Plymouth Argyle CEO responds to Gareth Bale-fronted takeover bid reports
Andrew Parkinson has described reports of a Plymouth Argyle takeover bid by a private equity group from the United States, fronted by former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, as 'speculation'.
Argyle's chief executive officer was responding to stories, first published by The Telegraph on Monday, that the US group, which includes members of the American-based Storch family, were in talks about an interest in taking full control at Home Park.
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Parkinson was asked about that during the introductory Press conference for new Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley at Home Park this afternoon.
READ MORE: Tom Cleverley confirms Adam Randell set for Plymouth Argyle exit
READ MORE: Conor Hazard expected to be fit for start of Plymouth Argyle season
"That was really speculation and you would expect me to say that we are not in a position to be able to talk about any individuals or any investors, but of course when we have got the opportunity to do that we will do," said Parkinson.
Argyle majority owner and chairman Simon Hallett has made no secret over the last couple of years of his desire to find additional funding for Argyle from new investors.
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He confirmed in a Chairman's Chat column for the club's official club website on May 31 that one one proposed, which had been discussed for around 12 months, had fallen through.
Parkinson said: "I think Simon has said this numerous times, it's about getting the right people to be involved in the club for the long term. Simon and the other shareholders as well have committed certainly for this season to do that and provide the right finances right across the board, and obviously will continue discussions for the long term.
"How that looks, how that shapes, we are not going to put timetables on it but we will continue to have those discussions with potential investors."
After a turbulent period at Argyle, with Cleverley becoming their fifth different head coach in 18 months and relegation from the Championship at the end of last season, Parkinson is hoping there will now be a period of stability at the club, with former player David Fox also settling into his role as head of football operations.
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Parkinson said: "Obviously, we want to bounce back (to the Championship) but it's also about how we grow as a football club, how we develop, how we bring players on, how we progress. Tom has already alluded to that, this is about the long term and having the foundations to be successful not up and down. It's about long-term growth."
You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE
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