Sentinel editor: Richard Bowyer
The Sentinel’s journalists are to be allowed access to local football team Port Vale once again.
The Stoke-based newspaper had been locked out of the club following a dispute with the football club’s chairman Norman Smurthwaite.
Last night The Sentinel posted an editorial which said both parties had worked hard during several days of discussion to find a resolution.
“The Sentinel is sorry that Mr Smurthwaite was upset at the way in which Sentinel staff handled confidential information about the football club in relation to a story back in May regarding the departure of former Vale chairman Paul Wildes.
“On reflection, Mr Smurthwaite acknowledges that this information was used by The Sentinel for the good of the club. We believe Port Vale and The Sentinel are mutually beneficial and that a successful, positively publicised Port Vale is good for our city.The Sentinel looks forward to reporting on Vale’s promotion push as the season progresses, and we look forward to working with Mr Smurthwaite and his team.”
Elsewhere, Newcastle United FC is still upholding its press ban on local journalists. The Trinity Mirror owned Journal, Chronicle and Sunday Sun have been banned from matches and press conferences in protest at coverage of a recent fans’ demonstration against Mike Ashley, the club’s owner.
