Turf wars – the failed Blue Sky investment in Port Vale FC ten years on…
13th September 2021 is the tenth anniversary of the infamous “Blue Sky” investment into the football club. We remember those controversial events…
Bill Bratt
Find features and stories related to Bill Bratt on Port Vale website onevalefan.co.uk
About Bill Bratt
The Port Vale supporter was a key figure in the Valiant 2001 group which took over ownership of Port Vale FC in 2003. Bratt was named chairman and was in that role from 2003 to 2011.
He was awarded an MBE in 2009 and was a key figure of the sponsorship of the club by Harlequin Properties. However, after the club’s relegation in 2007, the rejection of a takeover bid by Mo Chaudry, a series of fans protests against the board and an acrimonious EGM he resigned as chairman in July 2011.
Five bizarre Port Vale transfer rumours
Football rumours rule the back pages and Port Vale have had their fair share over the years.
The planned Gianni Paladini Port Vale take-over
Back in 2003, Gianni Paladini was linked with a Vale takeover. Here is how we reported it at the time…
Supporters Club: Bill Bratt didn’t make personal donation to Port Vale
Bill Bratt didn’t make donation: The Port Vale Supporters Club have issued a statement which contradicts press reports of a personal donation to the club’s academy by former chairman Bill Bratt.
Harlequin Property ‘go into administration’
A report says that former Port Vale sponsors Harlequin Property has applied for its sales arm to go into administration. The company has taken more than £300m in deposits from at least 6,000 investors for off-plan luxury holiday accommodation across the Caribbean since 2006. However, it has so far built just around 300 of the thousands […]
Law firms ‘inundated with Harlequin calls’
A report on FTadvisor.com claims that law firms acting for investors are hoping to obtain a “freezing order” against the former Port Vale FC sponsors.
Panorama special on Harlequin Properties shelved
The BBC has cancelled an episode of Panorama which was to focus on Port Vale’s former club sponsors, Harlequin Property, after allegations of bribery.
Serious Fraud Office to investigate Harlequin Property?
Port Vale’s former club sponsors, Harlequin Property, once described as the “best sponsors the club have ever had” have been reported to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), it has been claimed.
FSA issues alert about former Port Vale sponsors Harlequin Properties
Port Vale’s former club sponsors, Harlequin Property, are the subject of a formal alert issued by the Financial Services Agency (FSA).
Williams lifts the lid on Gannon’s Vale regime
Columnist Ray Williams’ latest exclusive OVF column describes what he thought it was like working for the Jim Gannon regime at Vale Park.
Shameless Bratt: I’ll save the Vale
Former chairman and CEO Bill Bratt appears to have whitewashed his considerable part in producing Port Vale’s financial woes and has told the Sentinel that he would step forward to rescue the club if no other bidders are acceptable.
Deakin: It’s Bratt’s fault (but I made mistakes too)
Following Director Mike Lloyd’s claim that the board were only partially to blame for the club’s finances and that fans’ protests and historic debt also contributed, CEO Perry Deakin has now claimed that former Chairman Bill Bratt is also to blame.
Port Vale sued by their own shirt sponsors
Port Vale sued by shirt sponsors: club are being sued by current shirt sponsors Harlequin Properties, the Staffordshire Sentinel has revealed. The news of the legal move is another highly damaging and embarrassing episode for the club’s underfire board.
Here’s hoping for a brighter 2012 for Vale
In his latest column, OVF founder Rob Fielding says the last twelve months have included some of the club’s darkest moments and have truly been an annus horriblis.
A welcome move, but it’s not all over yet
In his latest “One Vale View” column, Rob Fielding says former Chairman Bill Bratt is wrong if he thinks simply resigning as Port Vale Chairman will “unite” the fans.
I’m still waiting for actions, not words…
In Rob Fielding’s latest “One Vale View” column he revisits an old article and repeats his request for the board to demonstrate their alleged “appetite for change” in light of appeals for information from NLV and Mark Sims. Rob also asks whether Micky Adams will put his money where his mouth is and is happy […]
Has Bill Bratt learnt his lesson from Tricell debacle?
In Rob Fielding’s latest opinion piece “One Vale View” the OVF founder responds to recent comments from Chairman Bill Bratt about Tricell in the Sentinel newspaper.
Time for actions, not words…
Rob Fielding welcomes the post-EGM statement from the board in which they accept an “appetite for change” but he wants more than mere words – the board now have to deliver.
Legal action: is that "for us all"?
On the eve of the EGM, Rob Fielding pens an open letter to the Port Vale board.
Board’s "below the belt" tactics damage the club
Rob Fielding argues that the current tactics of the Port Vale FC board are ruining the reputation of the club.
People in glasshouses…
Chairman Bill Bratt has been on local radio attacking “lies” posted on the Internet. Rob Fielding defends OVF’s honour…
Ten reasons why Bratt’s snub was wrong
Rob Fielding thinks the club was wrong to dismiss the Chaudry offer and here are his reasons why.
The board’s silence speaks volumes
It’s been another week of controversy at Vale Park and yet, once again, fans have been treated to complete silence from the Port Vale board.
The Sentinel misses the point with Vale coverage
The Stoke Sentinel has a surprise Vale lead story on a day that could have enormous consequences for Vale’s future direction.
Port Vale’s board ignores the fan message
This article was published on the When Saturday Comes website on the 11th June, 2011.
Port Vale history 1987 to 2018
Promotions, epic cup runs, the club’s first-ever trophy and the controversial final days of John Rudge’s reign.
Former directors hold ‘investment’ talks
The Sentinel newspaper reports that former Port Vale directors Bill Bratt (pictured) and Stan Meigh have held talks with potential investors in the club.