Plymouth Argyle owner Simon Hallett’s future forecasted with “Premier League dreams” outlined | OneFootball

Our Pilgrims fan pundit believes Simon Hallett could be handing over the club in the near future

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Plymouth Argyle chairman Simon Hallett is well regarded by many at Home Park for the solid footing he’s put the club on.

Despite relegation last year, his stewardship has seen a rise from League Two to the Championship, before dropping back to the third tier.

However, to look towards the top of the Championship and beyond, the owner has been honest about needing fresh investment, which may mean him handing the club over.

We asked our Plymouth fan pundit, Luke Hodge, how much longer he foresees Hallett owning the club.

Simon Hallett has done a great job at Home Park

Speaking to Football League World, Luke first made his appreciation known for the current owner.

He said: “Yeah, Simon Hallett’s done a superb job.

“He's transformed Argyle from a shaky spot in 2018 to near sustainability. I think he invested £3.25m for 64 percent ownership, and now it's nearer to 87 percent.

“He's a lifelong fan. He's got a financial background. He's prioritised the club's best interests. He's boosted infrastructure, fan engagement, and on-pitch progress. It's absolutely night and day.

“We've climbed leagues, we've built stability, and that's all thanks to his committed, cautious vision.

“But that said, he's openly admitted that he's taken us as far as he can solo. We do need external investment to compete higher up, but he has been super diligent about this, vetting potential partners like the rumoured US investors a while back that fell through.

“And he's vetted them to ensure that they align with Argyle’s values. No rush deals, it's all about long-term fit, which I respect immensely.”

Plymouth Argyle owner is rightly weighing up exit plans

However, as Luke outlines, Hallett has already publicly recognised that Plymouth will need fresh investment if it is to scale any further, which brings us to the question of how long the incumbent owner will stick around before handing it over to a party that can take the club to that next level.

“Forecasting his ownership, that's a really difficult one, and it's anyone's guess,” Luke admitted. “But I foresee Hallett owning for another two to five years. He's 70 now and whilst he's passionate, he's eyeing a handover and wants the right investors to secure our future.

“Recent talk suggests that he's open stepping back if it elevates the club, maybe sooner, if a solid deal lands, but he's not rushing.

“Optimistically, this could push us back towards the Championship, and even Premier League dreams.

“The one trait I'd like to see in his successor… Hallett’s biggest strength, in my opinion, is his heart, but the trait I'd love to see in whoever follows him is a burning desire to succeed at the highest levels.

“He's steady and found focus, which has built a solid foundation, but a successor with that intense ambition, ensuring everyone who’s brought into the club shares the same drive to elevate Argyle to heights we've never reached.

“Almost thinks strategic pushes like at Wrexham. That could really ignite our progress, whilst preserving our core values. Probably an element of ruthlessness that we've not seen in Simon Hallett.”

Plymouth Argyle will feel in safe hands regardless of the next steps

Thankfully, for Pilgrims fans, in Hallett, they have a considered owner who is not looking for a quick sale and to wash his hands of the project.

He has made clear that getting the right investor is the primary objective, and is open to staying on in a smaller way himself, which would likely be crucial to settle the minds of supporters.

Even though the past season or so has been difficult, and not every decision will be looked back on favourably, fans at least know that Hallett is well-intentioned and will act in the best interests of the club rather than himself.

After some of the recent ownership horror stories, like the ongoing scenario at Sheffield Wednesday, they are in a great position to calmly consider how best to build from where they are, with good people making the most important calls.