants for seven years. The Shanahans, both long-standing Vale supporters, who own Potteries-based firm Synectics Solutions bought the club in its entirety.
Businessman Smurthwaite, who took Vale out of administration in 2012, first put the club up for sale in 2016 and since then the Shanahans had made several bids to buy both the club and their Vale Park ground – which was owned by Smurthwaite through a separate company. The Shanahans have now reunited the club and ground as one single entity.
Speaking after the deal was completed, Kevin Shanahan told the media: “It’s very difficult to put into words. It has been a humbling experience. Personally speaking, I’ve been tickled beyond imagination. I feel hugely uplifted.”
What about previous owners of Port Vale FC?
Prior to the Shanahans, there have been a number of owners of the club. Prominent owners in recent time include Norman Smurthwaite, the Valiant 2001 consortium (which included Bill Bratt, Mike Lloyd, Perry Deakin and Peter Miller) and Bill Bell.
Here is a list of recent owners:
Find out more about the Vale Park stadium
We have a dedicated section on the current Port Vale stadium including historical articles on its foundation, the opening game, galleries and a look around the various stands which comprise the ground. To read more go to our Vintage Vale Park section