'Unity' at club as Plymouth Argyle fights for its survival against financial crisis
PLYMOUTH Argyle chiefs have insisted there is "unity in the boardroom" as the cash-strapped football club suffered a further blow.
Crisis talks were set to continue today as directors face up to the fact that the 2018 World Cup will not be landing in the city.
Despite time running out to stave off a third winding-up petition, bosses vowed to press ahead with plans to develop Home Park.
In exclusive interviews with The Herald, executive director Keith Todd and deputy chairman Paul Stapleton vowed to fight on in their bid to keep the club afloat.
But neither would say they were "confident" of Argyle surviving Wednesday's hearing at the High Court in London, which The Herald understands is over a £700,000 tax debt.
Speaking moments after the World Cup announcement, Mr Todd admitted England's loss was "exceptionally disappointing".
But he said: "We're very, very focused on what needs to be done.
"We're doing everything to ensure that this problem is resolved. We certainly expect it to be resolved. We're doing everything that is necessary."
Mr Todd also denied accusations from some Argyle fans that the World Cup bid had influenced his decision to join the club.
"The World Cup was the icing on the cake," he said. "I had no idea about the World Cup when we entered Argyle.
"I'm a fully committed Argyle fan. When they put me in a box and take me away, they'll find a green scarf around my neck."
Both directors insisted plans for a revamped Home Park with 25,000 seats would continue.
Mr Todd said there was "active _dialogue" with Plymouth City Council and a "huge amount of interest" from firms wishing to get involved.
It is understood Mr Todd was due to travel to London today, with former Leeds United and Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale remaining at Home Park this morning in an advisory role.
Sir Roy Gardner is understood to have been on a telephone link to a board meeting yesterday morning, though Mr Stapleton and Japanese director Yasuaki Kagami were not present.
A "business case" is hoped to be completed by this evening, so lawyers can persuade the High Court judge of Argyle's solvency, The Herald understands.
Mr Stapleton said: "There is unity. We are all in this together. We are working together really hard.
"We are as confident as we can be, but we are aware we are before the High Court."
Mr Stapleton also urged fans to rally behind the club.
"We want the fans to actually appreciate there is a football club here and we want them to support their team," he said.
Argyle manager Peter Reid said: "We've got to get together and fight and get out of this mess. Hopefully, the board of directors will sort the financial situation out."
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by Corrupt politicians UK, Plymouth UK
Saturday, December 04 2010, 12:33AM
“Total rubbish, bankrupt, scam, cannot pay anybody they owe....staff, suppliers, paye and ni. not paid, but deducted from all employee wages. The stink comeing is so bad!! Repeat...NI and Paye tax deducted... but not paid to Work and Pensions.”
by Me too, Plymouth
Saturday, December 04 2010, 12:26AM
“Me, Plymouth, it's beyond incredible that you and the rest of the poor staff haven't been paid in over six weeks!
Many of you live paycheck-to-paycheck with innocent families to feed, clothe, and send along to school every morning.
But take heart! Club spokesman and director George Synan is"personally not worried" and he told the BBC, "Mr Kagami and I are 100% committed to working together with the board to put together a long-term plan.
"We don't want to get ourselves in another situation like this, so we have to make sure we put a plan together that works."
It must be hard for them, too, so don't you worry! They'll ride to the rescue!...
Meanwhile, you might want to look for another job because, as they say, Christmas is coming.”
by me, plymouth
Friday, December 03 2010, 9:29PM
“I would very much like it if the staff got paid. Its a struggle living on one wage with a young kid 2 support...I hope they get paid again on the right day that their contract states!”
by Stapleton should go..., Rip Of Britain...
Friday, December 03 2010, 8:38PM
“Stapleton should have bought the 2 players Holloway wanted to get us to the premiership not tell him to sell our best players....we wouldn't have this problem that we are in now..
I can see why Holloway left when he did,Stapleton had no ambition even back then...
P.S. where did the money from the sale of Holloway's team go??”
by CG, Plymouth
Friday, December 03 2010, 7:30PM
“Are Stapleton or the Herald actually aware of how many people actually hold Stapleton responsible for the mess the Club is in? His latest dig at the fans is one of either pure ignorance or sheer arrogance. Remember it was Stapleton who refused to talk to fans several years ago when they were willing to put money into the Club.
With Argyle being top news over the last couple of days maybe now would be the time for the Herald to end its cosy relationship with Stapes before there's no Club left to report on?.
Whatever happens a new regime will be needed if the Club is to survive. As much as many feel Stapes is responsible, he is still in pole position with enough support to right some wrongs and win the fans back over. Come on Herald, apply some pressure and get Stapleton talking openly and honestly.”
by shaun, plymouth
Friday, December 03 2010, 6:35PM
“Hay guy u never know thay might change the naming of plymouth argyle?.and start again??.anyway i might ask if i can rent harpers park and start my own club up ? call it maybe!!!!!! hmmm argyle city of plymouth united any taker???”
by kenneth, bere alston
Friday, December 03 2010, 6:28PM
“Where's "Sir" Roy Gardner?
He's the chairman - isn't he?”
by Nick, Mannamead
Friday, December 03 2010, 5:52PM
“What a mess!!!! Stapleton an accountant???? Say no more.
42,000 seat stadium!!! Joke you cant fill what you have now!! Football and Plymouth do not sit in the same sentence. The city needs a new team, club, management and some passion!!!”
by Dick Barton, Plymouth
Friday, December 03 2010, 5:46PM
“It¿s only a game. They killed 700 Dartmoor ponies because no one could afford to keep them as they where worthless so do the decent thing with Argyle and put it out of its misery. Still we¿ve got the world cup to look forward to when it comes to Plymouth.”
by Brian, Plymouth
Friday, December 03 2010, 5:41PM
“Well i hope the board do pull together, tho I firmly believe we will see the sun setting firmly in the east b4 long and our Japanese friend disappearing with it. Frankly I dont think that would be any bad thing. Seemingly he's put very little into this club and that appears to be the order of the day with this fella. Doing business with the Japanese? What would my granddaddy say?”