Argyle Chairman Issues Statement on Relegation, Managerial Departure, and Investment
In a statement released on the club’s official website, Argyle Chairman Simon Hallett has addressed the recent relegation, the departure of manager Miron Muslic, and the stalled investment talks.
According to Hallett, the club is "disappointed" at Muslic’s departure, not at his joining a club like Schalke, but in the timing and manner of his leaving. Muslic was hired in January with a three-and-a-half-year contract, and the club had invested heavily in his coaching staff, including an assistant head coach, head of elite performance, performance analysis, and a set-piece coach.
Hallett revealed that he had personally spoken to Muslic after the season ended, and the manager had assured him that he was "100% committed" to Argyle. However, just last week, Muslic informed the club that he wished to speak with Schalke with a view to joining them. Despite being unwilling to give permission, the club eventually relented due to Muslic’s insistence that he would not return to Plymouth.
The club has agreed to a compensation package with Muslic, which Hallett described as a "strong financial outcome" for a League One head coach. The decision to settle was made to avoid a protracted and disruptive process, which would have blocked progress on recruiting a replacement manager.
Hallett also addressed the stalled investment talks, which have been ongoing for over a year. Despite an application being lodged with the EFL in February, the deal has not been completed due to a lack of key information from the prospective investor. As a result, existing shareholders, including Hallett, Argyle Green, and the Holliday family, will provide the necessary funds to ensure the club stays on course with its plans.
The club’s budget for next season will be twice that of the last time they were in League One, with Hallett stating that the additional funds will enable the club to be competitive at the top end of the division. He also emphasized that the club’s long-term strategy remains unchanged, with a focus on sustainable growth and investment in infrastructure.
According to the Argyle Chairman’s statement on the club’s official website, the club has made significant strides off the pitch, including record revenues and several industry awards. The refurbishment of the Mayflower Grandstand has been a major success, generating millions of pounds in revenue, which has gone directly into the running of the football club.
Hallett also expressed his gratitude to the fans, who have been "outstanding" in their support, and promised that the club will do everything it can to succeed in the coming season. A Fans Forum will be held ahead of the new season, where Hallett will address questions on the investment setbacks and the club’s plans for the future.
In conclusion, Hallett stated that the club is now in a stronger position than ever before, with a diversified revenue base and a clear pathway to achieving success. Despite the setbacks, the club remains committed to its long-term strategy and is determined to succeed with the support of its fans.
As reported by Argyle’s official website, the club will play in League One next season, but with a much-changed circumstance, having invested heavily in infrastructure and players. The club’s focus on sustainable growth and investment in infrastructure has led to significant revenue increases, which will support the club’s football operations.
The club has also welcomed new staff, including David Fox as Head of Football Operations and Tom Randle as Head of Recruitment. The recruitment process for a new head coach is ongoing, with Hallett hoping to have an appointment in place as soon as possible.
The statement from Hallett provides a comprehensive update on the club’s current situation, and according to the Argyle Chairman’s statement, the club is committed to transparency and honesty with its fans. The club’s long-term strategy remains focused on achieving success through sustainable growth and investment in infrastructure and players.
