BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Plymouth Argyle | Stapleton welcomes Japanese stake

Stapleton welcomes Japanese stake

Plymouth Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton has told BBC South West that there is "no downside" to the 20% stake taken in the club by a Japanese investor.

"It brings a lot of opportunities to the football club," he said in his first interview on the subject.

"It's very difficult economically in the south west and Britain and we've got opportunities to spread our name across the world."

"There's no downside and a lot of optimism," he added.

Interview: Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton

K&K Shonan Management Corporation are taking a 20% stake in Argyle's holding company, as well as helping to negotiate commercial agreements abroad.

And Stapleton believes the bid could lead to fresh markets opening up for the Championship club in Asia.

"It's expanding our horizons and opening up the far east.

"Who knows, we may see our first Japanese player playing for Argyle if the manager wants him," he said.