Yeovil Town 1 (Tomlin 46) - 0 Plymouth Argyle [PSF]
Huish Park
Tuesday 29 July 2008
The Match
Was someone going for the record for how many Off Sides you can have in one game? It seemed that whenever Argyle went forward, up went the flag. And not too sure whether it was the officials or players who were off side happy. Over all a pretty dire performance from the so-called first team.
Sturrock fielded who he considered his strongest team: Larrieu, McNammee, Seip, Timar, Paterson, Folly, Clark, Duguid (who is going to be forever known by announcers this season as dug-weed), MacLean, Mackie and Puncheon with Doumbe, Fallon, Easter, Smith and Stack on the bench. The starting 4-3-3 formation proved in effective, but was kept till near the middle of the second half, and allowed Yeovil to dominate most of the game and proving them to be the better team. The defence was pretty good, along with some individuals, but as a team it was not there. Even when Yeovil sent on nearly all their substitutes, Argyle could not take advantage, showing only 15 or so minutes of any real pressure on the other Green and Whites.
The goal came right after kick off of the second half, in Argyle tradition of early goals when caught napping. Somethings don't change.
The Ground
Huish Park is quite a good ground. The away end terracing being uncovered and incomplete (the terracing structure extends up behind the back fence for some feet). There rest of the ground is low slung roofed terrace behind the goal and seating flanking the sides. This means that they can generate a lot of noise, even when only a few are singing.
In contrast to the basic starkness of the stand, the facilities are quite good. There is only one "tea bar" (ie doesn't sell alcohol or pies!) which does cause queues, but no more than your usual refreshment bar, but sells reasonably priced pasties, sausage rolls hot dogs, and hot and cold beverages. A beer marque has been erected outside the ground if you feels the need for a tipple before the game, and there are a couple of pubs nearby. Lavatory-wise, the gents toilets are exquisite though, very spacious and complete with flower arrangements! There are no TVs or betting shops and no cover in the event of a downpour, unless you hide in the toilets. At the back of the terrace is a large electronic scoreboard, and two matching older scoreboards on the tops of the flanking stands.
This must be one of the best signed grounds in the country when approached from the A303, car parking is £2.00 from various places around the industrial estate, but be warned the official car park is a field.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Sturrock Downer
Paul Sturrock seems to have been on a bit of a downer this week, firstly accouncing that he has Parkinsons Disease (and has had it for some time), and then releasing an official rant about the transfer market. Sturrock suffers from a mild form of the disease, controlled by tablets and has been suffering for over 8 years.
In this official announcement Sturrock bemoans the trouble he has experienced this summer, but yet again it seems a case of 'change the record for crying out loud'. This seems the standard copy and paste response from Argyle every transfer window, the same excuses trotted out every time. And its wearing very very thin.
Tony Pulis in and article for The Herald states that such excuses are standard and that Argyle are going to get nowhere unless there is sufficient investment and drive.
In this official announcement Sturrock bemoans the trouble he has experienced this summer, but yet again it seems a case of 'change the record for crying out loud'. This seems the standard copy and paste response from Argyle every transfer window, the same excuses trotted out every time. And its wearing very very thin.
Tony Pulis in and article for The Herald states that such excuses are standard and that Argyle are going to get nowhere unless there is sufficient investment and drive.
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Austria
Plymouth Argyle 1 (McCrory 77) - 1 Furth (Ilicevic 40)
The first of the rearranged games on the Austrian tour saw Argyle draw 1-1 in heard fought game featuring mainly trialists and youth, with youth team member McCory netting the equaliser.
With the cancellation of FC Nuremberg the rearranged game will be against Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti.
Plymouth Argyle 2 (MacLean 66, Summerfield 68) - 0 FC Unirea
OK, so it wasn't FC Nuremberg or Petrolul Ploiesti but another 2nd division Romanian side that sounded too much like a bodily function. By most accounts a fairly slow game with both goals coming (in Argyle tradition) within minutes of each other.
The first of the rearranged games on the Austrian tour saw Argyle draw 1-1 in heard fought game featuring mainly trialists and youth, with youth team member McCory netting the equaliser.
With the cancellation of FC Nuremberg the rearranged game will be against Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti.
Plymouth Argyle 2 (MacLean 66, Summerfield 68) - 0 FC Unirea
OK, so it wasn't FC Nuremberg or Petrolul Ploiesti but another 2nd division Romanian side that sounded too much like a bodily function. By most accounts a fairly slow game with both goals coming (in Argyle tradition) within minutes of each other.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Timar Signs, McCormick Leaves
Kristian Timar has agreed to and signed a 3 year contract with Plymouth Argyle, ending suspicion that he might be following Halmosi out of the door. Timar was voted last season's player of the season.
Meanwhile Luke McCormick has had his contract terminated my mutual consent. McCormick was the driver of a vehicle that crashed and caused the deaths of two boys on the M6 back in June.
Meanwhile Luke McCormick has had his contract terminated my mutual consent. McCormick was the driver of a vehicle that crashed and caused the deaths of two boys on the M6 back in June.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Rotten to the Core
This weekend I read an article in the News of the World sports section (see here). Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordon has expressed a damning opinion about football being 'rotten to the core'. Jordon has decided to walk away from football by selling Palace to the highest bidder after becoming fed up with all that football stands for these days.
In particular he cites that Lampard is not worth £150,000 a week, which is hard to disagree with. There was once a time when you could say that footballers' careers are short and therefore they need the money for after their career is over. However now the money situation has got too much. With people facing the credit crunch and tightening their belts, the outrageous demands of these celebrities and heroes is forcing clubs to spend more, to put up their prices and is seeing more and more clubs going into financial problems. the money issue has always been a problem with Argyle and year on year players turn down the club because they cannot compete with the big boys. How on earth can Ronaldo claim that he is treated like a 'slave'?
But Jordon doesn't rest all the blame on the players themselves, but shares it equally among the supporters who, whipped up into the frenzy that football has become' demand more and more from players and the clubs. He says that fans will demand the biggest signings and only the best will do - division winners, champions, cup finalists, Europe and beyond - year on year or else.
At the moment football has become a maelstrom, an unstoppable tempest, of itself going round and round until one day, which surely is coming soon, it will not be able to sustain itself and will explode leaving a big mess. As the economy starts to turn, that day could come sooner than expected.
As Jordon says "The reality is that football is a bulls*** world - an insidious, insipid, egotistical, greedy, self-motivated game ... the game descends into a bickering war over inflated contracts, lack of loyalty, greed, corruption and arrogance."
In particular he cites that Lampard is not worth £150,000 a week, which is hard to disagree with. There was once a time when you could say that footballers' careers are short and therefore they need the money for after their career is over. However now the money situation has got too much. With people facing the credit crunch and tightening their belts, the outrageous demands of these celebrities and heroes is forcing clubs to spend more, to put up their prices and is seeing more and more clubs going into financial problems. the money issue has always been a problem with Argyle and year on year players turn down the club because they cannot compete with the big boys. How on earth can Ronaldo claim that he is treated like a 'slave'?
But Jordon doesn't rest all the blame on the players themselves, but shares it equally among the supporters who, whipped up into the frenzy that football has become' demand more and more from players and the clubs. He says that fans will demand the biggest signings and only the best will do - division winners, champions, cup finalists, Europe and beyond - year on year or else.
At the moment football has become a maelstrom, an unstoppable tempest, of itself going round and round until one day, which surely is coming soon, it will not be able to sustain itself and will explode leaving a big mess. As the economy starts to turn, that day could come sooner than expected.
As Jordon says "The reality is that football is a bulls*** world - an insidious, insipid, egotistical, greedy, self-motivated game ... the game descends into a bickering war over inflated contracts, lack of loyalty, greed, corruption and arrogance."
Official Site Make Over
The official Argyle site is currently undergoing a make over with the appearance of several new sections such as Captain's Blog (but who will write it?), information about Argyle's past campaigns, history, kits, statistics and ex-players. In addition it appears that ground tours will become a new revenue stream with an as yet to be filled section has appeared.
