William Amos Bratt MBE was born on 1945 and is an English insurance broker and former football club chairman who was the chair of Port Vale from 2003 to 2011.
18 Facts About Bill Bratt
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Bill Bratt then faced a constant battle to steady the club's finances whilst advancing through the leagues.
3.
Bill Bratt left the club after fan protests against his chairmanship.
4.
Bill Bratt's stepfather was a World War II veteran who was taken by the Japanese as a prisoner of war.
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Bill Bratt lived in numerous children's homes in the Penkhull area, before becoming a miner at Chatterley Whitfield pit in 1959.
6.
Bill Bratt worked in several coal-mines, but was forced to retire after a motorcycle accident severely damaged his left hand; he is without a left thumb.
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However, Bill Bratt built up his business acumen and earned a healthy income as an insurance broker over a 30-year period.
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Bill Bratt had been a lifelong supporter of the club when he took the chairman position in 2003.
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Bill Bratt put a large portion of the club's shares up for sale in February 2006.
10.
Three months later Bill Bratt took up the role of Chief executive officer.
11.
Bill 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.
12.
Bill Bratt reiterated his prior statements by stating that he would be prepared to leave his position if the right offer were to be made.
13.
Bill Bratt was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2009 Birthday Honours for services to sport.
14.
In July 2009, Bill Bratt spoke out to publicly deny rumours spread on Vale fan sites, specifically rumours of sponsorship deals with Basement Jaxx and Maplin Electronics.
15.
Bill Bratt said the rumours were "inaccurate, spurious and damaging", claiming the speculation could damage genuine and confidential negotiations.
16.
Bill Bratt denied claims by Newton that the club were heading for administration under his leadership.
17.
In September 2010 Bill Bratt gave up his role as Chief Executive, but remained as chairman, denying that this decision was influenced by the recent Newton takeover bid.
18.
Bill Bratt later became chairman of minor non-league side Stone Town.