Problems on the pitch but the bigger picture is the ownership of Port Vale
OVF editor Rob Fielding says that while this has been a terrible week on the pitch, off-pitch matters such as the sale of the club should still remain the top priority
Find features and stories related to Norman Smurthwaite on Port Vale website onevalefan.co.uk
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.
OVF editor Rob Fielding says that while this has been a terrible week on the pitch, off-pitch matters such as the sale of the club should still remain the top priority
Columnist Malcolm Hirst feels that the Vale manager has been “too cautious” and was found out during the defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.
Columnist Malcolm Hirst thinks that publishing the club accounts would earn owner Norman Smurthwaite more respect from Vale fans.
The OVF editor is encouraged by the progress made by CEO Colin Garlick but he still believes the long-term goal should still be new ownership.
OVF columnist Malcolm Hirst says it’s clear that there is a mood for change and that the owner should listen.
A summary of the week’s events including Norman Smurthwaite rejecting two bids for the club
The local firm have made a bid to take control of Port Vale FC – should Norman Smurthwaite sell to them?
OVF editor Rob Fielding thinks that owner Norman Smurthwaite should sell the club to Synectics Solutions.
Columnist Martyn Cooke reflects on relegation and what the club now needs to do to reverse its demise.
Vale fan Malcolm Hirst welcomes an apology from Norman Smurthwaite but wants him to write off the loans, put a reasonable price on the club and open a dialogue with Synectics.
Norman Smurthwaite stands down: Port Vale owner says his actions have “seriously damaged our club” and has announced that Colin Garlick will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the club.
OVF editor Rob Fielding thinks the most crucial decision that could be made this summer concerns selling the club to new owners.
Port Vale fan Malcolm Hirst has some forthright views on what actions owner Norman Smurthwaite should take.
The latest accounts filed for Port Vale FC show that the club owes £3m of directors’ loans to owner Norman Smurthwaite.
Long-standing Port Vale fan Malcolm Hirst thinks recent events show that it’s time for Norman Smurthwaite to sell the club at a realistic price.
Rob Fielding hopes that the club isn’t sold to a hedge fund and he believes there are options that will allow the owner to sell the club to the right people.
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says he has been left with a “daunting task” as he reiterates that he will only sell the club to owners who have the good of the club at heart.
Chairman Norman Smurthwaite has issued a statement on the potential sale of the club.
The Sentinel newspaper says that documents forwarded to them show that a Norwegian group are seeking to buy Port Vale FC for £6.5m.
Speaking to OVF editor Rob Fielding, Norman Smurthwaite has confirmed that there are four parties interested in the club and that two have met the asking price.
Further posts in the OVF forum from Chairman Norman Smurthwaite have claimed that the Vale Park stadium is valued at £9m.
Port Vale owner Norman Smuthwaite has issued a range of answers on the club’s finances on the OVF forum.
In a post on the OVF forum, Norman Smurthwaite apologises for Ribeiro decision and has responded to questions about Rob Page and Michael Brown.
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says that contract negotiations are underway with defender Remie Streete and midfielder Sam Foley.
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says that he will sell both the football club and the Vale Park stadium if an suitable party takes over.
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite posted on the OVF forum that “when the right party comes along l will hand over the reins.”
OVF forum user Iron Curtain has an nine point long-term plan that he urges owner Norman Smurthwaite to adopt.