Check it out
Check it out
On Tour
At this moment the team will be on their week long Austrian Tour/Retreat as part of preseason, unfortunately FC Nuremburg have cancelled their match, meaning more training ground work. Before the team left they suffered a poor friendly verses Kidderminster.
Kidderminster Harriers 2 (Bowler 35, Richards 67) - 2 Plymouth Argyle (Mackie 40, Mackie 75) [PSF]
Apparently Kidderminster made Argyle's defence look foolish for both of their goals, and in general the performance was so poor that Kidderminster should really have won the game as Argyle had to come back from behind twice.
3 weeks till the new season...
Kidderminster Harriers 2 (Bowler 35, Richards 67) - 2 Plymouth Argyle (Mackie 40, Mackie 75) [PSF]
Apparently Kidderminster made Argyle's defence look foolish for both of their goals, and in general the performance was so poor that Kidderminster should really have won the game as Argyle had to come back from behind twice.
3 weeks till the new season...
Friday, 18 July 2008
It Never Rains
From nothing to 5 within weeks.Argyle have made their 5th signing of the season with Yala Boalise joining the Pilgrims from Maltese club, Floriana. The 19 year old turned own Austrian top division team Sturm Graz and Bundesleige Hoffenheim.
Sturrock describes him as a wild card with quick pace and a large potential and is confident he can replicate Jamie Mackie's time at the club.
At the same time, keeper Graham Stack has been confirmed at Argyle's 4th signing. Stack began his career at Arsenal before moving to Reading and loaned to Leeds and Wolves.
Hiya Yala
Stack Up
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Go West-on
Weston-super-Mare 1 (Browns, 66) - 1 Plymouth Argyle (Mullins, 16 (og))
Impressive solid display apparently, in spite of not being able to score goals against a Blue Square South league team, relying on an own goal by Weston to get on the scoreboard.
New signing McNamee made his debut with the squad whilst keeper Larrieu returned between the sticks.
Impressive solid display apparently, in spite of not being able to score goals against a Blue Square South league team, relying on an own goal by Weston to get on the scoreboard.New signing McNamee made his debut with the squad whilst keeper Larrieu returned between the sticks.
Stack-ed in Argyle's Favour
Argyle have made their 3rd signings of the close season with the signing fullback David McNamee and are set to make their 4th with goal keeper Graham Stack
McNamee is the latest Scot to join what should probably now be SPL club Argyle, from Coventry after playing in the 1-1 draw against Weston-super-Mare. Injuries kept David out for much of last season whilst 26 year old Stack has impressed Sturrock in recent weeks' training.
Welcome David
Luggy's deck is Stacked
McNamee is the latest Scot to join what should probably now be SPL club Argyle, from Coventry after playing in the 1-1 draw against Weston-super-Mare. Injuries kept David out for much of last season whilst 26 year old Stack has impressed Sturrock in recent weeks' training.
Welcome David
Luggy's deck is Stacked
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Matchday Ticket Price Increase
Prices for matchday tickets have been released
Devonport, Lyndhurst, Barn Park, Grandstand
Adult £24 / £26
Under 16 & Over 60 £16 / £18
Under 18 £7 / £8
Mayflower Seating
Adult £20 / £22
Under 16 & Over 60 £15 / £16
Under 18 £7 / £8
(before matchday / on matchday)
Players leaving, prices increasing, attendance decreasing...
Devonport, Lyndhurst, Barn Park, Grandstand
Adult £24 / £26
Under 16 & Over 60 £16 / £18
Under 18 £7 / £8
Mayflower Seating
Adult £20 / £22
Under 16 & Over 60 £15 / £16
Under 18 £7 / £8
(before matchday / on matchday)
Players leaving, prices increasing, attendance decreasing...
Roll Up, Roll Up
Players at bargain prices!
Peter Halmosi has left the West Country and to make his new home in the new Premier League city of Hull for a rumoured £1.75 million just over half of what Argyle said they wanted for him.
In a time when all the blame is put on the supporters for not attending, the release of yet another of Argyle's better players with no sign of a like-for-like replacement (or indeed any replacement), its wearing very thin with some fans. The straw that broke the camel's back is homing nearer and nearer. At the moment many will be seeing a club which has little to no hope of competing this season with no players and no money and the possibility of relegation is being taken seriously.
Was this part of the 5 year plan?
Peter Halmosi has left the West Country and to make his new home in the new Premier League city of Hull for a rumoured £1.75 million just over half of what Argyle said they wanted for him.
In a time when all the blame is put on the supporters for not attending, the release of yet another of Argyle's better players with no sign of a like-for-like replacement (or indeed any replacement), its wearing very thin with some fans. The straw that broke the camel's back is homing nearer and nearer. At the moment many will be seeing a club which has little to no hope of competing this season with no players and no money and the possibility of relegation is being taken seriously.
Was this part of the 5 year plan?
Tivvy Town
Tiverton Town 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle (Summerfield) [PSF]
The first preseason game saw Argyle win 1-0 after a MacLean missed a penalty, but who cares about the results of friendlies (well, Torquay United last season for one). There were 4 trialists on show last night, however their identities are shrowded in secrecy as Sturrock refused to name names. A keeper by the name of 'Hajduch' was announced by the public address who played the whole match, 'Rhim' played 70 minutes in midfield along with 'Mohamed', leaving a fourth totally nameless.
According to those who made the trip, the new signings of Duguid and Puncheon looked good whilst the trialists looked out of their depth for at least the first half except for Hajduch who had little to do. There are 2 more games this week - Weston and Kiddiminster - before the team fly off to Austria for the week. This is the time when new players should be bedding in, but we still have half a team to employ!
The first preseason game saw Argyle win 1-0 after a MacLean missed a penalty, but who cares about the results of friendlies (well, Torquay United last season for one). There were 4 trialists on show last night, however their identities are shrowded in secrecy as Sturrock refused to name names. A keeper by the name of 'Hajduch' was announced by the public address who played the whole match, 'Rhim' played 70 minutes in midfield along with 'Mohamed', leaving a fourth totally nameless.According to those who made the trip, the new signings of Duguid and Puncheon looked good whilst the trialists looked out of their depth for at least the first half except for Hajduch who had little to do. There are 2 more games this week - Weston and Kiddiminster - before the team fly off to Austria for the week. This is the time when new players should be bedding in, but we still have half a team to employ!
Sunday, 13 July 2008
On the Box
Due to being shown live on Sky TV, Argyle's home game verse Cardiff on 22 November will now kick off at 12.45.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Ready, Aim, Fire!
Targets.
Is there any point blogging and getting excited about targets, when most of them don't sign?
Apparently Argyle have been chasing 3 target players Austian Jurgen Samuel, ex-Reading keeper Stack and another unmaned player (Fletcher?). 2 unmaned players have so far turned Argyle down and Sturrock has moved on to his next sightings.
How boring.
Is there any point blogging and getting excited about targets, when most of them don't sign?
Apparently Argyle have been chasing 3 target players Austian Jurgen Samuel, ex-Reading keeper Stack and another unmaned player (Fletcher?). 2 unmaned players have so far turned Argyle down and Sturrock has moved on to his next sightings.
How boring.
Guess who rules the World
Summer can be a boring time, when supporters squabble amongst themselves for any scrap of information making it past the turnstiles, but this summer has been more quiet than normal on the transfer front with just 2 incoming players. So what do Argyle do about it? They release excuses. And we've heard them all before mainly its the supporters fault for not attending the matches. The most recent excuses to add to the collection (and I'm sure I've heard this one before too) is it's the WAGs' fault.
