MANAGER Paul Sturrock believes the takeover at Plymouth Argyle will provide him with a 'fresh start' as the club approaches its sixth successive season in the Championship.

Sturrock admitted it was a bittersweet moment watching a new chairman take over the reins at Home Park yesterday.

There was the feel of an end of an era in the Home Park boardroom as Sturrock watched Paul Stapleton end his eight year stint as chairman of the Pilgrims.

Stapleton is now deputy chairman, while former Manchester United chairman Sir Roy Gardner was unveiled with as the new man at the helm of the Pilgrims.

Stapleton's and Sturrock's relationship stretches back to when the former was a director and the latter was brought in by the former chairman, Dan McCauley.

Sturrock, who will lead the club into the 2009/10 campaign, said: "It's a bit sad because, obviously, I had a close relationship with the old board.

"They've been very successful in the 10 years they've been in charge.

"Everybody knows the story, but we (Argyle) went from the bottom league up into the Championship.

"Financially, the Championship is the sixth-richest league in the world and I'm looking forward to working with the new board.

"Hopefully, it will make the club stronger."

Sturrock said he had been kept in the picture in the lead-up to the takeover.

"I've known what's been happening most of the time," said Sturrock.

"The last time (when Stapleton's consortium took over from McCauley), it was the day before when I was told what the story was.

"But this time Keith Todd, George Synan and Sir Roy Gardner have all been in contact, and members of the old board as well.

"So, I've heard it from all angles and known what's been coming."

Sturrock seemed resigned his playing budget for the upcoming season was not going to be improved and admitted his squad will need pruning.

The Scot said knowing the quality of businessmen behind the takeover, he had not been surprised at the new board's prudent fiscal policy.

At yesterday's Press conference Gardner, in response to a question, had stated there would be no extra funds available for the manager.

But Sturrock said he trusted the chairman of Compass Group plc's business acumen, and his assessment of Argyle's current financial standing which he described as 'realistic'.

"You don't become the head of the biggest catering company in the world, if you don't know what you're doing as far as finances are concerned," said Sturrock.

"He's made it clear the ship has got to be on an even keel. And then we kick on from there.

"In the end, I think you've got to be realistic.

"I'm receptive to that, I've worked under budgets in the past and I'm appreciative that we're over budget at the present.

"There is a five-year plan in place which I'm delighted about, because I think that's the way forward for Plymouth Argyle – to make sure all the structures have been put into place.

"I'm a great believer in that – and that's going to happen because of this new chairman."