Norman Smurthwaite Becomes Port Vale Owner Amongst other Board Room Changes

Port Vale have announced that Norman Smurthwaite has become the club’s sole owner, replacing Paul Wildes who stepped down following the sale of his 50% share in the company who own the club.

Smurthwaite moves from CEO to Chairman and will begin his new role immediately and he promised it would be ‘business as usual’ at the club, who earned promotion to League One this season.

Smurthwaite said: “”There is no-one more disappointed than me that Paul has decided to leave, but this is business and we have to move on.

“The infrastructure of the club is much improved compared to when we took over and we also have League One status. Paul has done an excellent job as Chairman and we thank him – but now is the time to look to the future.

“It’s also important to understand that financially, this will not affect the club going forward. I have already invested heavily in Port Vale and will continue to do so. The financial security of the club is not in jeopardy.

“I’ve had meetings with Micky Adams and will also sit down with club personnel to ensure that we plot the best course of action for this season and beyond.

“The support of our fans has been nothing short of magnificent and I’m certain that will continue.”

Supporters Club leader Ally Simock has also said it is important for supporters to back Smurthwaite and she said: “Paul did a great job in the six months he was chairman and the club is in a lot better place now for his hard work.

“Norman is in the lead role now and I hope fans give him all the support he deserves.

“It’s an exciting time with the club heading into League One next season and it’s certainly not a time for panic.”

As well as a new Chairman, Operations Dirctor Mike Aspinall and Finance Director Robin Anderson have followed Wildes out of the exit at Vale Park.

Wildes said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me and my main regret is that I am leaving the job half-finished.

“It has been clear from my many conversations with Norman that we have conflicting ideas on how to take the club forward. This sometimes happens in business and because of this, I have decided to step down.

“I know there will be a level of disappointment amongst sections of the supporters but this is not a decision I have taken lightly.

“Port Vale is now in a far healthier position than when Norman and I took over and I hope that it continues to prosper under Norman’s guidance.

“I’d like to thank Micky Adams, the staff at the club and the supporters for their unwavering support since I became Chairman.”