Players' wives hold their husbands by the balls when it comes to choosing teams, and those teams in London or Manchester or any other big city will always score points on the WAGs' checklist - shopping, money, nightlife, exposure. Plymouth is too far in France for these celebrity conscious women it seems. (Petticoat Power)
And after you stop laughing at the absurdity of these heroes in shorts and their mistresses, the usual 'we don't have the money' excuses gets trotted out, thinly veiled though. Apparently the inflated cost of buying English players rules out any home-grown players, but getting the foreign ones is just as tough as they need time to adapt to the Argyle way of football. It seems that Argyle play a totally different game to the rest of the world and it'll take far too long for any non-English players to adapt. WTF?! (Johnny Foreigner)
Players' wives hold their husbands by the balls when it comes to choosing teams, and those teams in London or Manchester or any other big city will always score points on the WAGs' checklist - shopping, money, nightlife, exposure. Plymouth is too far in France for these celebrity conscious women it seems. (Petticoat Power)
And after you stop laughing at the absurdity of these heroes in shorts and their mistresses, the usual 'we don't have the money' excuses gets trotted out, thinly veiled though. Apparently the inflated cost of buying English players rules out any home-grown players, but getting the foreign ones is just as tough as they need time to adapt to the Argyle way of football. It seems that Argyle play a totally different game to the rest of the world and it'll take far too long for any non-English players to adapt. WTF?! (Johnny Foreigner)
Friday, 4 July 2008
The Small Screen
Due to being shown live on Sky Sports, Argyle's second home game of the season, verses Swansea on 23 August, now has a revised kick off of 17.20.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Go Furth and multiply
A slight change to the preseason tour to Austria sees Argyle now playing second division German team Greuther Furth instead of Petrosani.
The new fixtures list is:
14 July: Tiverton Town; Ladysmead: 19.45
16 July: Weston-super-Mare; Woodspring Stadium: 19.30
18 July: Kidderminster Harriers; Aggborough: 19.45
22 July: Greuther Furth (Laufen, Germany): 18.00
24 July: FC Nuremburg (Kaprun, Austria): 18.00
29 July: Yeovil Town; Huish Park: 19.45
30 July: Truro City; Treyew Road: 19.45
2 August: Dundee United; Home Park: 15.00
4 August: Swindon Town; The County Ground: 19.45
Kick offs subject to change
The new fixtures list is:
14 July: Tiverton Town; Ladysmead: 19.45
16 July: Weston-super-Mare; Woodspring Stadium: 19.30
18 July: Kidderminster Harriers; Aggborough: 19.45
22 July: Greuther Furth (Laufen, Germany): 18.00
24 July: FC Nuremburg (Kaprun, Austria): 18.00
29 July: Yeovil Town; Huish Park: 19.45
30 July: Truro City; Treyew Road: 19.45
2 August: Dundee United; Home Park: 15.00
4 August: Swindon Town; The County Ground: 19.45
Kick offs subject to change
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Live and Kicking
The back-to-back concerts at Home Park have been and gone, with Westlife probably having the edge over Meat Loaf. This year Argyle decided to go it alone in conjunction with the Pavilions and Ticketmaster, and the net result was almost the same except for the saving in stewarding (who were paid just £22 for the night). Home Park was set up virtually the same as last year save for a few tweeks, and the need to remove the Mayflower seating. Now we know why it's called temporary seating!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Another Incoming
The second signing of the closed season comes from Colchester in the form of Karl Duguid to fill the right back position. Duguid has signed a 2 year deal with the Pilrgims after 14 years playing for Colchester who were relegated last season. The 30 year old made 450 appearances for the Us in midfield or on the right as Colchester's skipper.
Karl's Marker
Duguid to be True
Karl's Marker
Duguid to be True
Friday, 20 June 2008
Dundee United Doings
I have added a new site to the recommended links today
http://dundeeunitedfc.blogspot.com/
is written by Chuck, and follows the progress of Sturrock of Arabia's former club. Read what the Arabs are getting up to before this year's preseason friendly.
http://dundeeunitedfc.blogspot.com/
is written by Chuck, and follows the progress of Sturrock of Arabia's former club. Read what the Arabs are getting up to before this year's preseason friendly.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Oh my Goodness! A Signing!
What? Argyle have actually signed a player. Jason Puncheon becomes the only addition to the squad so far this summer after he signed from Barnet for £250,000 in a 2 year deal.Puncheon has been at Barnet since 2006 and made 42 starts for the Bees in the 2006/07 season and made 48 appearances last season scoring 11 goals.
Without doubt it is a little relief that a player has come in after all the departures (and potential departures), but it doesn't really go far enough considering the very small nature of the squad. Additionally Sturrock has once again looked at lower league players who do not have Championship experience. But at the moment, anyone is welcome to sign!
Saint Wotton
Paul Wotton has signed for Championship rivals Southampton.
News Article
Watch that come back to haunt Argyle.
News Article
Watch that come back to haunt Argyle.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Fixtures Released
Next season's fixtures have been released today. The season kicks off with Wolves at home who Argyle played on the closing day of 2007/08 season, echoing last season when the same happened verses Hull. The first away game follows, verses Reading.
The Christmas fixtures see Argyle home to Southampton, followed by Cardiff away on Sunday 28th. The next league match will not be till the 10th January due to FA Cup fixtures. The season rounds off at home for once verses Barnsley.
Bristol City, Swansea and Southampton away are on Tuesday night.
The Christmas fixtures see Argyle home to Southampton, followed by Cardiff away on Sunday 28th. The next league match will not be till the 10th January due to FA Cup fixtures. The season rounds off at home for once verses Barnsley.
Bristol City, Swansea and Southampton away are on Tuesday night.
McCormick Latest
Luke McCormick has been bailed until September charged with two counts of Death by Dangerous Driving and one count of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol. The charge of Driving without Insurance has been dropped due to McCormick producing a valid insurance certificate.
Friday, 13 June 2008
Live & Kicking Travel & General Advice
As per last year's concerts are Home Park, the following advice has been issued to concert goers:
There is NO parking at Home Park (except for disabled person's parking).
Concert goers are advised to park at:
- The George Park & Ride, Southway (free parking) and catch the P&R1 route, return fare £2.50. The buses will operate until the last passenger has departed Home Park*
- Western Approach car park (£2.40 after 4pm) and catch 1, 1a, 14, 81 [First Bus], 16, 29, 43 [Citybus] routes from the stop outside the car park, normal fares apply and tickets are not transferable between bus companies
Traveline Public Transport Journey Planner
Your entrance turnstiles are labelled on your ticket, the DEVONPORT stand (blocks 1 - 6) entrances are the ones facing the main car park under the "Plymouth Argyle Welcomes You" sign; the LYNDHURST (blocks 7 - 16) run down the left hand side of the ground, and the BARN PARK (blocks 17 - 23) are around the back - walk past the Lyndhurst to the far end of the ground and turn right. STANDING is on the pitch - you will need to retain your ticket at all times to have access to this area (transfer between seating and standing areas is completely prohibited).
Home Park is COMPLETELY No Smoking - this includes in the concourse, toilets, seating and standing areas.
*note the Coypool and Central Park Park & Ride sites will not be running
League Cup Luton
The draw for the 2007/08 League Cup was made today. Argyle have drawn Luton Town away to be played week commencing 11 August.
The full draw is:
The full draw is:
Preston North End v Chesterfield
Chester City v Leeds United
Leicester City v Stockport
Sheffield United v Port Vale
Grimsby Town v Tranmere Rovers
Crewe Alexandra v Barnsley
Hartlepool United v Scunthorpe United
Derby County v Lincoln City
Notts County v Doncaster Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday v Rotherham
Shrewsbury Town v Carlisle United
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Accrington Stanley
Bury v Burnley
Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Nottingham Forest v Morecambe
Huddersfield Town v Bradford City
Macclesfield Town v Blackpool
Walsall v Darlington
Coventry City v Aldershot Town
Milton Keynes Dons v Norwich City
Wycombe Wanderers v Birmingham City
Brighton & Hove Albion v Barnet
Gillingham v Colchester United
Southend United v Cheltenham Town
Swansea City v Brentford
Luton Town v Plymouth Argyle
Exeter City v Southampton
Watford v Bristol Rovers
AFC Bournemouth v Cardiff City
Bristol City v Peterborough United
Charlton Athletic v Yeovil Town
Millwall v Northampton Town
Swindon Town v Queens Park Rangers
Crystal Palace v Hereford United
Dagenham & Redbridge v Reading
Ipswich Town v Leyton Orient
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
It's all Gone Quiet over There
"No news is good news" and "no news is better than bad news" go the saying, but when no news comes following the release of half the squad, and now the sad news regarding Luke McCormick, you do tend to get nervous. Next month the pre-season training starts and there have been no new faces at Home Park, just a few disappointing misses and 'giving up' on Abdou.
