Turning Japanese Ex-Man Utd chief heads Plymouth Argyle takeover
02 Jul 2009 - 13:13:43
Plymouth Argyle have been bought out in a deal that sees Japanese director Yasuaki Kagami become majority shareholder.
Former Manchester United chairman Sir Roy Gardner takes over as the south coast club's supremo and has immediately declared manager Paul Sturrock's job is safe.
Gardner was forced out of Old Trafford during United's American takeover by the Glazer family in 2005 and now Plymouth have joined the growing number of clubs falling into majority ownership by foreign interests.
Many Barclays Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Chelsea, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sunderland and West Ham United, with Portsmouth set to follow and Everton also available at the right price.
The new Plymouth owners intend to establish links with clubs and academies in Japan and the USA.
They are promising to deliver a five-year business plan before Christmas that will include establishing a youth academy. It will also clarify plans to expand Home Park to an all-seat stadium exceeding a 25,000 capacity. It currently holds just short of 20,000.
Gardner, who replaces Paul Stapleton, said: 'The priority next season is stabilisation and laying good foundations for the future.
'Paul Sturrock is the right man to do this on the football field and take the club forward.
'We are working with Paul to consolidate the squad in the pre-season. As we develop a better understanding of the club's precise needs, we plan to progressively increase the budget for new players, in particular as we grow the commercial income.'
Stapleton will become vice-chairman and Gardner's long-time business associate Keith Todd joins the board.
Gardner and Todd are buying 13 per cent of the shares, the Kagami group have increased their stake from 20 to 38 per cent and both blocks can be increased over the next year.
