James Brent: 'Plymouth Argyle are a Championship club'

Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent has expressed his belief that the club are capable of returning to the Championship.

The Pilgrims, who have not played in the second tier of English football since the 2009-10 season, were relegated into League Two in 2011 following a host of financial problems.

However, Brent has said that the Devon club can begin to rise through the divisions once more.

"We do believe it's a Championship club and there's the capacity to do that sustainably," he told BBC Spotlight.

"We'd clearly like to see the club move back to the Championship - that's the direction of travel. But we've deliberately not put pressure by saying we have to achieve promotion this season.

"But [manager] John Sheridan is incredibly competitive and puts pressure on himself to excel."

Plymouth begin their League Two campaign away at Southend United on Saturday.