And it doesn't help that it seems that even Stapleton and Sturrock are apathetic about next season. Although Stapleton has said that Hull have 'shown the way' (article) by not spending a lot of money in what he believes will be a tougher season. Frankly the tone of the whole article is quite negative and once again bemoans the low gate numbers as the root of all Argyle's woes. How often has that been trundled out? And likewise Sturrock has stated that he will not have a full squad because of wage costs.
Ho humm. Here we go round again...
And it doesn't help that it seems that even Stapleton and Sturrock are apathetic about next season. Although Stapleton has said that Hull have 'shown the way' (article) by not spending a lot of money in what he believes will be a tougher season. Frankly the tone of the whole article is quite negative and once again bemoans the low gate numbers as the root of all Argyle's woes. How often has that been trundled out? And likewise Sturrock has stated that he will not have a full squad because of wage costs.
Ho humm. Here we go round again...
Sunday, 8 June 2008
McCormick charged
Luke McCormick has been charged with 2 counts of causing death by dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and "driving with excess alcohol" following the fatal car crash on Saturday morning.
Sky news
It looks like Luke's future at the club will become untenable, and his career is potentially over for good.
Sky news
It looks like Luke's future at the club will become untenable, and his career is potentially over for good.
Saturday, 7 June 2008
McCormick in fatal M6 crash
Luke McCormick has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal car crash in which two children died. The club has released a press statement to the affect that it in inappropriate for them to comment at this time.
McCormick was driving his Range Rover which was involved in the crash with a Toyota Previa on Saturday morning.
Sky Sports article
McCormick was driving his Range Rover which was involved in the crash with a Toyota Previa on Saturday morning.
Sky Sports article
Terminal Teale?
Gary Teale could be the lastest player confirmed to have left Argyle this summer. Gary Teale is in negotiations with Leeds United, who though they play in the league below Argyle, attract larger crowds and can pay more. Teale made 12 appearances for the Pilgrims since he joined as a loanee from Derby County.
Herald article
Herald article
Monday, 2 June 2008
Pre-Season Details
This year's pre-season matches:
14 July: Tiverton Town; Stadium Road
15 July: Weston-super-Mare; Woodspring Stadium
18 July: Kidderminster Harriers; Aggborough
21 July: Jiul Petrosani (Austria)
24 July: FC Nuremburg (Austria)
29 July: Yeovil Town; Huish park
30 July: Truro City; Treyew Road
2 August: Dundee Town; Home Park
4 August: Swindon Town; The County Ground
14 July: Tiverton Town; Stadium Road
15 July: Weston-super-Mare; Woodspring Stadium
18 July: Kidderminster Harriers; Aggborough
21 July: Jiul Petrosani (Austria)
24 July: FC Nuremburg (Austria)
29 July: Yeovil Town; Huish park
30 July: Truro City; Treyew Road
2 August: Dundee Town; Home Park
4 August: Swindon Town; The County Ground
Friday, 30 May 2008
Pilgrims' Progress Archive 2007/08
| League | |||||||||||||
| HOME | AWAY | ||||||||||||
| Pos | Pts | P | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | GD |
| 10 | 64 | 46 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 37 | 22 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 23 | 26 | +10 |
| Carling League Cup | ||||
| 1st round | Plymouth Argyle | 2 | 1 | Wycombe Wanderers |
| 2nd round | Plymouth Argyle | 2 | 1 | Doncaster Rovers |
| 3rd round | West Ham | 1 | 0 | Plymouth Argyle |
| FA Cup | ||||
| 3rd round | Plymouth Argyle | 3 | 2 | Hull City |
| 4th round | Portsmouth | 2 | 1 | Plymouth Argyle |
2006/07 tables
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
It's Official II
Thanks to Doncaster winning the League One play offs, there are now two clubs in the Championship who have not played in the top flight of English football.
We shall wait and see if Doncaster do a Bristol City and get to the top of the table for most of the season. Maybe unlike City, they'll get promoted!
We shall wait and see if Doncaster do a Bristol City and get to the top of the table for most of the season. Maybe unlike City, they'll get promoted!
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Donny Done Good
Congratulations and welcome to the Championship to Doncaster Rovers after their 1-0 over Leeds United. Another year in League 1 for so called "big club" Leeds who along with Leicester will be lamenting their divine right to be in the Premier.
So next season's table looks like this:
Barnsley
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bristol City
Burnley
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Coventry City
Crystal Palace
Dervy County
Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich Town
Nottingham Forest
Norwich City
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
Reading
Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton
Swansea
Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers
So next season's table looks like this:
Barnsley
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bristol City
Burnley
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Coventry City
Crystal Palace
Dervy County
Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich Town
Nottingham Forest
Norwich City
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
Reading
Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton
Swansea
Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday, 24 May 2008
It's Official
Plymouth are now the biggest city to never have seen top flight football after Hull City secured their passage to the Premier League by beating Bristol City 1-0 thanks to a goal by Windass.
In from Premier League: Reading, Derby, Birmingham
Out to Premier League: West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, Hull City
We're now awaiting the result of who will come up from League One as Doncaster prepare to fight it out with Leeds.
Out to League One: Leicester, Scunthorpe, Colchester
In from League One: Swansea, Nottingham Forest
Play offs: Leeds v Doncaster
In from Premier League: Reading, Derby, Birmingham
Out to Premier League: West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, Hull City
We're now awaiting the result of who will come up from League One as Doncaster prepare to fight it out with Leeds.
Out to League One: Leicester, Scunthorpe, Colchester
In from League One: Swansea, Nottingham Forest
Play offs: Leeds v Doncaster
Time to Say Goodbye
It's official, Ian Holloway has left Leicester under "mutual consent"
Ha, as if. His cards have been marked for a long time and probably got out before he was pushed out. So King Lear has finally been beheaded, and as usual the whole affair proves that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Though Holloway's garden will be soon.
Official statement
Ha, as if. His cards have been marked for a long time and probably got out before he was pushed out. So King Lear has finally been beheaded, and as usual the whole affair proves that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Though Holloway's garden will be soon.
Official statement
Monday, 19 May 2008
Pre-Season
Unconfirmed provisional friendly fixtures:
Away:
Weston-super-Mare
Yeovil Town
Kiddiminster Town
Swindon Town
Home:
not yet organised but possibly Dundee United
Austria:
not yet confirmed
Away:
Weston-super-Mare
Yeovil Town
Kiddiminster Town
Swindon Town
Home:
not yet organised but possibly Dundee United
Austria:
not yet confirmed
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Hello, Goodbye
The last few changes in the table are being contested now, so who are we saying hello and goodbye to?
In from Premier League: Reading, Derby, Birmingham
Out to Premier League: West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City
Play offs: Bristol City v Hull City
Out to League One: Leicester, Scunthorpe, Colchester
In from League One: Swansea, Nottingham Forest
Play offs: Carlisle v Leeds, Doncaster v Southend
In from Premier League: Reading, Derby, Birmingham
Out to Premier League: West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City
Play offs: Bristol City v Hull City
Out to League One: Leicester, Scunthorpe, Colchester
In from League One: Swansea, Nottingham Forest
Play offs: Carlisle v Leeds, Doncaster v Southend
Monday, 12 May 2008
End of Season Report
I was going to do an End of Season Report (I might still do one), but have been too busy recently to actually do it.
In the meantime Babararacucudada has a comprehensive season review that probably could not be topped if I tried:
Serendipity: 2007-8 Season Review#links#links
In the meantime Babararacucudada has a comprehensive season review that probably could not be topped if I tried:
Serendipity: 2007-8 Season Review#links#links
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Mickey's Testimonial Match DVD
A DVD of the match is now available at a cost of £10.00 + £2.00 P&P for mainland UK deliveries or £3.00 for overseas deliveries.
Also available are commemorative T-shirts, all of which will be signed by Mickey Evans himself, which can be bought together with the DVD for a combined cost of just £15.00 + P&P. You can request your T-shirt in a specific size, but stocks are limited so you may need to accept the closest alternative if your size is unavailable.
