Club statement: Sale negotiations called off
Port Vale have issued a statement confirming that the potential sale to a bidder has been called off.
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.
Port Vale extend buyer’s exclusivity period and cancel fans forum
Port Vale FC have issued a statement to inform fans that a potential buyer’s exclusivity period has been extended.
Purkiss: Wage cuts comments are “unsettling”
Defender Ben Purkiss says players “are probably a little bit worried” after talk of potential wages cuts next season.
Port Vale owner reports Twitter abuse to Police
Staffordshire Police have confirmed that they are investigating a complaint from Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite.
Rob Page criticises Smurthwaite’s “unwelcome statement” on budget cuts
Manager Rob Page has called Norman Smurthwaite’s comments on potential wage cuts an “unwelcome statement” after praising the Vale players for keeping their focus.
Selling the club but not the ground would be a major concern
OVF editor Rob Fielding believes it would be a huge risk to sell the football club and not the Vale Park stadium.
Port Vale in “exclusivity” deal with potential buyer
Norman Smurthwaite has told BBC Radio Stoke that he has entered an exclusivity deal with a potential purchaser of the club.
Smurthwaite: Port Vale sale could be done by February
BBC Radio Stoke reports that Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says a sale of the club could be completed by as early as February.
Smurthwaite “in dialogue” with four potential buyers of the club
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has told the Sentinel that he is in talks with four potential buyers of the club.
200% Blog: When “shooting from the hip” goes wrong
Influential football blog Two Hundred Percent has written a stinging editorial about recent events at Vale Park.
Kick It Out slams “outrageous” Smurthwaite over Hasselbaink comments
Leading football anti-racism organisation Kick It Out say that recent comments by Norman Smurthwaite were “outrageous” and a “sad day” for Port Vale.
Vale owner “deeply sorry” to fans offended by racism comments
In a wide-ranging statement on the official Port Vale website, Norman Smurthwaite has apologised for any offence caused by his comments on racism and violence and withdrawn from social media.
Port Vale owner says it’s time for players to deliver
Chairman Norman Smurthwaite says players need to convince fans and show that they are “punching above their weight.”
Time to take a break from mixed media messages?
OVF editor Rob Fielding thinks it may well be time for the club to conduct any potential sale behind closed doors.
Smurthwaite not ruling out selling club but keeping ground
Norman Smurthwaite says that he would be expecting around £4m for Port Vale FC but he would be prepared to sell the club for a smaller amount and renting the Vale Park stadium to the new owners.
Port Vale owner linked with Torquay United
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has played down reports of taking over Torquay United after he put Port Vale up for sale.
Port Vale desperately needs less drama and more stability
After a 72 hour period of incredible drama, OVF editor Rob Fielding believes most fans will want an end to the soap opera.
Norman Smurthwaite puts Port Vale up for sale
Owner Norman Smurthwaite says that the club is “officially” up for sale but is at pains to point out that “it’s not a distress sale.”
Smurthwaite denies sacking claims but questions own future
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says his comments to a group on a supporters coach were misinterpreted and he is not poised to sack manager Rob Page.
This is a time for clear heads not snap decisions
Rob Fielding understands that Rob Page’s future is in the balance – but whether he stays or goes – he hopes the club don’t rush into a snap decision.
Smurthwaite tweets: questions have to be asked
The Port Vale chairman took to Twitter after the FA Cup defeat to Exeter, saying the “buck stops with me” and that it is a “very sad day” for the club.
Smurthwaite denies Page sacking rumour
Commenting on the OVF forum, Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite has firmly denied that manager Rob Page would have faced the sack if Vale had lost their FA Cup replay against Maidenhead United.
Cash turnstiles to be trialed by Vale
Port Vale will trial three cash turnstiles for the FA Cup game against Maidenhead United on Sunday.
Budgets may be cut as accounts reveal £2.5m directors loan
Norman Smurthwaite has said he will not “continue to pump in the money that I am pumping in” after the club published its annual accounts.
Vale to discuss extending striker’s stay
Port Vale Chairman Norman Smurthwaite has told BBC Radio Stoke that the club are set to enter talks about striker Uche Ikpeazu.
Owner Q&A: No Cox role, close Page relationship, no funds for signings
Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has been active on the OVF Forum recently, answering questions from a number of fans.