Statement from Bill Bratt

After much consideration, I have decided to step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer. I feel that it is time to hand over the day to day running of the football club to another individual and to this end, we intend to advertise the role nationally.

The role of Chief Executive is one which is critical to the success of the club and we will be looking to recruit the best possible candidate to drive Port Vale forward - whoever is appointed will have a challenge on their hands in today's market.

Personally, it will be a great relief not to have the day to day problems to sort out and not to have the daily worry about finances.

I also have to think about my health which has not been too good this last year and my family, so I have been thinking about this decision for several months.