Applications with cheques to be sent to – Mickey Evans Testimonial, 35 Mary Seacole Road, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JY.
Cheques to be made payable to Mickey Evans Testimonial. We cannot accept payments by credit card, due to the costs of making this facility available.
Also available are commemorative T-shirts, all of which will be signed by Mickey Evans himself, which can be bought together with the DVD for a combined cost of just £15.00 + P&P. You can request your T-shirt in a specific size, but stocks are limited so you may need to accept the closest alternative if your size is unavailable.
Applications with cheques to be sent to – Mickey Evans Testimonial, 35 Mary Seacole Road, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JY.
Cheques to be made payable to Mickey Evans Testimonial. We cannot accept payments by credit card, due to the costs of making this facility available.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
FAO Lord Hutton
Oops.
Couldn't have happened to a better manager.
Sorry the supporters have got caught up in this.
Have fun in League One.
Couldn't have happened to a better manager.
Sorry the supporters have got caught up in this.
Have fun in League One.
That's All Folks
Wolverhampton Wanders 1 (Olofinjana 88) - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Bit of a boring end to the season, with nothing really to play for except the chance to keep Wolves out of the play offs, and we didn't do that off our own backs. A shockingly officiated game with shockingly strained "football" on offer by Argyle who showed no spark, just grim determination to egg out a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately the anchor of the team was taken out when Timar was stretched off with what looks an horrific head injury, leaning to Wolves taking the lead. By which time they had to score 2 goals to reach the play offs, but even so their support remained staunchly quiet for most of the second half. The biggest cheer from Argyle not surprisingly came as numerous fans kept an eye on incoming scores, when it was confirmed that Leicester have been relegated; the Green Army failing to provide vociferous vocal support. When you consider that this was just a formality game, and most supporters having bought tickets before the Preston defeat, then who can blame them? So all in all a poor afternoons "entertainment" on the door step, but a nail-biting end to the league.
Bit of a boring end to the season, with nothing really to play for except the chance to keep Wolves out of the play offs, and we didn't do that off our own backs. A shockingly officiated game with shockingly strained "football" on offer by Argyle who showed no spark, just grim determination to egg out a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately the anchor of the team was taken out when Timar was stretched off with what looks an horrific head injury, leaning to Wolves taking the lead. By which time they had to score 2 goals to reach the play offs, but even so their support remained staunchly quiet for most of the second half. The biggest cheer from Argyle not surprisingly came as numerous fans kept an eye on incoming scores, when it was confirmed that Leicester have been relegated; the Green Army failing to provide vociferous vocal support. When you consider that this was just a formality game, and most supporters having bought tickets before the Preston defeat, then who can blame them? So all in all a poor afternoons "entertainment" on the door step, but a nail-biting end to the league.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Out at Home with a Bang
Plymouth Argyle 3 (Easter 4, Fallon, 25, Fallon 55) - 0 Blackpool
When it mattered Argyle couldn't win for toffee, but now the pressure's off, wham a 3-0 victory. One of life's mysteries.
The last home game of the season was busy because of the traditional end of season party which includes the player of the season awards (McCormick 3rd, Halmosi 2nd, Timar 1st), and lap of appreciation, but also saying goodbye to 4 Argyle stalwarts Hodges, Nalis, Connolly and Wotton.
In spite of stating that none of the leavers would play, Sturrock chose Hodges to be on the bench - maybe he had run out of ideas - in a much changes team from last Saturday, although Hodges only made a late substitution. The change played dividend as Easter bagged an early goal, which funnily enough did not come too early as Sturrock had stated in an earlier match. Thankfully this time Fallon followed up with two headed goals to secure the win as Argyle didn't capitulate to a Blackpool come back. Sturrock used the game to give Dan Smith his debut who looked swift in his short appearance.
The win does nothing but ensure that Argyle remain 10th in the table, 1 place higher than last season. A loss at Wolves next Sunday will mean that if Burnley win Argyle will drop to 11th equalising last season's finish. Which technically does not match the club's new 'onward and upward' mantra or show progress. However in light of the turbulent season can we really argue?
When it mattered Argyle couldn't win for toffee, but now the pressure's off, wham a 3-0 victory. One of life's mysteries.
The last home game of the season was busy because of the traditional end of season party which includes the player of the season awards (McCormick 3rd, Halmosi 2nd, Timar 1st), and lap of appreciation, but also saying goodbye to 4 Argyle stalwarts Hodges, Nalis, Connolly and Wotton.
In spite of stating that none of the leavers would play, Sturrock chose Hodges to be on the bench - maybe he had run out of ideas - in a much changes team from last Saturday, although Hodges only made a late substitution. The change played dividend as Easter bagged an early goal, which funnily enough did not come too early as Sturrock had stated in an earlier match. Thankfully this time Fallon followed up with two headed goals to secure the win as Argyle didn't capitulate to a Blackpool come back. Sturrock used the game to give Dan Smith his debut who looked swift in his short appearance.
The win does nothing but ensure that Argyle remain 10th in the table, 1 place higher than last season. A loss at Wolves next Sunday will mean that if Burnley win Argyle will drop to 11th equalising last season's finish. Which technically does not match the club's new 'onward and upward' mantra or show progress. However in light of the turbulent season can we really argue?
Saturday, 26 April 2008
You've been Tango'd
The new away kit has been revealed on the Argyle Superstore website:
Available to preorder from today (26 April) or purchase from 3 May
Argyle Superstore
Available to preorder from today (26 April) or purchase from 3 May
Argyle Superstore
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Three and Out
It has been announced that the following players are likely to be leaving Argyle this summer:
Paul Wotton
Nick Chadwick
Lee Hodges
Lillian Nalis
Paul Connolly
Gygory Sandor
Reuban Reid
Jake Moult
Apart from Nalis and Connolly none of them have seen regular football this season (with the exception of Wotton, who is just returning). It is speculated that Kristian Timar and Peter Halmosi will look to leave too and Marcel Seip is on the transfer list.
The official site decribes the moves as an "Exodus", which suggests that there will be further exits this summer, and let's face it, no one will be surprised. The biggest shock will be Paul Wotton, who has been a Pilgrim for his whole career, seen 2 promotions and captained the team in recent years. Though it is not Wotton who is terminating his spell at Home Park but Sturrock who will not be renewing his contract.
We'll see what the summer brings.
Sun sets on Nalis
Connolly Moves On
Green Legend [Wotton]
Wotton leads Argyle Exodus
Chadwick's Record Legacy
Paul Wotton
Nick Chadwick
Lee Hodges
Lillian Nalis
Paul Connolly
Gygory Sandor
Reuban Reid
Jake Moult
Apart from Nalis and Connolly none of them have seen regular football this season (with the exception of Wotton, who is just returning). It is speculated that Kristian Timar and Peter Halmosi will look to leave too and Marcel Seip is on the transfer list.
The official site decribes the moves as an "Exodus", which suggests that there will be further exits this summer, and let's face it, no one will be surprised. The biggest shock will be Paul Wotton, who has been a Pilgrim for his whole career, seen 2 promotions and captained the team in recent years. Though it is not Wotton who is terminating his spell at Home Park but Sturrock who will not be renewing his contract.
We'll see what the summer brings.
Sun sets on Nalis
Connolly Moves On
Green Legend [Wotton]
Wotton leads Argyle Exodus
Chadwick's Record Legacy
Monday, 21 April 2008
It is Now
Plymouth Argyle 2 (Mackie 12, Wotton 75 pen) - 2 Preston North End (Mellor 78, Chaplow 90)
Well that's it the season is well and truely over, no glimmer of hope left all snuffed out. It looks like once again I chose a good game to miss.
And it started so well with a 1-0 lead being increased to 2-0 by a Wotton penalty, by which time, as local radio are stating, Argyle took their eye off the goal and eased off the gas, allowing North End to score twice in the dying moments of the game. Especially as their first goal can as usual immediately following our goal. What a farce. Would people be complaining if we'd won - hell no! But yet again a "must win" game decends into a debacle. Which translates into a perceived lack of longing to even try.
The rest of the season amounts to accruing enough points to finish 10th or higher.
