Plymouth Argyle release statement and it's caused controversy online | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle have caused a stir among supporters ahead of the summer transfer window

Plymouth Argyle narrowly missed out on a play-off place after a promising second half of the campaign under Tom Cleverley.

The former Watford boss was under pressure in the first half of the season after a disastrous run of form, but the Pilgrims stuck with him as results eventually picked up.

The Devon outfit climbed up to eighth in the League One table, missing out on a top six finish by just two points. Plymouth were hoping to earn promotion straight back to the Championship after suffering relegation just 12 months ago.

But now their attention will turn to the summer transfer window, where it could prove a tricky few months ahead, with interest expected in key players.

Owner and chairman Simon Hallett will be keen to ensure the team remains intact, and that improvements can be made, in order to push for promotion again next season.

Plymouth come under fire for controversial women’s team decision

Away from the men's game, Plymouth have confirmed that they will not be renewing the contracts of any the women’s players this summer following their failure to gain promotion.

The Pilgrims have claimed in a statement that the finances involved were worse than expected after they lost in the play-offs to Wolves, which has led to the decision to not keep any of their first team players, with head coach Marie Hourihane also departing.

“After a lengthy, thorough review, we made the decision that, from next season, we would need to change our approach as regards the women’s team setup,” wrote the club on their official website.

“Last season, to get to a cup final and to a play-off game, was a superb achievement, but it came at a cost; a higher financial cost than we had previously thought.

“Had we achieved promotion to the WSL2, with a great deal of central funding to assist us, we would have been able to continue our backing at similar levels.

“However, in tier three, taking into account some of the proposed administrative changes to the governance of women’s football in this country, and in light of the financial state of the football club overall, we made the difficult decision to not renew any of the players’ contracts for next season.

“This was not taken lightly.

“It was done with a view to sustainability, and with the club’s long-term interests in mind.

“We informed Head Coach Marie Hourihan of our decision, at which point she made the decision to step down.

“Marie was then asked to communicate this decision directly to the playing squad and coaching staff, including informing players that the club would not be renewing contracts for the forthcoming season.”

Plymouth finished second in the Southern Premier Division, one point behind the automatically promoted Watford, which led to a play-off clash against Wolves that they lost.

Hourihan’s side were consigned to another year in the third tier as a result, which has led to the decision from the club to pull back their support of the team.

This has not been received well from supporters, who have criticised Hallett, as well as CEO Paul Berne, who are the two key decision-makers behind the scenes.

“Let’s save some money by getting rid of our useless CEO Paul Berne, the guy couldn’t run a bath,” wrote one fan in response to the statement.

“Only Argyle can release a statement (far too late I may add) and make things even worse.

“Club will continue to go backwards with Mr Pasties & Pints at the helm.”

The club have been criticised for failing to show proper ambition with the men’s team, meaning the women’s team were always going to struggle as a consequence.

“Unfortunately Argyle are a selling Club with no ambition to go any further than mid table Championship,” wrote one supporter on X.

“So the girls would never have a chance.

“Look at all the players Argyle have sold cheap now doing great else where.

“Shambolic Argyle get ambitious.”

Hallett and Berne have both been urged to take some responsibility for the financial situation the club have arrived at, with fans making their frustrations clear going into the summer.

“Embarrassing, spineless and pathetic. Take some accountability!” wrote another supporter.

Plymouth are set for a busy few months ahead, as they will now have to rebuild the first team squad, as well as find a new head coach, for their women’s team.

Cleverley will also be keen to strengthen his team after they narrowly missed out on a play-off place, which may require sales first in order to achieve.

Simon Hallett will be under even more pressure this summer

It was a disappointing campaign for both the men’s and women’s sides at Plymouth, as they both came close to earning promotion to the second tier.

Failure to do so will be costly, but this is still a very drastic move to make on the women’s side, and fans are understandably frustrated.

The pressure will now be on Hallett to deliver some investment into the club on both the men and women’s sides, and failing to do so will surely lead to calls for him to move on.

This development will also raise concerns for Cleverley, who will know that he’s at risk of seeing his best players being sold this summer given their financial situation.