Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent: I've learned a lesson
JAMES BRENT has admitted he learned a valuable lesson about football after taking the 'difficult' decision to sack Carl Fletcher as manager of Plymouth Argyle.
Fletcher was fired on January 1 after a series of poor results saw the Pilgrims slide into relegation trouble.
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Brent stuck by the 32-year-old for longer than many fans would have done before finally calling time on his managerial reign.
The Argyle owner and chairman admired the enthusiasm and energy of Fletcher and the pair formed a good working relationship.
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He acknowledged Fletcher lacked experience as a manager, which was why the club intended appointing a director of football to advise him.
Ultimately, though, Argyle's results were not good enough and Brent thought it was the correct decision to relieve Fletcher of his duties.
He has learned 'the luxury of time' does not apply to the fiercely competitive world of football.
Brent said: "Carl has put his heart and soul into the club and shown great passion, dedication and single-mindedness.
"It was probably the most difficult human relations decision I have taken. When you communicate something like that and the first thing the person says is 'thank you for the opportunity to manage' it's very difficult to deal with.
"I think it was the right decision. The problem with football, as I now understand, is that you have got very short seasons.
"Your ability to see people develop is limited by that season. Whereas in most businesses you can work with people to improve the areas where they have weakness, you just don't have the luxury of time in football."
Comments
by Brian137
Friday, January 11 2013, 1:42AM
“plymtel
Dont agree with hardly any of that- sorry. There is a minority that keep trying to negate James Brents involvement in Argyle and for what reason? Maybe it's because it would be their thinking, what they would do if they had the same opportunity. Not everyone has that level of iniquity.
I would say if James Brent and his Akkeron group can make some money whilst at the same time improving our ground and making the club strong in its financial and playing structure I would be as happy as a bunny on heat in a bunny brothel.
The man saved the club, but for some that's not enough.”
by plymtel
Thursday, January 10 2013, 7:11PM
“If honesty and transparency was order of the day then Brent would have said John Sheridan was a cheap option, available now on a short term contract. Just because he appeared to impress and tick all the boxes of cheapness at the interview does not mean to say he was the correct choice. I believe there were better options of a managers applying for the job but anyone would have been better than Carl Fletcher.
That said John Sheridan has had mediocre success at this low level, so there is some hope. Argyle fans should now get behind him and what team he builds and hope he saves our football league status. Up to now he has impressed me with his media interviews and the fact he has promoted Gary Owers, it obvious Romain Larrieu and Kevin Nancekivell were not really up to job.
A piece of advice to Mr Brent stops treating Argyle fans like fools the majority respond to honesty and transparency.
Personally I have severe reservations about him still and his motive. A friend of mine who is a retired successful property developer thinks that Brent may have still development plans for Home Park which would not compliment the football club and will wait patiently for that opportunity.”
by nineplatoon
Thursday, January 10 2013, 12:19PM
“Here's a list of transfer listed player
http://tinyurl.com/b6stoc5”
by kevinretallic
Thursday, January 10 2013, 11:20AM
“The problem is inexpieriance, Argyle need players that have been in the park and bought the t-shirt, from there re-build.Its ok to have youth in the team, but they need a mentor to show thm the way.”
by eddie_taylor
Thursday, January 10 2013, 9:20AM
“Whenever JB has something to say I listen intently and am not disappointed by his honesty; unfortunately we were in a catch 22 situation, CF had done a great job saving the club from relegation into oblivion, he deserved some reward. That reward was the manager's job, but alas he had exhaust the ride on a wave, the surf board ( John Deehan) had gone and CF was alone; the rest is history.
Brent stood by his man far too long and now he knows it, football is a business like no other and this is finally coming home to roost; now I believe "The Argyle" are in a position to start moving forward. Let us hope that JB still has the same enthusiasm to re-build the club and stadium.
COYGs”
by MikeSpiligan
Thursday, January 10 2013, 8:42AM
“Has JB learned that if you serve up mediocre football against third rate opposition the paying public will inevitably vote with their feet ? My guess is that if Jonners can get this team winning a few games and scoring a few goals people will flock back to HP. Looking forward to having the biggest gates in the 2nd division.... Start work on the Grandstand JB”