Its been so quiet that Newsround missed a week.
Season Ticket Prices
Prices for White and Pilgrim Memberships have been released:
White membership
Main ground: adults £154, over-65s and under-23s, £101, under-18s £47.
Mayflower Enclosure: adults £100, over-65s and under-23s £77, under-18s £35.
Pilgrim membership
£30
Player News
Nothing to get excited about, Sturrock's one in one out policy hasn't really gone anywhere, Stack is now 3rd choice goalkeeper, trialists are going to be sought using an X Factor format (I mean come on!!) whereby we have no trialists (now that is worrying) for preseason and Sturrock will see them all during a closed doors game, and Romain Larrieu is now club captain so congratulations to him.
Takeover News
Phil Gill resigned (which I somehow pre-emptively managed to report 2 weeks ago), making Kagami the majority shareholder.
Match News
The Boxing Day match at Cardiff's new ground has been changed to a 13.00 kick off. So the Heddlu can have an early night.
Kit News
The new home kit is now available in Argyle merchandise stockists. Still no sign of the away kit, so we shall probably be playing in skins. And come on what the hell is the hold up? Other clubs have had their kit on sale for weeks before the end of the season, by the looks of it the away kit will not be on sale to week after the start of the next.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Saturday, 20 June 2009
A Bonnie Wee Game...
'gain' SPL side, Livingston on Monday 20 July at Almondvile and Romanian Champions, Unirea Urziceni on Wednesday 22 July (venue to be decided) is the line up for the pre-season tour to Scotland.
This is presuming the Livingston exist by the end of July.
This is presuming the Livingston exist by the end of July.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Negativity
It festers and it has festered so long it's the norm. Therefore Luggy's comments regarding the League Cup draw at Gillingham come as no surprise. Apparently it's a tough tie, because of the 506 mile trip, although there is a hint at positivity as the promises the Greens will be professional and go to get a result. However, it does once again seem that by calling it a tough draw is once again an excuse for if the Pilgrims should lose.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Fixtures 2009/10
Today saw the release of the fixtures for next season and for once they are surprisingly kind to Argyle! They include:
We kick off the season away at Palace on 8 August and finish it at home with Peterbrough United on 2 May. The popular Blackpool away fixture will be in October.
Away games to Newcastle and Middlesbrough are on Saturday 19 September and 31 October respectively though we have to wait till April for the return fixtures for both. Over Christmas the Green play Cardiff away on Boxing day, again with no New Years Day match due to the FA Cup, rather kicking off the New Year at QPR on the 9th January.
The 5 away Tuesday matches are Peterborough United (September), Bristol City (October), Swansea (December) and Reading (February), Ipswich Town (March), which is not too bad considering, with just two long haul journeys.
Fixtures from The Herald
We kick off the season away at Palace on 8 August and finish it at home with Peterbrough United on 2 May. The popular Blackpool away fixture will be in October.
Away games to Newcastle and Middlesbrough are on Saturday 19 September and 31 October respectively though we have to wait till April for the return fixtures for both. Over Christmas the Green play Cardiff away on Boxing day, again with no New Years Day match due to the FA Cup, rather kicking off the New Year at QPR on the 9th January.
The 5 away Tuesday matches are Peterborough United (September), Bristol City (October), Swansea (December) and Reading (February), Ipswich Town (March), which is not too bad considering, with just two long haul journeys.
Fixtures from The Herald
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
And the honour of beating Argyle goes to...
...Gillingham.
Argyle have drawn Gillingham away in the 1st round of the League cup to be played in the second week of the season. Last year the Pilgrims were beaten by (now non-league) Luton Town, which is no surprise really as Argyle traditionally don't do well in the Cup matches (except for the spell under Holloway when they progressed to round 3 drawing West Ham).
