Hallett updates Argyle fans on transfers and new investors for the Pilgrims

PLYMOUTH Argyle owner and chairman Simon Hallett has issued a lengthy statement addresses the which Championship club's search for a head coach as well as a potential new investor.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The expectation all this week has been that the Pilgrims would appoint the replacement for Wayne Rooney before the Emirates FA Cup third round tie away to Brentford tomorrow, and Hallett has declared he hopes that will be 'in the very near future!

As for the new investor, Hallett confirmed that 'we are close to finalising a transaction but the final stages may take some time. In the meantime, the club chairman along with minority shareholders Argyle Green 'will provide the funds to give us the greatest possible chance to improve the squad in the January transfer window.

Hallett's comments have come amid rising frustration among some of the Green Army about the wait over a new head coach appointment, following the departure of Rooney on New Year's Eve, as well as attempts to bring on board a new investor, which the chairman previously spoke at a fans' forum in Cornwall last month.

In his statement released on Argyle's official club website, Hallett said: "I would like to thank every member of the Green Army for their continuing extraordinary support in what has been a difficult year. Difficult because we've not had the stability we seek in our football staff and difficult because, as I write, we are bottom of the Championship and without a head coach.

"Along with the obvious low points, there have been memorable highs. I won't forget the Friday night match under the lights when Mustapha's goal and a battling defensive performance saw us beat Leicester.

"I will also, of course, remember Joe's goal against Hull that confirmed we would play Championship football for another season. Even in the current season, we had fantastic drama in home wins against Sunderland, Luton and Blackburn.