The most the Pilgrims have ever splashed out on a player was the £300,000 spent on defender Peter Swan by then manager Peter Shilton in the early 90's. But what with a new stadium, much higher gates and inflation, the Greens may have to make similar funds available if they are to compete with Championship clubs in years to come. "There's every chance", Stapleton said when quizzed on the matter. "Times have moved on since we paid that amount".
Under the stewardship of Paul Sturrock, the club were fortunate to experience amazing success with spending very little in the way of playing staff. This though was mainly down to the shrewd dealings of Sturrock and the man-managements skills that made his team go up in the league and down in Argyle folklore.
Pulis is said to have "several irons in the fire", hence the increased speculation over Pulis' potential targets this week. "Tony's doing a great job", the Chairman added before confirming that the Welshman has the board's 100% backing. "We have all seen that the players he has brought in - Elliott Ward, Jason Jarrett, Lilian Nalis - are of a good quality". It seems that Argyle's moneymen are content with funding any transfers Tony Pulis wants to make, certainly if it goes to ensure the club's safety this season.
On another note, Stapleton said that he expects that fringe players Bjarni Gudjonsson, Nuno Mendes and Rufus Brevett to all leave before too long. Gudjonsson recently turned down a move to Belgian club Lokeren but is free to leave on a bosman if he finds himself a new club. Nuno Mendes is also set for a Home Park exit and is currently in America, on trial with MLS side New York/New Jersey Metro Stars. The Portuguese defender has been restricted to just two starts this season, none under the present regime, since being signed by Bobby Williamson in the summer.