This is Argyle's history in the League Cup when they've got beyond the first round. It doesn't make happy reading:
The full draw:
Accrington Stanley v Walsall
Huddersfield Town v Stockport County
Rotherham United v Derby County
Tranmere Rovers v Grimsby Town
Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale
Bury v West Bromwich Albion
Notts County v Doncaster Rovers
Lincoln City v Barnsley
Scunthorpe United v Chesterfield
Coventry City v Hartlepool United
Darlington v Leeds United
Preston North End v Morecambe
Crewe Alexandra v Blackpool
Carlisle United v Oldham Athletic
Nottingham Forest v Bradford City
Macclesfield Town v Leicester City
Sheffield United v Port Vale
Cardiff City v Dagenham & Redbridge
Wycombe Wanderers v Peterborough United
Southampton v Northampton Town
Barnet v Watford
Hereford United v Charlton Athletic
Bristol Rovers v Aldershot Town
Millwall v AFC Bournemouth
Gillingham v Plymouth Argyle
Colchester United v Leyton Orient
Reading v Burton Albion
Exeter City v Queens Park Rangers
Cheltenham Town v Southend United
Brentford v Bristol City
Yeovil Town v Norwich City
Crystal Palace v Torquay United
Milton Keynes Dons v Swindon Town
Swansea City v Brighton & Hove Albion
Shrewsbury Town v Ipswich Town
Argyle have drawn Gillingham away in the 1st round of the League cup to be played in the second week of the season. Last year the Pilgrims were beaten by (now non-league) Luton Town, which is no surprise really as Argyle traditionally don't do well in the Cup matches (except for the spell under Holloway when they progressed to round 3 drawing West Ham).
This is Argyle's history in the League Cup when they've got beyond the first round. It doesn't make happy reading:
| League Cup - Semi Final | |||||
| Season | Date | Match | |||
| 1973 | 30 Jan 1974 | Man City | 2-0 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1973 | 23 Jan 1974 | Plymouth Argyle | 1-1 | Man City | |
| 1964 | 10 Feb 1965 | Plymouth Argyle | 0-1 | Leicester City | |
| 1964 | 20 Jan 1965 | Leicester City | 3-2 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| League Cup - Round 5 | |||||
| Season | Date | Match | |||
| 1973 | 19 Dec 1973 | Birmingham | 1-2 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1964 | 25 Nov 1964 | Plymouth Argyle | 1-0 | Northampton | |
| League Cup - Round 4 | |||||
| Season | Date | Match | |||
| 1973 | 20 Nov 1973 | Q.P.R | 0-3 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1964 | 11 Nov 1964 | Plymouth Argyle | 3-1 | Stoke City | |
| 1964 | 4 Nov 1964 | Stoke City | 1-1 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1960 | 6 Feb 1961 | Plymouth Argyle | 3-5 | Aston Villa | |
| 1960 | 19 Dec 1960 | Plymouth Argyle | 0-0 | Aston Villa | |
| 1960 | 13 Dec 1960 | Aston Villa | 3-3 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| League Cup - Round 3 | |||||
| Season | Date | Match | |||
| 2007 | 26 Sep 2007 | West Ham | 1-0 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1992 | 11 Nov 1992 | Scarborough | 2-1 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1992 | 27 Oct 1992 | Plymouth Argyle | 3-3 | Scarborough | |
| 1990 | 31 Oct 1990 | Plymouth Argyle | 1-2 | Notts Forest | |
| 1979 | 2 Oct 1979 | Wimbledon | 1-0 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1979 | 25 Sep 1979 | Plymouth Argyle | 0-0 | Wimbledon | |
| 1973 | 30 Oct 1973 | Burnley | 1-2 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1964 | 14 Oct 1964 | Bury | 0-1 | Plymouth Argyle | |
| 1960 | 16 Nov 1960 | Plymouth Argyle | 3-1 | Birmingham | |
| 1960 | 14 Nov 1960 | Birmingham | 0-0 | Plymouth Argyle | |
The full draw:
Accrington Stanley v Walsall
Huddersfield Town v Stockport County
Rotherham United v Derby County
Tranmere Rovers v Grimsby Town
Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale
Bury v West Bromwich Albion
Notts County v Doncaster Rovers
Lincoln City v Barnsley
Scunthorpe United v Chesterfield
Coventry City v Hartlepool United
Darlington v Leeds United
Preston North End v Morecambe
Crewe Alexandra v Blackpool
Carlisle United v Oldham Athletic
Nottingham Forest v Bradford City
Macclesfield Town v Leicester City
Sheffield United v Port Vale
Cardiff City v Dagenham & Redbridge
Wycombe Wanderers v Peterborough United
Southampton v Northampton Town
Barnet v Watford
Hereford United v Charlton Athletic
Bristol Rovers v Aldershot Town
Millwall v AFC Bournemouth
Gillingham v Plymouth Argyle
Colchester United v Leyton Orient
Reading v Burton Albion
Exeter City v Queens Park Rangers
Cheltenham Town v Southend United
Brentford v Bristol City
Yeovil Town v Norwich City
Crystal Palace v Torquay United
Milton Keynes Dons v Swindon Town
Swansea City v Brighton & Hove Albion
Shrewsbury Town v Ipswich Town
Monday, 15 June 2009
3 Prong Attack
Argyle chairman, Stapleton has set out his threefold plan for the Greens and the way forward on the day that the news on the takeover was that there was no news. His aims are:
To resolve the proposed takeover of the club by director Yasuaki Kagami as soon as possible.
