Western Morning News (Saturday)
Wrathall decides to leave Argyle board
PLYMOUTH Argyle have announced that director Tony Wrathall has decided to step down from the club’s board of directors with immediate effect.
Wrathall originally joined the Pilgrims’ board in 2005 until 2011 and then again in 2014, but he has has left his position for personal reasons.
The 63-year-old was born and raised in Teignmouth, and is a lifelong supporter of the club.
He will take up a new position as club president, a role that has been empty since 2018, when former president Chris Webb stepped down.
Argyle chairman and owner Simon Hallett said: “Tony has been a life-long Argyle fan and a long serving member of the board. We are grateful for all that he has done and congratulate him on taking up the post of club president.”
The club president role, which will run for a minimum of two years, will begin immediately and focus on more ambassadorial duties for the club.
Wrathall said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to serve Plymouth Argyle for 14 years as shareholder and director. I’m grateful to Simon for offering me the new position as club president and I’m excited to see our club move forward to the next level of becoming a sustainable championship football club.”
Argyle said in a club statement: “We would like to thank Tony for all his time and efforts over the years and wish him well in his new role with the club.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Panutche Camara has received his first ever call up for his home country of Guinea-Bissau.
The 24-year-old will be representing the West African nation in two friendlies in the upcoming months.
The attacking midfielder began his English career as part of the under-23 formation at Barnsley, joining non-league Dulwich Hamlet in 2017. Camara joined Ryan Lowe’s squad in August of 2020 in preparation for their return to Sky Bet League One, following a successful 2019/20 promotion campaign. Since his first appearance, Camara has played in 48 games across all competitions as Argyles’ number 28.
Argyle Women, meanwhile, went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Exeter City Women in the Devon County Cup Final.
Played in glorious sunshine at Newton Abbot’s Coach Road, the Greens made a sluggish start and find themselves 2-0 down after a quickfire double from Esme Kilburn-Thompson.
Argyle recovered their composure well and put on a much-improved display in the second half, eventually pulling a late goal back through Beth Ireland, but it sadly turned out to be a mere consolation.
“I was disappointed with the first half, we just didn’t play very well,” said manager Ryan Perks. “Exeter played good football and didn’t allow us any space or time on the ball.
“We changed the formation at half-time and asked the girls to give us a bit more fight and desire, and they were brilliant in the second half. We pegged Exeter back but just couldn’t get the equaliser.
“Beth scored in stoppage time and there was a slightly dubious offside decision against Wensday Wise, but I was just pleased that we had a real go at Exeter.
“It wasn’t our day but we are all proud of the players, and there will hopefully be plenty more finals to enjoy in the years to come.”