Plymouth Argyle 0 - 3 Peterborough United
Any thoughts of pissing the league must be rapidly vanishing as the new bogey time Peterbrough turned over and raped the Greens yesterday. A goodish first half rapidly declined into the usual pathetic clueless performance that has become all to common, though to hold out that long before conceding 3 may be the only good thing of the day. But typical set pieces are a bane, can no manager get any players in green to take advantage of them? No wonder the crowd was quiet until the end of the game, when all too familiar frustrations were made vocal again. Never mind, still got the World Cup.
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Junction 9
Walsall 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
A capitulation on the M6. How many seasons of travelling up north have fans passed that stadium just after the M5/M6 junction and wondered if the Greens would ever play there so they could cross it off their list? Well today was that day. Though it wasn't Argyle's day after losing 2-1 from a 0-1 lead at half time. So much had to have changed in those 20 minutes at half time as the green shirts managed to boss around for the first half, but turned into a pumpkin at the second half kick off. Time for 'typical Argyle'? Not being able to take a chance is the story of Plymouth and is their ultimate downfall.
A capitulation on the M6. How many seasons of travelling up north have fans passed that stadium just after the M5/M6 junction and wondered if the Greens would ever play there so they could cross it off their list? Well today was that day. Though it wasn't Argyle's day after losing 2-1 from a 0-1 lead at half time. So much had to have changed in those 20 minutes at half time as the green shirts managed to boss around for the first half, but turned into a pumpkin at the second half kick off. Time for 'typical Argyle'? Not being able to take a chance is the story of Plymouth and is their ultimate downfall.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Mixed start for Reid
Three games into the new season for Plymouth and new manager Peter Reid has gone through the full spectrum of emotions. An opening games surprise 1-0 win over title favourites Southampton was the ideal start for the Pilgrims. In their next game Plymouth suffered a first round Carling Cup defeat to Notts County, going down 1-0 to their League One counterparts. The Betfair Football betting suggests they need to buck up their ideas soon.
Plymouth's last match was the 1-1 draw at home to Carlisle, in which it took an injury time equaliser from new signing Rory Patterson to nick a draw. It was Patterson's home debut and his first Football League goal. The Northern Irish striker looked good when he came, nearly scoring in the 83rd minute with an angled shot from 12 yards. He wasn't to be denied later in the match and swept home the ball from eight yards four minutes into time added on, after Ian Harte gave Carlisle the lead with a 68th minute header.
Along with the positives of Patterson's performance, on loan keeper David Button has looked different class since joining from Tottenham on a season long deal. Button's save in the 28th minute, from a Harte freekick, was Premier League quality.
Harte's rocket shot looked destined for the top corner only for Button to spring to his right and spectacularly palm the ball over the bar. Reid has also brought in young Spurs midfielder Dean Parrett, also on a season long loan. The 18-year-old has been capped for England at Under-17 and Under-19 level as well as featuring in Tottenham's UEFA Cup clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in February last year. Parrett, who had a spell last season at Aldershot, is an attacking midfielder who has the ability to open defences and Plymouth moved quickly to sign the youngster.
With Argyle lacking quality delivery from the wings, Reid has taken the decision to move Zimbabwean left back up Onismor Bhasera up field onto the left wing in the hope of creating more chances for Argyle's talented forwards. Along with Patterson, Plymouth boast a wealth of talent in attack with Bradley Wright-Phillips, Rory Fallon, Steve MacLean and youngster Rory Fallon. So far all except for Patterson have failed to show their quality in this league, it is a very different type of football from the Championship and will take a bit of time to adjust to this level. When they get used to the league then Plymouth fans will be expecting goals from their strikers.
Meanwhile, in the division above, many people have made Leicester betting tips to gain promotion to the Premier League this season.
Plymouth's last match was the 1-1 draw at home to Carlisle, in which it took an injury time equaliser from new signing Rory Patterson to nick a draw. It was Patterson's home debut and his first Football League goal. The Northern Irish striker looked good when he came, nearly scoring in the 83rd minute with an angled shot from 12 yards. He wasn't to be denied later in the match and swept home the ball from eight yards four minutes into time added on, after Ian Harte gave Carlisle the lead with a 68th minute header.
Along with the positives of Patterson's performance, on loan keeper David Button has looked different class since joining from Tottenham on a season long deal. Button's save in the 28th minute, from a Harte freekick, was Premier League quality.