To ensure the Pilgrims are run on a profitable basis.
To set medium to long-term goals for the Home Park club to try to achieve
So...
1. To resolve the takeover.
This has dragged on and dragged on with no look of ending with little twists and turns such as the American interest, the savioured fan rep on the board, those in the know by some fluke sticking their feathered tails up at the proletariat, but nothing happening. Apparently a board member, Phill Gill, as resigned and sold his shares Yasuaki Kagami making Shoanan Management Company making them the largest stakeholder. This apparently is meant to lead other members selling their shares to that Kagami then holds 51% of the company, meaning that he can then take over. There is no doubt that Shoanan are involved in PAFC Ltd as they hold a number of shares, so what is going on that is holding things back. Stapleton mentioned back that he was desperate to ensure the club's integrity after the takeover. This leads to the question of what exactly is Kagami, who is not known as a football fan but a property developer, planning for the Pilgrims?
2. To ensure the Pilgrims are run on a profitable basis.
Should not be too difficult for am accountant, he's always said we're in a good situation and yet sometimes the mask falls. Last season the Greens made a loss and the perennial 'not big enough gates' is chanted after every match (it's mentioned in the article - have a look!). The waste of money by Sturrock last year coupled with the regular sell off of the family silver shows a different story. Sturrock's one out one in attitude to this summer's transfers and the desire for the takeover starkly shows that there is no money left.
3. To set medium to long-term goals for the Home Park club to try to achieve.
Another 5 point plan? Just 'survival is a big achievement' for the foreseeable future? Let's face it the Premier League is not going to be achievable by Argyle, and the club won't want to set the stakes that high - they haven't in 100 odd years, even when "if we're there, we'll go for it". So why would they now? So what is a medium/long-term goal that is achievable?
Answers on a post card please.
To be frank, it's not really anything exciting either. Number 1 is an immediate concern that has to be dealt with, number 2 has been going on since Stapleton and co too over, and number 3 is just paying lip service to the supporters.
To resolve the proposed takeover of the club by director Yasuaki Kagami as soon as possible.
To ensure the Pilgrims are run on a profitable basis.
To set medium to long-term goals for the Home Park club to try to achieve
So...
1. To resolve the takeover.
This has dragged on and dragged on with no look of ending with little twists and turns such as the American interest, the savioured fan rep on the board, those in the know by some fluke sticking their feathered tails up at the proletariat, but nothing happening. Apparently a board member, Phill Gill, as resigned and sold his shares Yasuaki Kagami making Shoanan Management Company making them the largest stakeholder. This apparently is meant to lead other members selling their shares to that Kagami then holds 51% of the company, meaning that he can then take over. There is no doubt that Shoanan are involved in PAFC Ltd as they hold a number of shares, so what is going on that is holding things back. Stapleton mentioned back that he was desperate to ensure the club's integrity after the takeover. This leads to the question of what exactly is Kagami, who is not known as a football fan but a property developer, planning for the Pilgrims?
2. To ensure the Pilgrims are run on a profitable basis.
Should not be too difficult for am accountant, he's always said we're in a good situation and yet sometimes the mask falls. Last season the Greens made a loss and the perennial 'not big enough gates' is chanted after every match (it's mentioned in the article - have a look!). The waste of money by Sturrock last year coupled with the regular sell off of the family silver shows a different story. Sturrock's one out one in attitude to this summer's transfers and the desire for the takeover starkly shows that there is no money left.
3. To set medium to long-term goals for the Home Park club to try to achieve.
Another 5 point plan? Just 'survival is a big achievement' for the foreseeable future? Let's face it the Premier League is not going to be achievable by Argyle, and the club won't want to set the stakes that high - they haven't in 100 odd years, even when "if we're there, we'll go for it". So why would they now? So what is a medium/long-term goal that is achievable?
Answers on a post card please.
To be frank, it's not really anything exciting either. Number 1 is an immediate concern that has to be dealt with, number 2 has been going on since Stapleton and co too over, and number 3 is just paying lip service to the supporters.
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Newsround 14/06/09
As there's bugger all exciting happening, here's a few titbits from last week.
