Smurthwaite ‘gutted’ over Wildes exit
6 Towns Radio interviewed Norman Smurthwaite following the departure of Paul Wildes and admitted he was “gutted” by the departure of his business partner.
Norman Smurthwaite
Find features and stories related to Norman Smurthwaite on Port Vale website onevalefan.co.uk
About Norman Smurthwaite
The English businessman became owner of Port Vale Football Club in November 2012. He qualified as an engineer and built a successful business career and property portfolio before retiring at the age of 50.
He was part of the investment group, led by Paul Wildes, that took Port Vale out of administration in November 2012.
Following Wildes’ departure, he took over as chairman of Port Vale in 2013. He resigned as chairman following relegation back to League Two in 2016–17 before returning to the role in 2018.
Fans Forum will be recorded
OVF understands that Monday’s Fans Forum will be recorded by Port Vale Supporters Club so that those unable to attend will be able to listen to the proceedings.
Adams set to be offered new deal
Norman Smurthwaite has admitted that manager Micky Adams was “unhappy” that Paul Wildes has departed the club but the Chairman says that the manager will be offered a new, improved contract and a 30% increase in his transfer budget.
Wildes has gone, but we’re still in good hands
OVF founder Rob Fielding says that while the departure of Paul Wildes is “not ideal news” he thinks that fans should “not get completely downhearted yet” as Norman Smurthwaite claims to have a long-term commitment to the club.
Wildes steps down
Norman Smurthwaite has become the sole owner of Port Vale after Paul Wildes stepped down from his current position following the sale of his 50% share in Alchemy Investment Group, which owns the club.
Fans forum to be held on Monday
Port Vale Supporters Club will be hosting a Supporters’ Club Meeting and fans forum, on Monday 20th May in the Valiants Suite at 7:30pm.
Video: There’s only one Norman Smurthwaite
There’s not many football fans who can say that they serenaded their chief executive while said CEO was dressed as a Smurf.
Ask a question to Smurf on Signal 2
Port Vale CEO Norman Smurthwaite will be live on Signal 2 radio this Friday – and Vale fans have a chance to ask him a question via the OVF forum.
Gallery: the fans’ promotion pics
Here are some superb photos from fans including plenty of Tom Pope, a superb panoramic view of Vale Park and lots of images of fans celebrating.
At last! Owners who understand OVF’s value
OVF founder Rob Fielding was impressed after meeting Chairman Paul Wildes and CEO Norman Smurthwaite on Tuesday evening and he believes the club’s owners appreciate the value of fans’ websites such as this one.
Norman wants storming end to season
Port Vale CEO Norman Smurthwaite has called on the side to deliver four straight wins and confirm their promotion to League One.
Smurthwaite: The team need a cuddle
Port Vale CEO Norman Smurthwaite has told Martin Tideswell that the players and coaching staff “need us – the owners, the staff at the club and – crucially – the fans, to put our arms around them and make them feel warm and loved.”
CEO ‘pledges support’ to manager and players
Norman Smurthwaite has tweeted that he will “pledge his support to MA his support staff & players” after the team came in for some criticism following their run of poor form.
Vale set to launch season ticket offer
Port Vale FC will offer fans a discount on their season tickets if they reach 5,000 sales for next season.
Smurthwaite: We need more fans to turn up
Port Vale co-owner Norman Smurthwaite has told the Sentinel that Port Vale’s crowds will need to improve considerably if the club are to climb up the league.
Smurthwaite: Vale could ‘accommodate’ Coventry
Port Vale co-owner Norman Smurthwaite has told the Sentinel that he would be happy for Coventry City to play at Vale Park providing any deal was ” a commercial arrangement for the benefit of this club.”
Smurthwaite offers to assist hometown club
Port Vale co-owner Norman Smurthwaite has offered his services to hometown club Coventry City as they seek to resolve their stadium rent row.
Port Vale owners outline ambitious plans
Port Vale’s new owners Paul Wildes and Norman Smurthwaite received a standing ovation after a fans forum in which they announced a string of new initiatives.
Smurthwaite: Pope’s going nowhere
Port Vale CEO Norman Smurthwaite called in to a live phone-in on BBC Radio Stoke to dismiss “rumours” that Vale were intending to sell top scorer Tom Pope.
Press conference: video and interviews
The Port Vale Supporters Club have two videos from Wednesday’s press conference at Vale Park available on their website.
Preferred bidders confident of completing deal on Tuesday
Norman Smurthwaite, who along with Paul Wildes is the preferred bidder to take over the club, has told the Sentinel that he expects to complete the takeover of Port Vale ahead of the game with Bristol Rovers.
Wildes welcomes suggestions from fans
A press release from the Port Vale Supporters Club has hailed two ” very productive meetings with the new preferred bidders” and announced an email address through which fans can make suggestions for the potential owners.
Business duo set to be named as preferred bidders?
The Sentinel newspaper claims that Paul Wildes and business associate Norman Smurthwaite are set to be named as the preferred bidders for Port Vale FC on Tuesday.
Port Vale FC – the 2012 administration months
Here (sadly) is our comprehensive day-by-day guide to the twists and turns of the club’s spell in administration during 2012
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.