Harte's rocket shot looked destined for the top corner only for Button to spring to his right and spectacularly palm the ball over the bar. Reid has also brought in young Spurs midfielder Dean Parrett, also on a season long loan. The 18-year-old has been capped for England at Under-17 and Under-19 level as well as featuring in Tottenham's UEFA Cup clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in February last year. Parrett, who had a spell last season at Aldershot, is an attacking midfielder who has the ability to open defences and Plymouth moved quickly to sign the youngster.
With Argyle lacking quality delivery from the wings, Reid has taken the decision to move Zimbabwean left back up Onismor Bhasera up field onto the left wing in the hope of creating more chances for Argyle's talented forwards. Along with Patterson, Plymouth boast a wealth of talent in attack with Bradley Wright-Phillips, Rory Fallon, Steve MacLean and youngster Rory Fallon. So far all except for Patterson have failed to show their quality in this league, it is a very different type of football from the Championship and will take a bit of time to adjust to this level. When they get used to the league then Plymouth fans will be expecting goals from their strikers.
Meanwhile, in the division above, many people have made Leicester betting tips to gain promotion to the Premier League this season.
Statistics
Owen Ryle's article in the Herald today, Premium Prices no Premium Product, revealed some interesting and worrying statistics.
Since 2004 Argyle have not won more that 10 of their home fixtures. In fact in 2005/06 it decreased to 9, ending in just 5 at the last campaign. Now Argyle had a history of Fortress Home Park but starkingly have become an away team. Even that is not really guaranteed. It has become paintakingly obvious that the Greens are a declining team, hence the relegation, and whether that's to do with no investment, poor player choices or whatever. Argyle have not really had a natural goal scorer especially in their strikers. How is this going to change? Smash and grab has been the tactic employed since Sturrock's first reign and it isn't working. But then again would anything else work? Far from Fortress Home Park the battlements have been missing for years.
Since 2004 Argyle have not won more that 10 of their home fixtures. In fact in 2005/06 it decreased to 9, ending in just 5 at the last campaign. Now Argyle had a history of Fortress Home Park but starkingly have become an away team. Even that is not really guaranteed. It has become paintakingly obvious that the Greens are a declining team, hence the relegation, and whether that's to do with no investment, poor player choices or whatever. Argyle have not really had a natural goal scorer especially in their strikers. How is this going to change? Smash and grab has been the tactic employed since Sturrock's first reign and it isn't working. But then again would anything else work? Far from Fortress Home Park the battlements have been missing for years.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Maybe we'll Tarry for a While
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Carlisle United
Still awaiting that illusive home win since last March, and by the looks of it we could be in for a long wait. It took the Greens until the last minute to get the important goal, after many supporters who were expecting the usual had left the stadium. Spurs loan keeper Button and new signing Peterlin performed the best, although Button may have been at fault for their goal, whilst the other Spurs signing, Parrett, was evidently bedding in to the Pilgrims' ways. As usual there was a lock up front, with Fallon doing not very much at all and being subbed to a chorus of boos. All in all an ok game but there is still a very long way to go before Argyle are beating Wigan 4-0.
Still awaiting that illusive home win since last March, and by the looks of it we could be in for a long wait. It took the Greens until the last minute to get the important goal, after many supporters who were expecting the usual had left the stadium. Spurs loan keeper Button and new signing Peterlin performed the best, although Button may have been at fault for their goal, whilst the other Spurs signing, Parrett, was evidently bedding in to the Pilgrims' ways. As usual there was a lock up front, with Fallon doing not very much at all and being subbed to a chorus of boos. All in all an ok game but there is still a very long way to go before Argyle are beating Wigan 4-0.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Nu-Home Park
Yesterday the Herald revealed the masterplan for Home Park. The Life Centre is already progressing, but the application for further development includes the completion of Home Park to its 40,000+ capacity, a new arena/ice rink to replace the Pavilions on the football field, a cinema on the council's Parks Services depot, various blocks of student accommodation, a 3 star hotel and retail units on the car park.
In my opinion the majority of that is not required. Certainly there should be no need for further student accommodation, and certainly not within the area of Central Park. The retail centre is unnecessary too as there are several supermarkets nearby and the place is unsuitable for a retail park with such generic names as PC World and DFS. Besides, there's be no car parking left. And the Vue Cinema in Coxside has already closed the Odeon and threatened Reel in the city centre.
So of the development, I only agree with the finishing of Home Park (though not to the capacity proposed), the hotel - likely to be a Travelodge type establishment - and the arena/ice rink. This too could easily be accommodated within the new South Stand development. Although I do disagree that the development itself (ie the buildings, not the usage) would cause undue harm to Central Park as it is all proposed to be contained within areas that are already developed, except for the football field.
All in all it's a pipe dream for the World Cup bid. It may happen, but it's probably gone in slightly the wrong direction on the way.