The Takeover
"Days away" is the new "imminent" as the takeover is week on week just 'days away',]although this week is has now become elusive but Stapleton is not worried but confident that there is no problems of 'relationships' causing tensions and delays. Last week it was learnt that Americans have been connected with K&K's interest. These things do take time to complete properly - we don't want to be going off half cocked do we? - but it ain't half frustrating that it's not done and dusted so the 'rebuilding' of the team can take place.
Team News
Homegrown Luke Summerfield has extended his stay at Home Park. Summers is a love-hate player who divides opinion because of his standard of play and his ability to be picked above other players when he's going badly.
On a brighter note, after a year of trying, Sturrock finally got his man by signing Carl Fletcher permanently to become the Pilgrim's first signing of the summer. Fletcher is more favoured among the Green Army and the signing has been the high point so far.
And in the rumours, ex player, Graham Coughlan could be returning to Home Park to take up a coaching role. Cocko was a well liked and respected player during his time for the Greens but does he have the necessary to coach a Championship team?
The Takeover
"Days away" is the new "imminent" as the takeover is week on week just 'days away',]although this week is has now become elusive but Stapleton is not worried but confident that there is no problems of 'relationships' causing tensions and delays. Last week it was learnt that Americans have been connected with K&K's interest. These things do take time to complete properly - we don't want to be going off half cocked do we? - but it ain't half frustrating that it's not done and dusted so the 'rebuilding' of the team can take place.
Team News
Homegrown Luke Summerfield has extended his stay at Home Park. Summers is a love-hate player who divides opinion because of his standard of play and his ability to be picked above other players when he's going badly.
On a brighter note, after a year of trying, Sturrock finally got his man by signing Carl Fletcher permanently to become the Pilgrim's first signing of the summer. Fletcher is more favoured among the Green Army and the signing has been the high point so far.
And in the rumours, ex player, Graham Coughlan could be returning to Home Park to take up a coaching role. Cocko was a well liked and respected player during his time for the Greens but does he have the necessary to coach a Championship team?
Thursday, 4 June 2009
We Built this FC on Loan Players
Hurrah! Luggy's going to try and go wild in the aisles of the loan mart, though he's cautious that loanees will be in high demands because of the economic climate.
Luggy's been in contact with 5-6 Premier managers with a view to talking to 20 agents for loan players for next season and thus has his "finger on the pulse" to target the players he wants.
So are we to actually possess any proper players next season, or are we going to be transient with loanees coming and going, propping up the team? In one way, given Sturrock's poor choices for permanent deadwood last season a turn over of players would be good - bring 'em in, if they don't cut the mustard send 'em back. And his loanees performed the better job last season to keep the greens up. But is it really a viable plan?
Luggy's been in contact with 5-6 Premier managers with a view to talking to 20 agents for loan players for next season and thus has his "finger on the pulse" to target the players he wants.
So are we to actually possess any proper players next season, or are we going to be transient with loanees coming and going, propping up the team? In one way, given Sturrock's poor choices for permanent deadwood last season a turn over of players would be good - bring 'em in, if they don't cut the mustard send 'em back. And his loanees performed the better job last season to keep the greens up. But is it really a viable plan?
Pre Season
Confirmed pre-season matches:
Monday 13 July. Truro City, Treyew Road
Wednesday 15 July, Torquay United, Plainmoor, 19.45
Saturday 18 July, Skelmersdale United, The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, 15.00
Sunday 19 July - Friday 24 July, Pre-season Tour, Scotland
Saturday 25 July, Morecambe, Christie Park
Monday 13 July. Truro City, Treyew Road
Wednesday 15 July, Torquay United, Plainmoor, 19.45
Saturday 18 July, Skelmersdale United, The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, 15.00
Sunday 19 July - Friday 24 July, Pre-season Tour, Scotland
Saturday 25 July, Morecambe, Christie Park
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Black and Grey Barmy Army
The new Argyle leisure wear is now available at the new look Argyle Centre Spot. And Plymouth Argyle seem to now be paying homage to newly relegated Newcastle United. Everything's gone black and grey.
Now traditionally Argyle's colours have been Green and Black, then white joined in and more recently gold, yellow and orange have crept in. So in some ways we're going back to basics, however, where is the green? Argyle are just one of 2 English league clubs who play mainly in green, but you would not have thought that by looking at the leisure range. Adidas's new kits for us have been off the peg and so is their leisurewear, so whilst they can be applauded in some way of rejecting pink, luminous yellow, orange, brown, red, azure (though, we haven't seen the away kit yet!), this may just be taking things one step too far.
