Norman Smurthwaite on BBC Radio Stoke, Monday 18th May

[LancyTony]

I can't help feeling that our chances of bringing players in aren't being helped by the public negotiations between Tom Pope and NS. Potential targets might think twice about joining us if they read how we are allegedly treating our home grown "legend" so badly. The fact that all the squad have allegedly been given pay cuts won't help either...

 

I don't think potential signings will be bothered how the club manages its budget - they will simply want to know if what's on offer matches their demands, and whether they will be playing?

[The Kalamazoo Kid]

the fact is Norman has set a budget of £1.7 m...its up to the Manager to distribute how he sees fit to certain players who he wants to keep

 

Is it? Seems to me that Smurthwaite is deciding how the playing budget is spent, in terms of how much is to be offered to each player.

[Little_Al]

To Norman: 1.Do you think the moaners and groaners amongst the supporters will make up Tom Pope's wages to last season's level?

2. What effect does the pessimism and lack of ambition amongst supporters have on the team performances?

3. Thank you for everything you have done for the Vale. It is far more than we deserve.

[blondie]

If we sign Inniss it would be a great signing and why don't we see if we can get somebody like Ollie Shenton from stoke who they value very highly.

[Tony Sealy rocks]

Norman, which do you prefer poundland or home bargains?

[Aussie Rules]

My goodness, the several snide remarks aimed at Smurf are, in my opinion, uncalled for.

 

Smurf has set out his stall for season 2015-16 and player contracts have been sent out. Now we wait to see who will accept and what other additions will be added to the Squad.

[bycarsender]

Is it true Andy Wilkinson from Stoke is joining Vale?

[OakhillDave]

Norman, have you seen the new Mad Max film yet? If yes, is it any good? If not, would you like to come and see it with me (preferably on a Wednesday when it's 2 for 1)?

[Robbie Earle's Perm]

My goodness, the several snide remarks aimed at Smurf are, in my opinion, uncalled for.

 

Smurf has set out his stall for season 2015-16 and player contracts have been sent out. Now we wait to see who will accept and what other additions will be added to the Squad.

 

Voice of reason as always AR!

[pete vale]

What are you, the manager or the new commercial dept going to do to convince supporters to buy/renew season tickets for 2015/16 season?

 

I ask this question as it seems that the majority of reguarlar season ticket holders who have been attending for many years like myself, were hoping for a season of change, one where the club would finally start to build a decent team (similar to what the likes of Bornemouth have done over the last 6-8 years) as for many supporters last years squad, tactics and performances (the same sqaud that narrowly missed relegation I may add) were a massive let down, a squad of which in light the current retained list the club seem hell bent on trying to keep? while also bearing in mind that the budget has been cut so our better players the likes of Pope, Marshall and O'Connor (who we should be looking at pushing the boat out to keep) may move on and we don't have the budget for wages to replace them like for like, therefore, most supporters look at the coming season as one of fear of relegation, rather than a season where we should be looking at trying to achieve at least a top half of the table finish or perhaps have a proper go at the playoffs?

 

It's hardly the scenario that encourages supporters to part with what is for some is the best part of a 3rd of their monthly income.

Good question and to be honest the only one to be asked imo.

[Cheltenham Valiant]

Norman: Will the cost of a season ticket & match day admission be greatly reduced if we are relegated next season? It does not look too good for us especially with the likes of Stoke City offering similar/cheaper prices.

[Fosse69]

How does Vale`s budget compare with most of the clubs with similar gates in our division? Clubs with larger gates or good cup runs can afford larger wages, but the majority must be in a similar range as shown by the small difference in points spread below the top 6/7. Surely Norman is aware of our competitors` budgets and wage ranges players can expect in our division, both for the stars and the squad members? And of course the players and agents will be aware also. Only time will tell when they come back from their holidays.

[Supervalefan1]

Hi Norman :). I would like to know if this rumour which I have seen on twitter is true or not :). Portsmouth star Jed Wallace to join Port Vale in the summer after having successful talks with Norman Smurthwaite.

[sunny boslem]

Norman do you get fed up of hearing the same old crap from port Vale supporters? I presume you will be addressing the rain and cold during the winter months to avoid some fans using this as an excuse not to buy a season ticket

 

Love it

[Robbie Earle's Perm]

Hi Norman :). I would like to know if this rumour which I have seen on twitter is true or not :). Portsmouth star Jed Wallace to join Port Vale in the summer after having successful talks with Norman Smurthwaite.

 

Now that sir would be a cracking signing!