Well that's it the season is well and truely over, no glimmer of hope left all snuffed out. It looks like once again I chose a good game to miss.
And it started so well with a 1-0 lead being increased to 2-0 by a Wotton penalty, by which time, as local radio are stating, Argyle took their eye off the goal and eased off the gas, allowing North End to score twice in the dying moments of the game. Especially as their first goal can as usual immediately following our goal. What a farce. Would people be complaining if we'd won - hell no! But yet again a "must win" game decends into a debacle. Which translates into a perceived lack of longing to even try.
The rest of the season amounts to accruing enough points to finish 10th or higher.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
プリマスアーガイル
Plymouth Argyle have entered an agreement with K&K Shonan Management Corporation to negotiate commercial agreements in Japan, Asia, North America and Oceana with the aim of increasing marketing abroad. As a result K&K have bought a 20% share in PAFC and PAFC have appointed Mt Yasuaki Kagami as a director.
Hopefully this adventure will help in raising Argyle's profile globally as well as bring in some new money.
Official site statement
Hopefully this adventure will help in raising Argyle's profile globally as well as bring in some new money.
Official site statement
No Wheels on My Wagon
Sheffield Wednesday 1 (Spurr 80) - 1 Plymouth Argyle (Halmosi 1)
Well it looks like I chose a good time to go away for a bit and be in a place where no pub was showing the game (yes, the world does end outside of the Premier League) but for 80 minutes the mood was light as the Argyle fans (who out numbered any Chelsea or Wigan supporters 7:1 and still the TV remained on Setanta Sports) gathered round the mobile phone updates over a pint or five.
Unfortunately we scored to early (according to Sturrock) which must be the lamest ever excuse. It apparently changed the whole game as Argyle decided to sit deep and defend the next 89 minutes allowing the Owls to gather momentum towards the inevitably well deserved equaliser. If the goal changed the game, why did Sturrock wait till the dying minutes to make substitutions and change the game?
Well the only certain thing is that there is no hope for the playoffs any more, and that there is still the possibility that Argyle will not progress on last season. There are 3 more games left in a season that is most probably over for already for many supporters.
Well it looks like I chose a good time to go away for a bit and be in a place where no pub was showing the game (yes, the world does end outside of the Premier League) but for 80 minutes the mood was light as the Argyle fans (who out numbered any Chelsea or Wigan supporters 7:1 and still the TV remained on Setanta Sports) gathered round the mobile phone updates over a pint or five.
Unfortunately we scored to early (according to Sturrock) which must be the lamest ever excuse. It apparently changed the whole game as Argyle decided to sit deep and defend the next 89 minutes allowing the Owls to gather momentum towards the inevitably well deserved equaliser. If the goal changed the game, why did Sturrock wait till the dying minutes to make substitutions and change the game?
Well the only certain thing is that there is no hope for the playoffs any more, and that there is still the possibility that Argyle will not progress on last season. There are 3 more games left in a season that is most probably over for already for many supporters.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Please leave a message after the tone
I SHALL BE AWAY ON HOLIDAY FOR A WEEK, AND AT VARIOUS OTHER TIMES DURING APRIL, THEREFORE THERE MAY NOT BE AS MANY UPDATES THIS MONTH.
Season Tickets
The prices for next year's season tickets have been announced:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL (14 APRIL - 16 MAY)
Seating
Adult £399, Over 65 £265, Under 23 £238, Under 18 £80
Mayflower
Adult £305, Over 65 £246, Under 23 £184, Under 18 £53
Herald Family Section
1 Adult & 1 Under 18 £440, 2 Adults & 2 Under 18s £880
That's an increase of £21 for an adult season ticket (91p per game), and probably going to be hard for some to swallow as cost is one of the main factors cited for low crowds, coupled with the poor performances recently.
Full price ticket prices have not yet been released
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL (14 APRIL - 16 MAY)
Seating
Adult £399, Over 65 £265, Under 23 £238, Under 18 £80
Mayflower
Adult £305, Over 65 £246, Under 23 £184, Under 18 £53
Herald Family Section
1 Adult & 1 Under 18 £440, 2 Adults & 2 Under 18s £880
That's an increase of £21 for an adult season ticket (91p per game), and probably going to be hard for some to swallow as cost is one of the main factors cited for low crowds, coupled with the poor performances recently.
Full price ticket prices have not yet been released
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Mickey Evans's Testimonial Match
Tuesday 29 April, 19.45 k/o
Team line ups:
MICKEY'S TEAM
Manager: Kevin Hodges
Martin Barlow
Jon Beswetherick (Salisbury City)
Joe Broad (Truro City)
Paul Connolly (Argyle)
Geoff Crudgington
Mickey Evans
Peter Gilbert (Sheffield W)
Phill Gill (Argyle director)
Martin Gritton (Macclesfield Town)
Mick Heathcote
Kevin Hodges
Lee Hodges (Argyle)
Romain Larrieu (Argyle)
Adrian Littlejohn
Nathan Lowndes (Chester City)
Claus Lundekvam
Lilian Nalis (Argyle)
Gordon Nisbet
Martin Phillips
Ian Stonebridge
Luke Summerfield (Argyle)
Craig Taylor
Paul Williams
Paul Wotton (Argyle)
Pat College (competition winner)
LUGGY'S TEAM
Manager: Paul Sturrock
Steve Adams (Torquay United)
Hasney Aljofree (Swindon Town)
Chris Billy (Osset Town)
Steve Castle
Graham Coughlan (Rotherham U)
Jason Dodd
Mathias Doumbe (Argyle)
Matthew Evans [Mickey's brother]
David Friio
Chris Leadbitter
Matt Le Tissier
Sean McCarthy
Luke McCormick (Argyle)
Brian McGlinchey
Ronnie Mauge
Andy Morrison
Kevin Nugent
Mark Patterson
Mark Saunders (Maidstone United)
Jon Sheffield
Blair Sturrock (Swindon Town)
Kevin Summerfield (Argyle coach)
Tommy Tynan
David Worrell (Dundee)
Shaun Jutson (competition winner)
Ticket Details available soon
Team line ups:
MICKEY'S TEAM
Manager: Kevin Hodges
Martin Barlow
Jon Beswetherick (Salisbury City)
Joe Broad (Truro City)
Paul Connolly (Argyle)
Geoff Crudgington
Mickey Evans
Peter Gilbert (Sheffield W)
Phill Gill (Argyle director)
Martin Gritton (Macclesfield Town)
Mick Heathcote
Kevin Hodges
Lee Hodges (Argyle)
Romain Larrieu (Argyle)
Adrian Littlejohn
Nathan Lowndes (Chester City)
Claus Lundekvam
Lilian Nalis (Argyle)
Gordon Nisbet
Martin Phillips
Ian Stonebridge
Luke Summerfield (Argyle)
Craig Taylor
Paul Williams
Paul Wotton (Argyle)
Pat College (competition winner)
LUGGY'S TEAM
Manager: Paul Sturrock
Steve Adams (Torquay United)
Hasney Aljofree (Swindon Town)
Chris Billy (Osset Town)
Steve Castle
Graham Coughlan (Rotherham U)
Jason Dodd
Mathias Doumbe (Argyle)
Matthew Evans [Mickey's brother]
David Friio
Chris Leadbitter
Matt Le Tissier
Sean McCarthy
Luke McCormick (Argyle)
Brian McGlinchey
Ronnie Mauge
Andy Morrison
Kevin Nugent
Mark Patterson
Mark Saunders (Maidstone United)
Jon Sheffield
Blair Sturrock (Swindon Town)
Kevin Summerfield (Argyle coach)
Tommy Tynan
David Worrell (Dundee)
Shaun Jutson (competition winner)
Ticket Details available soon
Sunday, 6 April 2008
D (for Diabolical) Day
Plymouth Argyle 1 (Easter 60) - 2 Carlton Athletic (Lita 64, Lita 77)
Well it was D-Day (Sturrock, 2008) for Argyle and instead of successfully invading the Addiks' points, Argyle ended up being sunk with such benign ineffective performance that continued the recent bad run of games.