Now traditionally Argyle's colours have been Green and Black, then white joined in and more recently gold, yellow and orange have crept in. So in some ways we're going back to basics, however, where is the green? Argyle are just one of 2 English league clubs who play mainly in green, but you would not have thought that by looking at the leisure range. Adidas's new kits for us have been off the peg and so is their leisurewear, so whilst they can be applauded in some way of rejecting pink, luminous yellow, orange, brown, red, azure (though, we haven't seen the away kit yet!), this may just be taking things one step too far.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Les Rosbifs
Blog, Les Rosbifs*, following the fortunes of English players when the go abroad have a very interesting interview with ex Argyle and Torquay player, Sam Malsom.
I recommend Les Rosbifs, to readers of TBAP who are interested in what English players who have moved abroad are doing, and shall add it to my recommended blogs.
*"Les Rosbifs" literally translated is French for "The Roast Beefs", a term used like "Jocks" and "Taffs" to mean the English.
I recommend Les Rosbifs, to readers of TBAP who are interested in what English players who have moved abroad are doing, and shall add it to my recommended blogs.
*"Les Rosbifs" literally translated is French for "The Roast Beefs", a term used like "Jocks" and "Taffs" to mean the English.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Championship new-boys: Peterborough United
In my last post I had a look at Leicester City, who I think should be able to survive in the Championship without too much difficulty. The Posh represent a different kettle of fish all together and predicting where they’ll end up next season is much harder.
They played some neat football in League One last season and as long as they hold on to Darren Ferguson as boss that should continue next year. Irish owner Darragh MacAnthony is certainly willing to splash his considerable cash around. Since he has taken over at the London Road Stadium about £2million has been invested into the squad and they paid around the £500,000 mark for goalkeeper Joe Lewis and a similar fee for defender Gabriel Zakuani.
There is no doubt they need to spend a bit of money in the summer but I don’t think they need to make massive changes to their side. Peterborough will have looked at the way teams like Doncaster have come up and survived this season. It will be a big task for a club that size to compete in the Championship but they’ve got a good manager and owner so the set up is there to succeed.
They will be relegation candidates with the bookmakers, that’s a certainty, but I would argue they have a decent chance of survival. For the Posh keeping hold of Ferguson will be crucial and he is fast becoming one of the most sought after managers in the lower leagues, with QPR among the clubs said to be keen.
Personally I reckon Ferguson will stay and try and establish them in the Championship, but it seems a good Championship bet that he’ll need more funding from MacAnthony if he is to achieve that.
They played some neat football in League One last season and as long as they hold on to Darren Ferguson as boss that should continue next year. Irish owner Darragh MacAnthony is certainly willing to splash his considerable cash around. Since he has taken over at the London Road Stadium about £2million has been invested into the squad and they paid around the £500,000 mark for goalkeeper Joe Lewis and a similar fee for defender Gabriel Zakuani.
There is no doubt they need to spend a bit of money in the summer but I don’t think they need to make massive changes to their side. Peterborough will have looked at the way teams like Doncaster have come up and survived this season. It will be a big task for a club that size to compete in the Championship but they’ve got a good manager and owner so the set up is there to succeed.
They will be relegation candidates with the bookmakers, that’s a certainty, but I would argue they have a decent chance of survival. For the Posh keeping hold of Ferguson will be crucial and he is fast becoming one of the most sought after managers in the lower leagues, with QPR among the clubs said to be keen.
Personally I reckon Ferguson will stay and try and establish them in the Championship, but it seems a good Championship bet that he’ll need more funding from MacAnthony if he is to achieve that.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Comings and Goings
With Burnley winning 1-0 against Sheffield United, `w welcome the following clubs into the Championship:
Middlesbrough (relegated from PL)
Newcastle United (relegated from PL)
West Bromwich Albion (relegated from PL)
Leicester United (promoted from L1)
Peterborough United (promoted from L1)
Scunthorpe (promoted from L1 via play offs)
Whilst saying goodbye to:
Wolverhampton Wanderers (promoted to PL)
Birmingham City (promoted to PL)
Burnley (promoted to PL via play offs)
Norwich (relegated to L1)
Southampton (relegated to L1)
Charlton Athletic (relegated to L1)
The games against likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough will get janners creaming their pants, else it's going to be yet another tough season.