There's a great website at http://build2.jensenmeyer.com/ with pdf plans to download and peruse for more in depth detail.
In my opinion the majority of that is not required. Certainly there should be no need for further student accommodation, and certainly not within the area of Central Park. The retail centre is unnecessary too as there are several supermarkets nearby and the place is unsuitable for a retail park with such generic names as PC World and DFS. Besides, there's be no car parking left. And the Vue Cinema in Coxside has already closed the Odeon and threatened Reel in the city centre.
So of the development, I only agree with the finishing of Home Park (though not to the capacity proposed), the hotel - likely to be a Travelodge type establishment - and the arena/ice rink. This too could easily be accommodated within the new South Stand development. Although I do disagree that the development itself (ie the buildings, not the usage) would cause undue harm to Central Park as it is all proposed to be contained within areas that are already developed, except for the football field.
All in all it's a pipe dream for the World Cup bid. It may happen, but it's probably gone in slightly the wrong direction on the way.
There's a great website at http://build2.jensenmeyer.com/ with pdf plans to download and peruse for more in depth detail.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Tottenham Hotsparrett
Argyle have been raiding the Spurs player bank again. Following the signing of keeper Button, 18 year old Dean Parrett has signed on loan till the end of the season. Parrett has played 4 times for Aldershot and England as an attacking midfielder. He comes commended from Redknapp and supporters forums.
Groundhog Day
Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Notts County
League Cup round 1 - out for 1. The prerequisite of supporting the Greens is to never expect anything from cup games, and even new manager Reid could not change the deeply entrenched tradition as Argyle fall in a poor performance that saw 1 attempt on goal and a defeat. Still, time to concentrate on the league(!)
League Cup round 1 - out for 1. The prerequisite of supporting the Greens is to never expect anything from cup games, and even new manager Reid could not change the deeply entrenched tradition as Argyle fall in a poor performance that saw 1 attempt on goal and a defeat. Still, time to concentrate on the league(!)
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Green Army marching back up
There is a lot of pressure on a club that drops down in to League One. Instantly the club has the pressure of being one of the favourites so other teams see you as one of their biggest games of the year and up their performance accordingly. After a poor season last time round, Plymouth are looking to bring success back to Home Park.
New manager Peter Reid has made a good start to the season, winning 1-0 at fellow promotion seekers, Southampton. Indeed, Southampton are one of the Betfair Football tips to top the league. An opening day win at against one of the favourites for the title will have given the Pilgrims a massive confidence boost for the long season ahead.
Peter Reid still has a lot of work to do to trim Argyle's enormous squad which he inherited from the Paul Sturrock era. There has been some movement on this front, but they need to get rid of four or five more players. The current squad has in the region of 28 players on the books which is far too many for this league.
There is, however, some good news on the player front for the Green Army. Marcel Seip is back at the club after falling out with Sturrock last year, which resulted in the Dutch defender going out on loan to Blackpool and Sheffield United. Hopefully Reid will be able to convince Seip to stay at Argyle this season, he would be one of the best defenders in this league.
Plymouth have taken a punt on Northern Ireland striker Rory Patterson. The 26-year-old has a prolific record in Ireland and could prove to be a nice bit of business by Argyle. Previously in England, Patterson played for FC United of Manchester in the lower leagues and scored over 100 goals in his 120 odd appearances. Another bonus for Plymouth is the emergence of some talented youth players coming through. The most exciting prospect is perhaps Joe Mason. The 19-year-old put in some promising performances last season and scored three goals for his boyhood club.
Plymouth have a squad more than capable of scoring in this league, Bradley Wright Phillips, Steve MacLean and Rory Fallon will be confident of bagging a few after poor seasons last year. Plymouth will face a tough battle to get out of this league and Leeds showed how easy it was to get stuck for a few years. The Leeds United betting made them favourites to go up for a number of seasons, but it took them quite some time to drag themselves up.
Along with fellow relegated sides Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough, Argyle will also face competition from Southampton, Charlton and new threat Brighton. Despite the competition, this season will be Argyle's best chance of getting back into the Championship.
New manager Peter Reid has made a good start to the season, winning 1-0 at fellow promotion seekers, Southampton. Indeed, Southampton are one of the Betfair Football tips to top the league. An opening day win at against one of the favourites for the title will have given the Pilgrims a massive confidence boost for the long season ahead.
Peter Reid still has a lot of work to do to trim Argyle's enormous squad which he inherited from the Paul Sturrock era. There has been some movement on this front, but they need to get rid of four or five more players. The current squad has in the region of 28 players on the books which is far too many for this league.
