Smurthwaite: Vale is not self-sufficient, poor gates, high staff costs mean monthly losses…
In a response to an opinion piece on OVF, owner Norman Smurthwaite has replied to some of the questions raised.
Norman Smurthwaite
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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.
Opinion: despite the Q&A, Port Vale’s finances don’t add up
Port Vale finances: Rob Fielding says that one conclusion that many fans will draw from the Q&A meeting with Norman Smurthwaite on Thursday is that the club’s finances just don’t seem to add up.
Smurthwaite: Vale losing £160,000 per month and need £820,000 over the summer
During a highly charged Q&A session with supporters, owner Norman Smurthwaite claimed that Port Vale was losing up to £160,000 per month and would need £820,000 to stay afloat until the start of next season.
Opinion: is it all pretence?
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says ahead of the supporters’ meeting it’s time to “stand down Norman, stand down please…”
Micky Adams urges Norman Smurthwaite to sell the club
Former manager Micky Adams has urged owner Norman Smurthwaite to sell the football club.
Opinion: worrying times for Vale fans are owner’s not manager’s fault
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that the club’s Football League future could be in serious doubt and that one person will be to blame if it does go down…
Owner Norman Smurthwaite will answer questions in fans forum
The Port Vale Supporters Club have announced that Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite will attend a fans forum in March.
Port Vale need clear long-term plans and if not, a change of ownership
Rob Fielding says the club need to either produce a long-term, coherent vision or sell to new owners who can deliver that vision.
Opinion: now the Hugill deal is done where should the money go?
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that the Hugill money should be split between investment in the squad and paying off directors’ loans.
OVF 2017 review: our quotes of the year
In our series of features covering 2017 we look at what we consider to be the most memorable quotes of 2017
A good Friday for Port Vale FC
OVF editor Rob Fielding praises two positive pieces of news from the club.
Malcolm Hirst: what we require at Vale Park is a period of stability and unity
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that following the appointment of Neil Aspin and John Rudge Port Vale now need to build for the future.
Michael Brown comments on very “difficult situation” at Port Vale
Former Port Vale manager Michael Brown has spoken to the BBC following his exit from the club.
Owner Norman Smurthwaite says he is back at Vale Park to “sort out crisis”
In the summer, owner Norman Smurthwaite indicated he would be taking a backseat and leave CEO Colin Garlick and chairman Tony Fradley in charge of running the club. That decision now appears to have been reversed.
Malcolm Hirst: despite the owner’s tweets, this mess isn’t the fans’ fault
Columnist Malcolm Hirst says that despite tweets from owner Norman Smurthwaite, most Vale fans know where the club’s current problems stem from.
Smurthwaite rules out Aspin and Askey for Vale job
The Sentinel says that Norman Smurthwaite has told them that Neil Aspin and John Askey are not candidates for the Port Vale manager’s job.
Port Vale need experience not another managerial gamble
OVF editor Rob Fielding believes it is vital an experienced manager takes charge of the club.
Smurthwaite: three “exceptional” candidates and one will be appointed next week
A tweet from Norman Smurthwaite says the club will have a new manager in time for the game against Grimsby Town on the 7th October.
Port Vale 1-2 Accrington reaction: fans say Vale need new manager ASAP
Port Vale supporters say the club needs to get a new man in by the weekend – and opposing boss John Coleman has his admirers…
Adams watches Vale game with owner Smurthwaite
The club’s potential new Director of Football, Micky Adams, watched Vale’s draw with Yeovil alongside owner Norman Smurthwaite.
Micky Adams set to return but manager decision may take longer
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite is set to announce Micky Adams as the Director of Football but the decision of first-team manager may take longer.
Smurthwaite: I am the owner of the club and I take responsibility
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has told BBC Radio Stoke has said he takes responsibility for the decisions taken since the departure of Micky Adams.
Smurthwaite rules out Adams or Adkins as next manager
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has told BBC Radio Stoke that neither Micky Adams nor Nigel Adkins will be the club’s new manager.
Vale owner says he didn’t appoint Michael Brown and there are no immediate plans to sell the club
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says he won’t sell the club until it is a better position and he wasn’t responsible for the appointment of Michael Brown.
Opinion: After three appalling decisions, Vale need to get a steady, experienced manager
OVF editor Rob Fielding hopes there are no more managerial gambles and that the club opts for an experienced replacement for Michael Brown.
I’m repeating myself – but Port Vale needs a new and dynamic owner
OVF editor Rob Fielding says that while in the short-term a new manager is required, the bigger problem remains the ownership and direction of the club.