PRIVATE detectives have begun an investigation into the administration process at Plymouth Argyle.
A consortium who failed in their bid to buy the Pilgrims earlier this year have commissioned the probe.
The group, led by London-based businessman Paul Buttivant, say they are waiting in the wings should the proposed takeover of the club collapse.
But lead administrator Brendan Guilfoyle, who rejected a bid from the consortium in April, said they are yet to prove they have the cash to do a deal for the Pilgrims.
He declined to comment on the private investigation, which is being carried out by London-based security firm The Xfor Group.
It lists former police officers and an ex-member of the Parachute Regiment among its lead staff.
Mr Buttivant said: “For reasons given to us as to why our offer was not accepted at any stage, we have decided to engage the services on an investigative organisation to get to the bottom of it.
“We cannot justify why we were shut out so we have appointed a consultant to investigate the administration process.
“We remain interested and we are ready to do our due diligence – but time has passed and we now don’t know what sort of mess the club is in.”
It is understood the investigation will focus on the roles of Mr Guilfoyle, acting Argyle chairman Peter Ridsdale and property developer Kevin Heaney.
Mr Ridsdale, who led takeover talks between last December and the Greens’ falling into administration in March, would acquire Argyle for £1 under the proposed takeover deal.
Mr Heaney would buy the club’s stadium and land assets through offshore joint venture firm Bishop International.