Middlesbrough (relegated from PL)
Newcastle United (relegated from PL)
West Bromwich Albion (relegated from PL)
Leicester United (promoted from L1)
Peterborough United (promoted from L1)
Scunthorpe (promoted from L1 via play offs)
Whilst saying goodbye to:
Wolverhampton Wanderers (promoted to PL)
Birmingham City (promoted to PL)
Burnley (promoted to PL via play offs)
Norwich (relegated to L1)
Southampton (relegated to L1)
Charlton Athletic (relegated to L1)
The games against likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough will get janners creaming their pants, else it's going to be yet another tough season.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Good Luck Sturrock
The summer shenanigans have started at Home Park.
First off it appears that Gallagher will not be returning as he's now too expensive for Argyle, fan favourite, Timar has been told to shove off and fan non-favourite Summerfield is likely to be kept on.
No one really knows the workings of Sturrock's mind, Timar has been out of favour since his head injury and if he's never to figure again just as well he gets shot along with the changing room cleaners like Mpenza. It was never likely that Gallagher would be staying as money would always be the problem, and Summerfield ... well I don't think we'll go down that road apart from saying that he has a lot of potential. This all assuming someone wants Sturrock's rejects.
Well good luck Sturrock, you can't really do much worse than last year's transfers can you? Can you???!
First off it appears that Gallagher will not be returning as he's now too expensive for Argyle, fan favourite, Timar has been told to shove off and fan non-favourite Summerfield is likely to be kept on.
No one really knows the workings of Sturrock's mind, Timar has been out of favour since his head injury and if he's never to figure again just as well he gets shot along with the changing room cleaners like Mpenza. It was never likely that Gallagher would be staying as money would always be the problem, and Summerfield ... well I don't think we'll go down that road apart from saying that he has a lot of potential. This all assuming someone wants Sturrock's rejects.
Well good luck Sturrock, you can't really do much worse than last year's transfers can you? Can you???!
Thursday, 14 May 2009
We're all going on a Summer Holiday
Several short bits of news at the start of the summer hols:
Cash in the Attic
Mr Sturrock appears to be having trouble finding cash in the attic after sweeping up the dregs of the squad for the local car boot sale, whilst he's decided to keep just 3 apprentices, the fax machine appears to not work for his big boys.
Do people still fax these days or can someone give Luggy a computer/texting lesson please?
Go North!
This year's pre-season tour, rumoured as far back as January, will be in Luggy's native homeland, Scotland (surprise, surprise!). With a match in Skelmersdale on the way up.
I wonder if there will be tartan preseason kilts in the shop soon?
Testing, testing, 1, 2
What are your views on the PA system and pre-match/half time entertainment at Home Park? There will be a meeting on Wednesday 3 June at 18.30 in the Pyramid Suite for fans to discuss all aspects of the off pitch entertainment for next season.
They listened with the stewarding and Blocks 17/18, so this is very good.
Some good news, some worrying news and some no new news so far. Of course the big one we're waiting on is the Japanese take over which is tantalising being drip fed through the Herald as being near.
Cash in the Attic
Mr Sturrock appears to be having trouble finding cash in the attic after sweeping up the dregs of the squad for the local car boot sale, whilst he's decided to keep just 3 apprentices, the fax machine appears to not work for his big boys.
Do people still fax these days or can someone give Luggy a computer/texting lesson please?
Go North!
This year's pre-season tour, rumoured as far back as January, will be in Luggy's native homeland, Scotland (surprise, surprise!). With a match in Skelmersdale on the way up.
I wonder if there will be tartan preseason kilts in the shop soon?
Testing, testing, 1, 2
What are your views on the PA system and pre-match/half time entertainment at Home Park? There will be a meeting on Wednesday 3 June at 18.30 in the Pyramid Suite for fans to discuss all aspects of the off pitch entertainment for next season.
They listened with the stewarding and Blocks 17/18, so this is very good.
Some good news, some worrying news and some no new news so far. Of course the big one we're waiting on is the Japanese take over which is tantalising being drip fed through the Herald as being near.
Friday, 8 May 2009
Championship new-boys: Leicester City
It has been a little while since my last post on To be a Pilgrim and I thought I’d start my first post of the off-season with a little look at the teams who will be new to the Championship. First up then is Leicester City who after just one season in League One have made their way back into the Championship and won the league in some style.
I’m not expecting wholesale changes for the Foxes to be honest. They paid their squad Championship wages in League One in an effort to get them straight back up and it worked. They’ve got some decent players there already, Matt Fryatt in particular has been amazing this season and owner Milan Mandaric is keen to keep hold of the striker. I’m not convinced Fryatt will have the same impact in the Championship (well I’m sure he won’t) but he is still a quality goal-scorer and he should keep that up in a higher division.
