Plymouth Argyle fans 'still want a voice' after rejecting 20pc stake
A LEADING supporters' group say they remain committed to increasing the influence of fans at Plymouth Argyle.
The Argyle Fans' Trust are looking forward to a 'positive dialogue' with club owner and chairman James Brent, about the ways they can achieve that aim.
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James Brent
Their comments come after the Trust decided against taking up an offer from Brent to buy up to a 20 per cent stake in the Pilgrims.
That would have cost around £400,000 and the Trust felt it would have been 'irresponsible' to commit so much supporter time, energy and money to the pursuit of the offer.
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Instead, they plan to propose a Golden Share Agreement, which would see the Trust have certain 'rights and powers' linked to it.
These could include, for example, the right to veto a change of team name, a new stadium or a significant change in team colours, and a certain level of access to club financial information.
The Trust consulted with their 1,170 members over Brent's offer to buy a 20 per cent stake of Argyle and out of 238 replies, 128 were in favour.
At only 11 per cent of the eligible membership, the Trust concluded there was not enough enthusiasm for the proposal.
A Trust spokesperson said: "We remain committed to strengthening the voice of supporters within the club and of achieving this through either a form of ownership or clauses written into the company articles.
"The current offer on the table from James Brent is not considered to be the best or most viable way of achieving this as it includes no influence, powers or presence on the club board.
"With this in mind we will now focus on exploring other options that have been put to both James Brent and our membership.
"We will seek to formulate a proposal outlining a way forward for supporter engagement with the club that would help safeguard the future of the club while also achieving the Trust's objectives.
"We look forward to a positive dialogue with James Brent as we seek to help him enshrine the principles of community, supporter interaction and sustainability, that we share, at the heart of our club."
The Trust will also be considering over the coming months whether a suitable project can be identified for a Community Share Scheme.
That would see the Trust work with Argyle and raise funds to provide a new facility for use by the club and the local community.
The Trust would welcome suggestions from their members, and plan to talk to other possible stakeholders, including Plymouth City Council.
Keep up to date with any breaking sports news and results at www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/sport and on Twitter @PlymouthSport
11 Comments
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by leroc
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 9:27AM
“When the idea of the Trust taking a share in Argyle was first mentioned at the meeting with James Brent the Guildhall I seem to remember that he was cautious about the liability that any fan or fans organisation might be taking on. He expressed his wish that there was a forum where fans views could be presented to the board and that such a dialogue was to be a regular event.
The Trust have had time to realise the implications of taking on such a share and have decided, quite rightly, not to proceed at present.
Contrary to some of the comments on here I don't think that the majority of fans want a share as they are quite satisfied with the way in which James Brent is running the club.”
by b_mused
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 10:18PM
“Criticisms of James Brent are not justified - PAFC would have gone completely without him. He said at the outset that the club would have to be self-financing and hopefully it will survive in Div2 on this basis and will be able to build the team for better things next season.”
by NakedWithGoat
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 2:11PM
“I think you will find that they have broken the law as they had an official vote. No matter how many replies were received, the decision should have been made on those replies.
Just look at the turnout for the Police Commissioner elections. 13%. But they still voted the winner in.”
by NakedWithGoat
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 2:07PM
“I suppose they are right to reject Brent's offer. I mean, who in their right mind would want a 20% share in a Conference side? Just as well buy shares in Comet or Jessops.”
by jeffbridge
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 1:25PM
“This is slightly off topic I know but many exceptional young players have been "given away" & are now playing first team football or at academies of higher level clubs some of them having never played for Argyle.I realise much of this took place before Mr Brent took over.
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the youth set up at Argyle there are still some outstanding players coming through or about to come through who in my opinion will be good enough to play at a higher level than league 2.
No one will begrudge these lads or Argyle(cashing in) but can we be assured of seeing them at least playing a season or so for their local club & therefore Argyle at long last selling for a proper fee & pumping some of the cash back into the youth set up.
Could Mr Brent please confirm this commitment & players such as Christian Walton & Tyler Harvey(to name just two of the current crop) will be allowed to do so & only be sold at the correct time & for the correct fee! Actions speak louder than words Mr Brent.”
by queenie1923
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 12:46PM
“, mr brent he hasnt got a back bone , look on how long it took him to sack fletcher , and look where its got us, back in the relegation fight again, these so called business men have no intrest in plymouth argyles future in league 2 , all there intrests are money, in there own pockets , if they did have there on intrests they would have sacked fletch b4 the start of the season and we woulnt be in ths pickle yet again, and leavng it up to someone else to come in and pick up the peices like john sheridan .... no wonder exeter and torquay are laughing at us , cuz were the laughing stock of devon.....”
by allgreenedup1
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 11:24AM
“Only 11% of the members voted but the vote should have been decide on the percentage of those that did vote in favour. Some empire building going on in the trust methinks”
by eddie_taylor
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 11:01AM
“The rhetoric on this 20 pc share option will continue for some time, but any organisation who has a large stake in the club would expect a voice on the board. I can also see why the offer does not include board representation, the lack of harmony within the "Argyle Fans Trust", own agendas and ego trips, etc, etc; who could they trust to sit on the board and be a worthy Trust representative. Also, would it lead to board confidentiality being leaked into the public domain.
Finally, I am beginning to wander about Mr Brent's agenda, as his enthusiasm for the club waned and PAFC is now just another business; hence a source of income or financial security for him.”
by plymuffmuff
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 10:37AM
“So glad I decided not to join the fans trust. If I had, I'd be rather angry with having my vote ignored, I would seek to get compensation on my membership, and leave.
although, why such a lack of interest? why join the trust, just to ignore vote.
You couldn't make this stuff up.”
by GreenJohn
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 9:00AM
“What other organisation would ignore the majority vote of its members? The fans voted and they wanted a share in the club and the Trust leaders totally ignored that vote and pursued their own agenda, all the rhetoric coming from the Truist leaders was negative towards the share offer.
Who is the Trust spokesman? Name yourself!”