Giannotti's new relevance to his

PILGRIMS DIRECTOR TAKES OVER AS THE OWNER OF IRELAND'S ATHLONE TOWN

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

NICK Giannotti becoming the owner of a League of Ireland club will have no impact on his involvement at Plymouth Argyle as a board member and minority shareholder, Herald Sport understands.

The United States-based businessman has taken control of Athlone Town, who are currently bottom of the League of Ireland First Division after playing 22 of their 36 games this season. He first became an Argyle director in September 2022 when the Argyle Green group of investors bought a 20 per cent stake in the club.

Then after some of the investors sold their shares back to chairman and majority shareholder Simon Hallett in July 2023, Giannotti took over as the group's sole managing member.

Giannotti posted a message on Athlone's official club website on Friday as he introduced himself to supporters. He said: "It is with great pride and excitement that I write to you. Since my very first conversation about Athlone Town, this moment has been on my mind. It's a privilege to now formally take on the responsibility of leading this historic club into its next chapter.

"First and foremost, I want to thank David Dully and Michael O'Connor for their assistance during this transition, and wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavours as they depart the club. In the days ahead, we will announce a new leadership team that will give Athlone Town a fresh start and help guide the club into a bright new era.