Mandaric claims he wants to take them into the Premier League so they probably will delve into the transfer market a bit, though as I said I expect the spine of the team to remain essentially the same. I rate Nigel Pearson as a manager and whenever I’ve watched Leicester this season they’ve played some nice stuff, though his record in the Championship with Southampton wasn’t great even though he didn’t last very long there.
Personally I’m expecting Leicester to start the season well, as many promoted sides do, but I can’t see them challenging for promotion next season. I doubt they’ll be relegation candidates either though and a mid-table finish seems like a good Championship bet for their first season back in the league. I’ll be looking at Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough next time, who unlike Leicester will probably have to build their squad to cope with the Championship.
I’m a big fan of the new Argyle home kit as well, looks pretty good but I’m not so sure about the keeper’s jersey – though to be honest who buys the keeper’s strip anyway?
I’m not expecting wholesale changes for the Foxes to be honest. They paid their squad Championship wages in League One in an effort to get them straight back up and it worked. They’ve got some decent players there already, Matt Fryatt in particular has been amazing this season and owner Milan Mandaric is keen to keep hold of the striker. I’m not convinced Fryatt will have the same impact in the Championship (well I’m sure he won’t) but he is still a quality goal-scorer and he should keep that up in a higher division.
Mandaric claims he wants to take them into the Premier League so they probably will delve into the transfer market a bit, though as I said I expect the spine of the team to remain essentially the same. I rate Nigel Pearson as a manager and whenever I’ve watched Leicester this season they’ve played some nice stuff, though his record in the Championship with Southampton wasn’t great even though he didn’t last very long there.
Personally I’m expecting Leicester to start the season well, as many promoted sides do, but I can’t see them challenging for promotion next season. I doubt they’ll be relegation candidates either though and a mid-table finish seems like a good Championship bet for their first season back in the league. I’ll be looking at Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough next time, who unlike Leicester will probably have to build their squad to cope with the Championship.
I’m a big fan of the new Argyle home kit as well, looks pretty good but I’m not so sure about the keeper’s jersey – though to be honest who buys the keeper’s strip anyway?
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
End of Season Report
CONFIDENTIAL
Name:
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Ltd
Age:
123 years old
Year:
2008/09
Headteacher's comments:
Must try harder, needs more action less talk
Teacher's comments:
A poor start to the year in the test matches of August led to a continued below average performance through to September when the pupil was in the bottom three of the class. Plymouth showed some excellent work during September and November when he turned around his attitude and results to sore to near above average, however he was unable to sustain this success, slipping back to his usual slow ways. Another flurry was shown around New Year when Plymouth was chosen to work with the top set and showed good resilience in their playground, however this treat did little to boost his moral. Aside from a few very good performances, Plymouth worked below his potential for most of the year and only just avoided being kept back a year. Plymouth has also experienced a higher than usual number of injuries this year, seriously affecting his work rate.
There has been concern with Plymouth's out of school circumstances, in particular his parent's financial situation and parental supervision. Additionally, Plymouth had failed to make many permanent friends from other classes and could only manage friendships that lasted a few months at a time.
Recommended action:
Before next year, Plymouth needs to work hard on his key skills, including his enthusiasm, team work and confidence. He needs a positive attitude. It is hoped that there will be help with is financial situation, and also his ability to make friends. Extra training, possibly in Scotland, would be beneficial.
General comments:
Plymouth has shown a lot of concern over recent years but has managed to do just the right amount of work to get by, the increasing pressure may eventually prove too much. Needs close monitoring.
Name:
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Ltd
Age:
123 years old
Year:
2008/09
Headteacher's comments:
Must try harder, needs more action less talk
Teacher's comments:
A poor start to the year in the test matches of August led to a continued below average performance through to September when the pupil was in the bottom three of the class. Plymouth showed some excellent work during September and November when he turned around his attitude and results to sore to near above average, however he was unable to sustain this success, slipping back to his usual slow ways. Another flurry was shown around New Year when Plymouth was chosen to work with the top set and showed good resilience in their playground, however this treat did little to boost his moral. Aside from a few very good performances, Plymouth worked below his potential for most of the year and only just avoided being kept back a year. Plymouth has also experienced a higher than usual number of injuries this year, seriously affecting his work rate.
There has been concern with Plymouth's out of school circumstances, in particular his parent's financial situation and parental supervision. Additionally, Plymouth had failed to make many permanent friends from other classes and could only manage friendships that lasted a few months at a time.