There is, however, some good news on the player front for the Green Army. Marcel Seip is back at the club after falling out with Sturrock last year, which resulted in the Dutch defender going out on loan to Blackpool and Sheffield United. Hopefully Reid will be able to convince Seip to stay at Argyle this season, he would be one of the best defenders in this league.
Plymouth have taken a punt on Northern Ireland striker Rory Patterson. The 26-year-old has a prolific record in Ireland and could prove to be a nice bit of business by Argyle. Previously in England, Patterson played for FC United of Manchester in the lower leagues and scored over 100 goals in his 120 odd appearances. Another bonus for Plymouth is the emergence of some talented youth players coming through. The most exciting prospect is perhaps Joe Mason. The 19-year-old put in some promising performances last season and scored three goals for his boyhood club.
Plymouth have a squad more than capable of scoring in this league, Bradley Wright Phillips, Steve MacLean and Rory Fallon will be confident of bagging a few after poor seasons last year. Plymouth will face a tough battle to get out of this league and Leeds showed how easy it was to get stuck for a few years. The Leeds United betting made them favourites to go up for a number of seasons, but it took them quite some time to drag themselves up.
Along with fellow relegated sides Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough, Argyle will also face competition from Southampton, Charlton and new threat Brighton. Despite the competition, this season will be Argyle's best chance of getting back into the Championship.
Monday, 9 August 2010
The Sun
Due to Southampton's policy of only allowing game photos from their official source, The Sun newspaper has decided in protest to expunge the name Southampton, except for copyrighted league tables and fixtures, in favour of "South Coast Team". I think that's hilarious, though I think they missed a trick. Portsmouth B Team anyone?
Saturday, 7 August 2010
We Were Top O'The League
Southampton 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
I would never have taken a bet to say that Argyle were going to win their first game of the season, even at half time following a woeful 45 minute 'performance'. But Reid must have put something, maybe a rocket, up the players' arses at half time as the second half was much improved with Summerfield netting the one and only goal of the game. Though the players were panicking with around 15 minutes to goal and Button pulling of some good saves to give the Green the first 3 points of the whole season.
Not a season winning performance but a buoyant and great start to the campaign.
I would never have taken a bet to say that Argyle were going to win their first game of the season, even at half time following a woeful 45 minute 'performance'. But Reid must have put something, maybe a rocket, up the players' arses at half time as the second half was much improved with Summerfield netting the one and only goal of the game. Though the players were panicking with around 15 minutes to goal and Button pulling of some good saves to give the Green the first 3 points of the whole season.
Not a season winning performance but a buoyant and great start to the campaign.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
In Safe Hands
Sky Sports News today reported that Argyle have signed Spurs 'keeper David Button on a year long loan. Button, who is a home grown Spurs player has been on loan at several clubs gaining experience and joins solitary Larrieu between the sticks. Argyle are also looking at keeper Colin Doyle to join the squad.
Pre Season 4
Hereford United 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
QPR 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
Saltash 0 - 8 Plymouth Argyle
Well that's another exciting pre season over and done with, with less than a week before the start of the season proper, and was it worth it? You can now add Bolaise to the list of players injured on the campaign, Mackie to the list of explayers who have scored against us, and Hereford to the list of twats for attacking a PAFC coach after the game.
We've had 'will he won't he?' with the possible return of Capaldi, the release of several players including Baker, Walton injured which stops any dealings with him, a couple of trialists Molyneux (who should by rights play for Wolves) and Zubar impressing Reid along with keeper Colin Doyle, the signing of Peterlin and the 'man who said he was interest in playing for Argyle one day' James going to Bristol City. Amongst other things.
So it's now time for the league proper with the first game at St Mary's on Saturday live on Sky, so a 12.15pm kick off, that could see Argyle either top or bottom of the league. For a few hours.
QPR 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
Saltash 0 - 8 Plymouth Argyle
Well that's another exciting pre season over and done with, with less than a week before the start of the season proper, and was it worth it? You can now add Bolaise to the list of players injured on the campaign, Mackie to the list of explayers who have scored against us, and Hereford to the list of twats for attacking a PAFC coach after the game.
We've had 'will he won't he?' with the possible return of Capaldi, the release of several players including Baker, Walton injured which stops any dealings with him, a couple of trialists Molyneux (who should by rights play for Wolves) and Zubar impressing Reid along with keeper Colin Doyle, the signing of Peterlin and the 'man who said he was interest in playing for Argyle one day' James going to Bristol City. Amongst other things.
So it's now time for the league proper with the first game at St Mary's on Saturday live on Sky, so a 12.15pm kick off, that could see Argyle either top or bottom of the league. For a few hours.
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