Sturrock made sweeping changes to the team, leaving Seip out altogether (Seip rumoured to have refused a place on the bench), but saw out an ineffective 11-man Argyle play a 10-man Carlton after their keeper got dismissed after just 5 minutes.
A ray of sunshine came when Easter scored to put Argyle ahead, but as is becoming common a few minutes later the equaliser came followed by the winning goal, with McCormick making hideous mistakes to allow both.
Saturday was meant to be the push for a promotion spot and Argyle bottled it, proving nothing but the fact that they're not good enough. Even the official site report has stated that the season is "over". Mathematically it is still just possible to sneak in, but in reality unless the other teams go in very very bad runs then finishing above 11th is all that Argyle can achieve this season.
And what is there to look forward to next season? A complete Home Park. No. Better players. Not likely with Sturrock scouting in the lower leagues.
Well it was D-Day (Sturrock, 2008) for Argyle and instead of successfully invading the Addiks' points, Argyle ended up being sunk with such benign ineffective performance that continued the recent bad run of games.
Sturrock made sweeping changes to the team, leaving Seip out altogether (Seip rumoured to have refused a place on the bench), but saw out an ineffective 11-man Argyle play a 10-man Carlton after their keeper got dismissed after just 5 minutes.
A ray of sunshine came when Easter scored to put Argyle ahead, but as is becoming common a few minutes later the equaliser came followed by the winning goal, with McCormick making hideous mistakes to allow both.
Saturday was meant to be the push for a promotion spot and Argyle bottled it, proving nothing but the fact that they're not good enough. Even the official site report has stated that the season is "over". Mathematically it is still just possible to sneak in, but in reality unless the other teams go in very very bad runs then finishing above 11th is all that Argyle can achieve this season.
And what is there to look forward to next season? A complete Home Park. No. Better players. Not likely with Sturrock scouting in the lower leagues.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Live and Kicking at Home Park
The summer concerts at Home Park have been announced today.
Appearing at the Theatre of Greens this July will be Meatloaf on 27 June, followed by Westlife the day after as part of "Live and Kicking at Home Park".
Ticket prices are: Golden Circle £65, Seating £45, Standing £35. And are available from 7 April from the Argyle Box Office (0845 338 7232) or Ticketmaster.
This is another coup for Argyle, following the extremely successful Elton John and George Michael concerts last summer, and is a great way for Argyle to attract revenue outside of the footballing season.
Appearing at the Theatre of Greens this July will be Meatloaf on 27 June, followed by Westlife the day after as part of "Live and Kicking at Home Park".
Ticket prices are: Golden Circle £65, Seating £45, Standing £35. And are available from 7 April from the Argyle Box Office (0845 338 7232) or Ticketmaster.
This is another coup for Argyle, following the extremely successful Elton John and George Michael concerts last summer, and is a great way for Argyle to attract revenue outside of the footballing season.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Superfans
As much as I deplore rating one supporter over another, Argyle are looking for nominations for thie year's "Superfan":
Details here
Details here
Wolves Tickets
Ticketing details for the away fixture at Wolverhampton. Hope you've been collecting your ticket stubs:
Release Dates
7 April : Green members with 6+ away ticket stubs
10 April : all Green members
14 April : White members with 6+ away ticket stubs
16 April : all White members
18 April : Pilgrim members with 6+ away ticket stubs
21 April : all Pilgrim members
23 April : general sale with 6+ away ticket stubs
25 April : general sale
Prices
Adult £27
Student £14
Over 65s £14
Under 17s £12
Under 12s £10
Official Coach Details
Adult member £19
Junior member £17
Adult £22
Junior £20
Coach departs 08.30
Box Office: 0854 338 7232
Release Dates
7 April : Green members with 6+ away ticket stubs
10 April : all Green members
14 April : White members with 6+ away ticket stubs
16 April : all White members
18 April : Pilgrim members with 6+ away ticket stubs
21 April : all Pilgrim members
23 April : general sale with 6+ away ticket stubs
25 April : general sale
Prices
Adult £27
Student £14
Over 65s £14
Under 17s £12
Under 12s £10
Official Coach Details
Adult member £19
Junior member £17
Adult £22
Junior £20
Coach departs 08.30
Box Office: 0854 338 7232
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Well, Who'd've Guessed It?
Next year's away kit, by popular demand (38%) will be Tangerine coloured.
Never saw that coming.
I much prefer the April Fool's Tartan Version
Official Site announcement
Never saw that coming.
I much prefer the April Fool's Tartan Version
Official Site announcement
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Do You Want It or Not?
Coventry 3 (Doyle 36, Doyle 42, Tabb 66) - 1 Plymouth Argyle (MacLean 82)
Argyle were sat in the last play off position, and have been around that area for several weeks. But what of it? Where is the excitement? The umpth from the club to push forward? Just a few choice words about turning up to support amount to nothing when Argyle cannot deliver. No wonder people cannot give two figs about the team on their doorstep.
Once again, Argyle fail to deliver against a bottom-of-the-table team, nearly lose by 3 goals and drop again to outside the play off zone. Yes there are still games in it, but everyone counts for sustainability. There's no doubting now that Bristol City will go up by hook or by crook. And they've only just come up from League One, whilst Argyle have been a Championship team for 4 years. What's their secret? Drive and ambition for one, not just hollow words.
7 1/2 minutes was all it took for Argyle to go to pot yet again after being in control of the game. What a waste. There's a chance that Argyle will still be amongst the mix by the end of the season, but another loss next Saturday will see the best chance in ages slip slowly away.
Argyle were sat in the last play off position, and have been around that area for several weeks. But what of it? Where is the excitement? The umpth from the club to push forward? Just a few choice words about turning up to support amount to nothing when Argyle cannot deliver. No wonder people cannot give two figs about the team on their doorstep.
Once again, Argyle fail to deliver against a bottom-of-the-table team, nearly lose by 3 goals and drop again to outside the play off zone. Yes there are still games in it, but everyone counts for sustainability. There's no doubting now that Bristol City will go up by hook or by crook. And they've only just come up from League One, whilst Argyle have been a Championship team for 4 years. What's their secret? Drive and ambition for one, not just hollow words.
7 1/2 minutes was all it took for Argyle to go to pot yet again after being in control of the game. What a waste. There's a chance that Argyle will still be amongst the mix by the end of the season, but another loss next Saturday will see the best chance in ages slip slowly away.
Thursday, 27 March 2008
When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again (Hurrah! Hurrah!)
AKA "The Animals went in two-by-two", has become an away-game regular chant. Which has caused further divide among the Green Army (yeah, yet another thing to argue about!).
The chant is one of a kind, as it contains no words, compiring entirely of "na's" (and the occasional "Hello" if you sing that version). Which, apart from a few other 'chants' - "Great Escape" and "Ring of Fire"- which don't have lyrics. And this is a problem for some people. "Chants must have words!" they cry, "how can people join in if there's no words?", "they get confused." But why must a 'chant' have words?
If "Ring of Fire" works, and "When Johnny..." has worked so far, why try and change it (and potentially spoil it)? At Bristol City it spread like wildfire and was kept up for a long time, just because for once it was an 'easy listening' chant. If people bemoan the lack of support at football, why bemoan those who are trying to do something about it?
Wikipedia entry for "When Johnny comes Marching Home"
The chant is one of a kind, as it contains no words, compiring entirely of "na's" (and the occasional "Hello" if you sing that version). Which, apart from a few other 'chants' - "Great Escape" and "Ring of Fire"- which don't have lyrics. And this is a problem for some people. "Chants must have words!" they cry, "how can people join in if there's no words?", "they get confused." But why must a 'chant' have words?
If "Ring of Fire" works, and "When Johnny..." has worked so far, why try and change it (and potentially spoil it)? At Bristol City it spread like wildfire and was kept up for a long time, just because for once it was an 'easy listening' chant. If people bemoan the lack of support at football, why bemoan those who are trying to do something about it?
Wikipedia entry for "When Johnny comes Marching Home"
Get Out and Stay Out!
The two people involved in the racist incident during the Watford have received life-time bans from Home Park. Which, to be fair, is all that the club could really have done.
Additionally an exclusion zone has been set up around the away dug out of the Mayflower seating area.
Done and dusted.
