Trust calls for clear direction from Plymouth Argyle chairman Brent
ONE PROMINENT supporters' group have called on Argyle owner and chairman James Brent to issue a 'clear statement of direction' for the club.
A combination of the Pilgrims' poor form, their precarious league position, falling attendances and the transfer-listing of captain Darren Purse for financial, not football reasons, has led to the Argyle Fans' Trust taking this step.
Below-budget gates at Home Park this season have resulted in Brent having to fund the income shortfall out of his own pocket.
The Trust have asked for confirmation the money put into the club by Argyle's owner has been 'by way of gift and has not added to the club's debt'.
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The Pilgrims are 20th in League Two, ahead of the Devon derby against Exeter City at St James' Park on Saturday.
The Trust admitted in a statement they were 'concerned' at reports in the media last week that Purse had been placed on the transfer list for financial reasons.
They said: "Given the club's recent history and current league position, we understand the anxiety felt by many of our members, and other supporters, on hearing this news."
Purse has been put on the transfer list in an attempt to free up some money for new recruits in the January transfer window.
The Trust statement continued: "The AFT has written to the club to share its members' concerns and to put certain questions to the board.
"We would like to emphasise that we want to help James Brent build a new era of transparency at Home Park and reach his stated goal of a top five per cent governance model at the club.
"In the past James Brent has been very open with supporters and, in light of recent events, we hope that he will continue to be so by addressing their concerns and issuing a clear statement of direction."
The Trust have welcomed the recent addition of Colin Sexstone, the former Bristol City chief executive and chairman, to Argyle's board.
"With recent announcements about a director of football being appointed it appears that the club is seeking to bring in further football experience, but there have also been some mixed messages about what the role specifically involves," added the Trust statement.
"It is natural that supporters want to know in clear and simple terms what plans are in place to address the current league position, so the Trust has asked the club to inform supporters of those plans.
"We are obviously very appreciative that James Brent has stated that he is funding the shortfall in the club's finances this season.
"But, at the same time, at our recent AGM our members commented that there is no public information on the current status of the club's finances.
"It is thus hard for supporters to understand where the club stands on debt repayment beyond the current season, and to fully appreciate the resulting restrictions on the club's operations, in particular on player budget."
Comments
by Devonview
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 11:11AM
“GreenJohn, I don't want to use this forum as a personal debate between you and I so this will be my last response.
You DO seem to be personalising it. Why else would the names be so important to you? You have made no effort to respond to the CONTENT of the Trust's statement. Instead you imply that there is something unacceptable in them choosing to stand behind a joint statement. You castigate them for not using their names. What difference does it make if an individual's name is attached? That statement is what is important. You even appear to be implying that my so-called "closeness" to the Trust is now an issue. I am a Trust member - that is all.
Yes, I have placed your comments with previous criticisms. That is how I see it. You may or may not have been party to the previous co-ordinated campaign to denigrate the Trust & individuals within it. That campaign is well-documented elsewhere. I make no comment whether or not you were part of that campaign. How could I as you have not shared your real identity (as I too have not shared mine)? Don't you find that ironic?
You say that you are unhappy with the Trust. I see no attempt to explain the basis of that unhappiness. The club has stated on a number of occasions that Argyle are perfectly willing to recognise the Trust and their representation of the fans. The Trust is a democratically elected body. They have substantial representation on the cub's recently established Supporters' Board (PASB) and that is also a democratically elected body. Mr Brent has stated he is perfectly willing to work with the Trust. Is that not good enough for you?
Thank you for your concern that my tone does me no favours. I shall, of course, make efforts to improve.”
by GreenJohn
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 10:46AM
“Devonview, you keep trying to portray my criticism as a personal attack on the Trust when it isn't, although you appear close to the Trust so you are taking the criticism personally.
You also attempt to place my criticism in with previous criticism of the Trust. You should take on board that not all fans are happy with the Trust and the anonymous statements they make.
Your high and mighty tone and speaking down to anyone who questions the Trust does you no favours.”
by Devonview
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 5:32PM
“GreenJohn, no I don't find it ironic or even amusing in the slightest bit. The Trust don't have a "leader" - they have a board of equals. To try to draw a parallel between a Trust statement and their responding to Mr Brent's pledge of transparency & his request for the fans to hold the club to account is fatuous. James Brent has said that he wishes for Argyle to lead the way nationally in openness & accountability. That is entirely laudable. The Trust are not making any kind of behind the scenes attack based in negativity. They are doing their job and are helping Mr Brent do his. That is good, don't you think?
Your facile attempt to smear the Trust is symptomatic of lots of previous attempts to denigrate their role in the past.The Board of Argyle have said they are perfectly willing to work with the Trust - why would you think that is so unacceptable?
Why the names of the Trust board are so important to you, I can't think - unless you are wanting to personalise your negativity in some way?”
by WILFWASTHEMAN
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 4:05PM
“I agree that there are a number of issues that we supporters would appreciate getting a clear statement from JB about - if bodies like the trust are to mean anything we need to be given some clarity especially on financial issues. As many have commented before how come clubs with home average support of less than 2000 seem to make it to the top half of the table and yet we with average support of 6000 struggle to recruit half decent players and cannot keep people like Purse? Are we really still paying too much in players salaries etc. Are we still having to pay off £1 million a year on outstanding debts etc.”
by GreenJohn
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 1:24PM
“Devonview - don't you find it ironic and amusing that the anonymous Trust spokesman is asking for transparency from Brent and PAFC and yet he does this without adding his name to his question?
Who is the leader of the Trust? Who wrote the Trust statement? No wonder no-one takes the Trust seriously.”
by Bifff
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 1:24PM
“I only mentioned this the day after Purse was sent off. When your Captain gets sent off for unprofessional behaviour there is always a very deep problem within the club. I also said that Mr Brent needed to come clean with the fans of what his aim was for this year. I was thumbed down for conspiracy theories. Hmmm.”
by NotHappy1
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 12:09PM
“in an expected statement from JB himself to be scheduled later on this afternoon at Home Park,
"the direction for the club, Plymouth Argyle FC is much the same as a boat in the sea with no hull - downwards."”
by bryon1
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 10:55AM
“This problem with Purse is it financial ? or is it a problem with he has with the manager ? I think there is more behind this than financial.
How will getting rid of the only leader the team has, help the problems ON THE PITCH by getting rid of him.
Who else have we got that will take over from Purse when he goes ? Ive heard of tightening the PURSE strings when money is tight !!!!!!!!! but to me this is another nail in the coffin for the team.”
by Devonview
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 10:06AM
“GreenJohn, unlike yours and my names, the names of all of the Trust's representatives are freely available to all. They have a presence at each home game where they are more than prepared to answer questions and engage in discussion. Go and talk with them. I suspect that your motivation is personal and destructive rather than constructive - further evidenced by your use of the term "this bunch".
I don't accept the basis of your erroneous claim that they "don't like Brent". Mr Brent has made it clear that he is very willing to put the club's/his actions up for public scrutiny. Indeed that was to be one of the cornerstones of his tenure. All that the Trust are doing is acting upon that invitation. It is good to see them doing so. Why don't you join the club and Mr Brent from returning the club to where it belongs instead of sniping from the sidelines?”
by GreenJohn
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 9:08AM
“Yet another faceless statement from the Fans Trust, there's never anyone brave enough to put their name to a statement, where is their leader?
I see the Trust AGM is mentioned and yet only 20 people turned up! That's how relevant this bunch are.
It's clear the "leaders" of the Trust don't like Brent, that much is obvious, the Trust DO NOT speak for the majority of fans!”