No pay for Argyle staff and players again as administrators wrangle over their fees
STAFF and players at Plymouth Argyle are being denied part of their wages because of a wrangle over administrators' fees, writes Edd Moore.
Home Park workers had been told to expect a slice of the takings from each of the Pilgrims' recent home matches.
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Heroic employees have barely been paid since the club's cash crisis emerged a year ago, and have so far received just over half of this month's salaries.
After the season's largest attendance for last Saturday's 125th anniversary celebrations against Accrington Stanley, staff were hoping for around 12 per cent of their monthly pay.
But administrators The P&A Partnership are yet to release it as they continue to negotiate their own fees with prospective owner James Brent.
The Devon businessman has offered a six-figure sum for the firm's services – but that is understood to be well below the £700,000-plus so far racked up.
His offer was made in March, before months of fruitless – and costly – talks with rival bidder Bishop International Limited.
Mr Brent told The Herald: "We have agreed that we are happy to pay – and/or for The P&A Partnership to take out of the business – an amount in fees and costs that runs to several hundred thousand pounds.
"This limit was agreed in March and re-affirmed at the beginning of September. Upon completion we will comply with our agreement.
"We will not pay additional amounts to the detriment of employees and/or the club."
Lead administrator Brendan Guilfoyle was unavailable for comment but the company is understood to be assessing its liabilities, which include hefty fees to solicitors Walker Morris, who have worked throughout the administration process.
Staff and players were due to be asked to waive their wages yet again today, to avoid administrators taking on legal liability for the monthly payroll.
But it is hoped Mr Brent's takeover will be completed by the end of the month – and perhaps as early as Wednesday – enabling him to pay full October salaries.
However, one angry employee told The Herald: "We've all budgeted for the little bit of money to be told there's now no percentage forthcoming. Some of us don't have enough to see us through until the end of the month."
The Football League's board met yesterday to discuss the deal, but were unable to give it formal approval.
That is because a five-year wage repayment plan must be accepted by all owed staff and players, past and present.
Plymouth City Council then meets on Tuesday to vote on buying Home Park, a pivotal part of Mr Brent's bid.
Brent keen to keep teenager Lecointe – Back page
35 Comments
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by grumpygit
Saturday, October 15 2011, 12:48AM
“@Major_Gas, that's pretty much how I feel at this moment in time.
I don't have a problem with Brent refusing to pay administration costs for the period when Heaney was PB but his offer to pay staff/players just 17% of what they're owed with the remainder being paid over 5 years stinks. Had JB completed the deal to buy the club back in June (as The Trust et al have led us to believe was possible had Heaney not become PB), he would have been liable for all wages since then, including the then ongoing high salaries of Peter Reid and Damien Johnson. The maths just aren't adding up IMO.”
by anglo_dutch
Saturday, October 15 2011, 12:07AM
“Humphries 2000 - £1.11 per week for 5 years totals £ 288.60. I think that there is something wrong with your mathematics.A few hundred pounds means arrears of less than a month's salary.”
by Bavaria
Friday, October 14 2011, 10:57PM
“You never been ripped off????”
by Major_Gas
Friday, October 14 2011, 10:46PM
“"mikeyjos
Now to top it all they are now trying to blackmail the club into submission with the poor staff and players carrying the can.
Shame on them."
And do you feel the same way towards James Brent? Surely he's doing the same by telling the staff they have to accept payment over the next 5 years for money outstanding, and this from a multi-millionaire!
Where's the difference, I can't see any? Let the bloody club fold and start afresh with genuine people interested in running it for what it is rather than what they can earn out of it. The council can buy the ground and safeguard it ready for the 'phoenix' club who can rent it until they are in a position to purchase it!
There, sorted........”
by Humphries2002
Friday, October 14 2011, 10:38PM
“If anyone is interested this wage repayment plan that must be accepted by all owed staff and players is £1.11 a week for the next 5 years.”
by the_engine
Friday, October 14 2011, 9:19PM
“CALL YOURSELF PROFESSIONALS?”
by the_engine
Friday, October 14 2011, 9:18PM
“AMATEURS!”
by the_engine
Friday, October 14 2011, 9:17PM
“AMATEURS!”
by mikeyjos
Friday, October 14 2011, 6:14PM
“mikeyjos
This situation with PandA has dragged on and on because of there unprofessional attitude and obsession with Heanie's cronies, with the players and staff having to suffer because of this.
Now after promising the staff some wages in wake of the last home match,they decide to break that promise for there own personal greed.
Now to top it all they are now trying to blackmail the club into submission with the poor staff and players carrying the can.
Shame on them.”
by mikeyjos
Friday, October 14 2011, 6:12PM
“mikeyjos
This situation with PandA has dragged on and on because of there unprofessional attitude and obsession with Heanie's cronies, with the players and staff having to suffer because of this.
Now after promising the staff some wages in wake of the last home match,they decide to break that promise for there own personal greed.
Now to top it all they are now trying to blackmail the club into submission with the poor staff and players carrying the can.
Shame on them.”