Bill Bratt

William Amos Bratt MBE (born 1945) is an English insurance broker and former football club chairman who was the chair of Port Vale from 2003 to 2011.

After decades working in the insurance industry, Bratt turned his attention to his hometown, Port Vale, after the club faced dark times.

After the war, his father appeared to be mentally scarred from his time in POW camps and regularly beat him, he apologised to his son whilst on his deathbed.

[7] The Valiant2001 Charter, drafted by Charles Machin, listed ten points:[8] Bratt put a large portion of the club's shares up for sale in February 2006.

In February 2009, with the club languishing near the bottom of the Football League, closer to relegation than the play-offs, many Vale fans organized protests against manager Glover and the board, including Bratt.

[12] With talks of fresh investment from shirt sponsors Harlequin Property came rumours on the internet that the company were planning to demolish Vale Park and build a supermarket, paying off Bratt to ensure his compliance.

[13] Bratt passionately denied these accusations, seemingly angered by the suggestion and claimed that if he were to comply with the protesters demands and remove himself and the rest of the V-2001 directors from the Board, then the club would fold as banks and creditors would seek their money.

Critics cited the phone vote that was arranged to sack Sinnott and how experienced midfielder Dave Brammer was released- informing him via voicemail.

[22][23] In the summer of 2009 he collapsed and was paralysed from the waist down, he made a full recovery though after undergoing surgery at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

[24] Despite the club's recent troubles on the pitch, Bratt was delighted with the overwhelming support he received from the fans during his recovery: "I have had lots of cards, text messages and phone calls, so I'd like to thank everyone for that.

[36] In September 2010 Bratt gave up his role as Chief Executive, but remained as chairman,[10] denying that this decision was influenced by the recent Newton takeover bid.

[46] Despite this Chaudry's takeover deadline passed without comment from the Vale board,[47] though another director, Paul Humphreys, resigned his position.

[50] With major shareholders Robbie Williams and Broxap owner Robert Lee throwing their support behind Chaudry, few believed Bratt could survive the EGM.

[53][54] Despite this, Bratt resigned as chairman on 29 July 2011,[55] citing his wish to unite the fans and to leave behind the "hate" levelled at him in "the last 12 months" by his detractors.