Recommended action:
Before next year, Plymouth needs to work hard on his key skills, including his enthusiasm, team work and confidence. He needs a positive attitude. It is hoped that there will be help with is financial situation, and also his ability to make friends. Extra training, possibly in Scotland, would be beneficial.
General comments:
Plymouth has shown a lot of concern over recent years but has managed to do just the right amount of work to get by, the increasing pressure may eventually prove too much. Needs close monitoring.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
A Fitting End
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Barnsley
Well doesn't that just sum up the whole season? A huge pile of shite.
A no pressure game that saw no pressure to succeed. We're safe, who cares? From play off to just scraping relegation in 21st position in a successful season for the Greens.
Nothing but pride to play for today, but even that wasn't worth our players getting out of bed today, most of whom will go back home tomorrow, leaving us with the rejects and Sturrock to continue to guide the new look ship Argyle onto the rocks. This was a perfect chance to prove all doubters wrong, and yet instead of go out with a fanfare, a mild passing of wind ensued instead. Lucky it didn't go down to an end of season nailbiter isn't it? To snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the 11th home defeat of the season.
Can you tell I can't actually be bothered to even get upset? I wonder why that is?
Well doesn't that just sum up the whole season? A huge pile of shite.
A no pressure game that saw no pressure to succeed. We're safe, who cares? From play off to just scraping relegation in 21st position in a successful season for the Greens.
Nothing but pride to play for today, but even that wasn't worth our players getting out of bed today, most of whom will go back home tomorrow, leaving us with the rejects and Sturrock to continue to guide the new look ship Argyle onto the rocks. This was a perfect chance to prove all doubters wrong, and yet instead of go out with a fanfare, a mild passing of wind ensued instead. Lucky it didn't go down to an end of season nailbiter isn't it? To snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the 11th home defeat of the season.
Can you tell I can't actually be bothered to even get upset? I wonder why that is?
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Kit Unveiled
Argyle unveiled their new home kit for next season today following the new deal with Adidas as manufacturer. The predominantly green with the trademark 3 white stripes down each arm, is joined by 2 white sweeps across the right breast and side and a left white sleeve (this is not going to make Cosmo), whilst the goalkeeper's kit is pale blue. Both kits feature the new look club crest which is now backed by a circle containing the name of the club and a large sponsor's logo across the chest.
Adidas is under contract to provide a new home kit every season and a new away kit every other season (so reversing the current trend) for four seasons.
The new kit is available for pre-order and will be available to buy from outlets over the summer. The away kit has not yet been launched.
Friday, 1 May 2009
The Season's not even over yet...
...and the excuses for next season are already being wheeled out and hosed off.
I mean for crying out loud, when the managed states that we "won't be top three next season", backed by the chairman saying "I think next season will be just as hard", it hardly fills you with confidence or enthusiasm does it? Who else by little old parochial Argyle, the backward club of the Championship, would come out and say 'you think this was tough, then wait till next year, by the way, give us your money we have lots of season tickets/match tickets/merchandise for you to snap up'.
There's a big difference between being open and communicative and being utterly transparent to the point of cutting of your nose to spite your face. What would be wrong with 'we've had a bad season, we'll do our hardest next to not have a repeat'? Unless of course they're not going to try because the lack of money/bad gates/economy have been lined up to protect their backs? Whose fault is it that there is a lack of money and bad gates? If you publicly sell crap then you're in the shit, whereas if you sell crap but tell no one it's crap you'll get away with it (who was that guy who had a huge business but admitted his goods were crap and within a few weeks was bankrupt?).
I despair a lot of the times.
I mean for crying out loud, when the managed states that we "won't be top three next season", backed by the chairman saying "I think next season will be just as hard", it hardly fills you with confidence or enthusiasm does it? Who else by little old parochial Argyle, the backward club of the Championship, would come out and say 'you think this was tough, then wait till next year, by the way, give us your money we have lots of season tickets/match tickets/merchandise for you to snap up'.
There's a big difference between being open and communicative and being utterly transparent to the point of cutting of your nose to spite your face. What would be wrong with 'we've had a bad season, we'll do our hardest next to not have a repeat'? Unless of course they're not going to try because the lack of money/bad gates/economy have been lined up to protect their backs? Whose fault is it that there is a lack of money and bad gates? If you publicly sell crap then you're in the shit, whereas if you sell crap but tell no one it's crap you'll get away with it (who was that guy who had a huge business but admitted his goods were crap and within a few weeks was bankrupt?).
I despair a lot of the times.
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