[PL2 3DQ]

Club website

AFTER seven successful years, James Brent has advised the Board of his intention to step down as chairman of Plymouth Argyle with effect from, October 31, 2018.

In a set of moves designed to further enhance the financial strength of the club, existing shareholder and vice Chairman, Simon Hallett, has invested an additional £3.25m in the club to cover the increased costs of the grandstand redevelopment, the purchase of Higher Home Park land and extra related expenses. 

He has also acquired shares from James Brent: Simon now owns 64 per cent of the Club and James 30 per cent. The Board has re-appointed ex-MD of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, David Felwick, as a director with immediate effect, subject to approval by the English Football League, and David has agreed to become the new Chairman of Plymouth Argyle, when James steps down in the autumn. 

The end of an era.

I was fortunate to be part of the Contingency Group back in 2011 and I saw first hand how determined JB was to save PAFC, the passion and hard work of the fans, staff and players to keep the club alive spurred him on to complete what was a very difficult takeover. The 500 signatures needed and the work completed by his Akkeron team to do it in such a short space of time was simply amazing.
JB was open from the start – yes he would make money for his family and he was clear in his vision for the club, it had to be sustainable and not rely on a sugar Daddy. True to his word, he turned the club around, paid off the debts and made the club self-sufficient with the bonus of improving the league position season by season, plus a refurbished grandstand on the way with the help of Mr and Mrs Hallett.

The abuse JB has received from some members on Free Chat has been disgusting and I hope they now leave him alone.

Thank you JB and good luck to Simon Hallett and David Felwick.

Wow! Although eventually expected, I didn't expect it to happen this early.

Big thanks to Mr Brent and huge congratulations to Mr Hallett.

We've got a lot to be thankful for because of JB. Good luck to him in the future. I'm sure he'll still be a regular at HP.

Sad it's happened really. I liked JB and his Harry Potter looks.

Personally, I am delighted that David Felwick has been reappointed a Director and he is to become our next Chairman. His past appointments tell of his pedigree, his continued presence at matches tells of His love of our club, so on both counts I am happy?

It was clear James Brent could not continue, but should be thanked for his initial involvement in saving the club and steadying the ship.

But the club has now got HHP back and for that we all sigh with relief.

This is a chance now for the club to move forward and I would hope the additional funds will restore the original design and complete the corners.

A momentous day, indeed.

As we say thanks to James we also hope this change will be the impetus for Argyle to go forward. So, good luck Simon, Jane and David.

Thank you Mr. Bent for steering this club to a place that 7 years ago I never thought we would be!!

I never understood how he got so much grief for doing something we all were praying for somebody to step forward and do. Along with everybody else who helped save the club, you all and Mr. Bent will remain legends to myself...….and I'm sure the masses which is the most important thing!!

What does the purchase of HHP mean for the Club?

JB will still be at the club as an Executive director and share holder, he is just no longer calling the shots.

James Brent came forward in a desperate situation and has put us on an even keel.
It is great to know that Simon Hallett has further demonstrated his commitment to our club.
It is also good to see that James will continue as a director. Clearly, he has become a football supporter in the last 7 years and I am sure that the experience he has gathered over that time will continue to be of great value to the board of directors and our club.

What does the purchase of HHP mean for the Club?

It gives the club options.

JB will still have shares in the club. Wonder if he will stay on as a director?

That is entirely up to Simon Hallett.

Correction, it is also up to JB who may decide to withdraw after the dust has settled.

Thank you Mr Brent for all you have done.

Now is the time to put aside the years of arguing, and join together to support the club we all love.

Forget politics, enjoy football

[Andy_S]

Thanks JB for all you have done.

SH & DF...probably time to don your steel helmets. The honeymoon period will be over in a very short space of time.

Wonder what Derek Adams thinks? He was JB's man.