This is a question raised in The Football League Paper yesterday in a special centre page spread on Plymouth Argyle. Both Plymouth’s new owner James Brent and Sir John Madejski, who revived Reading’s fortunes, had little prior knowledge of or interest in football, but both had a commitment to their areas. James Brent admitted in the interview that there might be something in the comparison: at any rate it is quite flattering.
This is a question raised in The Football League Paper yesterday in a special centre page spread on Plymouth Argyle. Both Plymouth’s new owner James Brent and Sir John Madejski, who revived Reading’s fortunes, had little prior knowledge of or interest in football, but both had a commitment to their areas. James Brent admitted in the interview that there might be something in the comparison: at any rate it is quite flattering.
James Brent does, however, face a bigger task that Madjeski did at Reading. Admittedly, Elm Park was an ageing stadium which needed replacing whereas Home Park has been modernised. But the Thames Valley is more affluent and economically prosperous than Plymouth.
However, Brent noted that Argyle was also a regional club for Devon and Cornwall with a strong brand. (It is also the most popular club on the Isles of Scilly, but getting to a match would involve being away for 48 hours). And as he admitted, ‘There is a lot to do still to stabilise this club. We’ll look to bring further investment in.’
Brent emphasised, ‘The owner of any club outside the Football League is really just a custodian, taking care of the club for the community and future generations.’ A banker turned property developer, he had never attended a football match before September. He admits that he does not understand the offside rule and does not seem too bothered. But why should he be? That is not the knowledge that is required to turn Argyle round.
To counter his lack of football knowledge, Brent has retained the services of Peter Ridsdale as head of football operations. The former Leeds and Cardiff chairman is one of the more controversial figures in football.
Argyle seem to have acquired a sensible new owner, but there are some big challenges ahead, not least getting off the bottom of League 2.