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.
