From Dec 2011
Outraged Plymouth Argyle fans have been hit with bizarre 'debt' demands from the club's former administrators. Strongly-worded letters from The P&A Partnership landed on the doormats of several supporters on Christmas Eve.
Argyle Fans' Trust chairman Warren Bowden said they demand payments – some of up to £5,000 – by a January 12 deadline, but without any explanation of what the cash relates to. Nobody from The P&A Partnership was able to fully explain the letters when contacted by The Herald.
But supporters' group the Argyle Fans' Trust, itself asked for over £150, is considering contacting legal professionals amid fears elderly or panicked fans will hand over the money without asking questions. I think it's outrageous," said Trust chairman Warren Bowden. So many of our members have received them and nobody knows what they're for. We're looking for a written apology and an end to this stupidity."
The P&A Partnership were appointed as the Pilgrims' administrators in March, with the club in financial meltdown.
They were heavily criticised by fans as the drawn-out search for a new owner saw Home Park staff work for nearly a year without pay.
The future of the 125-year-old football club remained in the balance until October, when businessman James Brent struck a last-ditch rescue deal.
Before then, all of Argyle's finances were controlled by The P&A Partnership.
The Sheffield-based firm recouped only a fraction of the fees it racked up during the administration as part of Mr Brent's buyout, agreeing to write-off around half its costs.
The letters to fans, signed by P&A Receivables' Ashley Cooper, call for "the collection of outstanding monies".
Supporters are asked to send a cheque for a particular amount, or provide written details of when the unnamed invoice was settled.Mr Cooper told The Herald he was unable to divulge any information about how many supporters had been contacted or what the letters related to. Lead administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has been unavailable for comment.
Ian Newell, administrator of the PASOTI fan forum website, received a letter demanding £225
He is adamant he does not owe anything, and has vowed to fight the firm as far as a courtroom to resolve the issue.
"Nothing surprises me about The P&A Partnership," said Mr Newell, who was also part of a Contingency Plan Committee that worked doggedly throughout the Greens' administration to ensure the club's survival.
"As for their letter, as it is so vague, with no explanation as to what they suggest the 'debt' is about, I will not be gracing it with a reply.
They could always take me to court – I'd look forward to that."
Several members of the Green Taverners – a fundraising group that raised tens of thousands of pounds for Argyle and its workers during administration – have also been told to pay amounts of up to £5,000.
The Argyle Fans' Trust is being asked for £152.02 of what it believes was a £750 bill for match ball sponsorship.
The group says its records show the invoice, from April, was paid in full.
"To send them out on Christmas Eve is plain insensitive, especially considering these could have gone out to elderly people and all sorts," said Mr Bowden.
"We're asking our members to let us know if they have received a letter so we can take on their cases. If they have documents to prove they do not have outstanding debts, we'll Do everything we can. We're considering our options and we may have to end up taking legal advice. If The P&A Partnership want a fight, we'll give them one!!
