T
Tim Chown
Guest
http://www.argylefanstrust.com/2012/12/07/trust-relays-member-concerns
The Argyle Fans Trust is concerned at reports in the media this week that club captain Darren Purse has been placed on the transfer list for financial reasons. Given the club's recent history and its current league position, we understand the anxiety felt by many of our members, and other supporters, on hearing this news. With the team's recent poor form, our precarious league position and falling attendances, supporters are naturally concerned about the future direction of the club.
Accordingly 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 5% 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.
Many supporters have raised concerns over the club's performance on the pitch and the lack of football experience within the club, so it is welcome that we have seen the introduction of Colin Sexstone to the club's board, a former chief executive at Bristol City. 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. 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 budgets.
Recent statements from the club have indicated that the club is in a healthy financial position, but with the transfer listing of the club's captain, reportedly for financial reasons, it is only natural that supporters may feel concerned. It has also been stated that James Brent has needed to put more money into the club than anticipated; the Trust has thus also sought confirmation that the money put into the club is by way of gift and has not added to the club's debt.
The Trust will be playing an active part in the newly formed Plymouth Argyle Supporters Board (PASB) meeting this Saturday, 8th December, where we intend to put forward these concerns and reinforce our position regarding the need for transparency in the operation of the club. The Trust will be working with and through the PASB to help ensure the greatest possible level of transparency and open, two-way communication is built with the club we all share a common passion to see be successful.
The Argyle Fans Trust is concerned at reports in the media this week that club captain Darren Purse has been placed on the transfer list for financial reasons. Given the club's recent history and its current league position, we understand the anxiety felt by many of our members, and other supporters, on hearing this news. With the team's recent poor form, our precarious league position and falling attendances, supporters are naturally concerned about the future direction of the club.
Accordingly 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 5% 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.
Many supporters have raised concerns over the club's performance on the pitch and the lack of football experience within the club, so it is welcome that we have seen the introduction of Colin Sexstone to the club's board, a former chief executive at Bristol City. 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. 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 budgets.
Recent statements from the club have indicated that the club is in a healthy financial position, but with the transfer listing of the club's captain, reportedly for financial reasons, it is only natural that supporters may feel concerned. It has also been stated that James Brent has needed to put more money into the club than anticipated; the Trust has thus also sought confirmation that the money put into the club is by way of gift and has not added to the club's debt.
The Trust will be playing an active part in the newly formed Plymouth Argyle Supporters Board (PASB) meeting this Saturday, 8th December, where we intend to put forward these concerns and reinforce our position regarding the need for transparency in the operation of the club. The Trust will be working with and through the PASB to help ensure the greatest possible level of transparency and open, two-way communication is built with the club we all share a common passion to see be successful.
