HAVING overseen so much during his eight-year tenure as chairman of Plymouth Argyle, Paul Stapleton admits he has just one real regret during that time.

Addressing the media as he handed over the chairmanship to Sir Roy Gardner yesterday, Stapleton spoke of his disappointment that a new multi-functional grandstand had not been built during his reign in charge.

With three sides of Home Park redeveloped during the 2001/02 season, today the club's old grandstand still exists – despite years of ongoing discussions to transform that into a new modern-day facility.

"It's a regret for me that it hasn't been done, but all the spadework has been done," said Stapleton. "All the files are there. All the research and forecasts are there. Everything is in place. It's just pushing that on now, and I will be pleased when it's built."

Stapleton, who took over the role of chairman from Dan McCauley, told how he had visions of still being in charge when the ageing structure would be brought down and a new one constructed.

He remarked: "I had this great vision of being here when the grandstand was knocked down and a new stand built. I saw myself cutting a ribbon with the Lord Mayor, or whatever. That's not going to happen while I'm chairman, but I'm very keen to see it happen while I'm on the board.

"Now, I think we have got a great chance to make sure that the development does take place. We need support from Plymouth City Council, of course we do.

"We need sensible conversations, I think that has been eluded to, but I think there might be more push in that direction now."

He added: "If we can get the new stand built and make sure it is used every day of the week, instead of 23 times a year, then great.

"We have always tried to do that, but I'm not sure whether we, the existing board of directors, had the wherewithal to push that through.

"Now, if that happens and I'm on the board, then I will be really happy. I will be next to the person who cuts the ribbon."