Additionally an exclusion zone has been set up around the away dug out of the Mayflower seating area.
Done and dusted.
Monday, 24 March 2008
A bunch of Racist Thugs
Every match report this week has been dominated by the racial incident that happened during Peter Halmosi's injury in the game against Watford. Boothroyd has been very vocal in leading this with leading this, and due to the actions of one person, Argyle fans have been painted as racists to the UK and beyond.
A lot of goodwill that was built between the clubs following their Bangura protest has disintegrated into a slanging match due to the actions and counter actions of players, managers and supporters. The whole incident is being brushed under the carpet under the guise of racism, and Dunford vows to take a tough line with the troublemakers (ie the supporters) who also threw objects towards the Watford bench.
Unfortunately no matter what "kick it out" campaign is run, there will always be people who take comments too far throughout the whole of the UK, not just Home Park. All that has happened is people tutting at Argyle and their backward fans, and left an excuse to ignore the wider issues of what happened that day.
Herald article
A lot of goodwill that was built between the clubs following their Bangura protest has disintegrated into a slanging match due to the actions and counter actions of players, managers and supporters. The whole incident is being brushed under the carpet under the guise of racism, and Dunford vows to take a tough line with the troublemakers (ie the supporters) who also threw objects towards the Watford bench.
Unfortunately no matter what "kick it out" campaign is run, there will always be people who take comments too far throughout the whole of the UK, not just Home Park. All that has happened is people tutting at Argyle and their backward fans, and left an excuse to ignore the wider issues of what happened that day.
Herald article
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Argyle's Biggest Game...
Plymouth Argyle 1 (Easter 34) - 1 Watford (Williamson 37)
Billed on commercial radio stations as "Argyle's biggest game", and treated as a Cup Final by Sturrock, today's game verses Watford had everything for entertainment - goals, a sending off, a player stretchered away, a referee who though the game was about him and 10 minutes added time.
Sturrock had been unsure about who to field verses Watford in the weeks running up, but eventually chose the same side to that of recent games with only McCormick retaking up position between the sticks after his suspension. Argyel have had many run ins with Watford, but managed to beat them on their home turf earlier in the season and it looked to go the same way when Easter took the lead in the second half. However, Argyle usually have trouble holding a lead, but normally they wait longer than 3 minutes to concede.
The game was a scrappy affair, with very poor refereeing from an inconsistent Joslin. The main reason referees are seen as poor, is because of their very inconsistency. Joslin seemed to want the match to be more about him and in the second half was very card-happy. The local radio commentators remarked that they were expecting him to do something very silly during the match. And taking 10 minutes to decide to award Halmosi a second yellow card whilst he was removed from the field with an injury, putting Argyle down to 10 men, came quite close. Though maybe the free-kick awarded to Watford for - well no one really knows - leading their goal might just edge it.
Everyone was expecting a slog of a match, and in fairness Argyle did well to maintain the 1 point, though it still is 2 points dropped in the fight to gain a play off place with Argyle remaining in 6th place.
Billed on commercial radio stations as "Argyle's biggest game", and treated as a Cup Final by Sturrock, today's game verses Watford had everything for entertainment - goals, a sending off, a player stretchered away, a referee who though the game was about him and 10 minutes added time.
Sturrock had been unsure about who to field verses Watford in the weeks running up, but eventually chose the same side to that of recent games with only McCormick retaking up position between the sticks after his suspension. Argyel have had many run ins with Watford, but managed to beat them on their home turf earlier in the season and it looked to go the same way when Easter took the lead in the second half. However, Argyle usually have trouble holding a lead, but normally they wait longer than 3 minutes to concede.
The game was a scrappy affair, with very poor refereeing from an inconsistent Joslin. The main reason referees are seen as poor, is because of their very inconsistency. Joslin seemed to want the match to be more about him and in the second half was very card-happy. The local radio commentators remarked that they were expecting him to do something very silly during the match. And taking 10 minutes to decide to award Halmosi a second yellow card whilst he was removed from the field with an injury, putting Argyle down to 10 men, came quite close. Though maybe the free-kick awarded to Watford for - well no one really knows - leading their goal might just edge it.
Everyone was expecting a slog of a match, and in fairness Argyle did well to maintain the 1 point, though it still is 2 points dropped in the fight to gain a play off place with Argyle remaining in 6th place.
Thursday, 20 March 2008
It's Going to be Orange isn't it?
Any point in voting in Argyle's latest poll to decide the colour of next season's away kit? It's bound to be orange.
"Boffins" (as Sparksy puts it) have now discovered the most successful kit colour,
but maybe a red kit is going too far.
"Boffins" (as Sparksy puts it) have now discovered the most successful kit colour,
but maybe a red kit is going too far.
Monday, 17 March 2008
Not to Be
Thank you to anyone who voted for To Be A Pilgrim in the Football Fanzine Awards 2008, however I have not progressed through to the shortlist.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
They've only gone and Done it
Bristol City 1 (Trundle 74 (pen)) - 2 Plymouth Argyle (Fallon 45, Fallon 60)
Fallon rose victorious to net the ball twice for the Greens, following his recent near misses. The only dampener on the day was the penalty awarded to Bristol for handball following a free kick.
It was a day of good performances with Douglas, the emergency keeper making some great saves to keep the Pilgrims in front in a much changed team. Wotton returned to the starting line up and captaincy instead of Nalis, Clark replaced Abdou, Fallon and Easter replaced MacLean and Mackie, and finally Sawyer for Hodges.
Both teams played with all guns blazing and it seemed that it would be the first team to score that would go on to win, especially as the 0-0 stalemate wore on. Thankfully for the Greens, they did, right on the half time mark. The second half was to the the longest 45 minutes ever - never mind the extra 8 minutes played with the Robins pressing ever closer and Argyle defending ever deeper. Thankfully they held out.
A good day all round.
Fallon rose victorious to net the ball twice for the Greens, following his recent near misses. The only dampener on the day was the penalty awarded to Bristol for handball following a free kick.It was a day of good performances with Douglas, the emergency keeper making some great saves to keep the Pilgrims in front in a much changed team. Wotton returned to the starting line up and captaincy instead of Nalis, Clark replaced Abdou, Fallon and Easter replaced MacLean and Mackie, and finally Sawyer for Hodges.
Both teams played with all guns blazing and it seemed that it would be the first team to score that would go on to win, especially as the 0-0 stalemate wore on. Thankfully for the Greens, they did, right on the half time mark. The second half was to the the longest 45 minutes ever - never mind the extra 8 minutes played with the Robins pressing ever closer and Argyle defending ever deeper. Thankfully they held out.
A good day all round.
Friday, 14 March 2008
In Rab's Hands
Holloway has lent Argyle keeper Rab Douglas on emergency loan to cover the game verses Bristol City.
Rab is a Scottish International, and stands at 6'' 5', having played for Celtic, Millwall and Wycombe.
It seems strange that Holloway would be willing to deal with Argyle, but then again, I've heard that Douglas isn't that good.
Official Site announcement
Rab is a Scottish International, and stands at 6'' 5', having played for Celtic, Millwall and Wycombe.
It seems strange that Holloway would be willing to deal with Argyle, but then again, I've heard that Douglas isn't that good.
Official Site announcement
Annual General Meeting
Today was Argyle's AGM, the full press releases about Home Park's redevelopment can be found here. The Redevelopment out the South Stand is locked in with Plymouth City Council and their Area Action Plan. Argyle want to work in partnership with a company to fulfil the completion of Home Park by using the facilities on generate other sources of income. This needs approval, and partners found.
This is something that some supporters have been advocating for a long time - that Home Park cannot be used to generate income just once a week every 2 weeks and proper (and dare I say well organised) income generating facilities would help this, especially if the Life Centre gets the go ahead. This will, however, further delay any actual physical work on the ground.
Further issues to come from the AGM are purported to include:
- there could be new directors on the board
- 2006/07 FA Cup income was spent on loanee players' wages
- Harper's Park training ground is being looked at
- the new floodlighting is FA criteria compliant
This is something that some supporters have been advocating for a long time - that Home Park cannot be used to generate income just once a week every 2 weeks and proper (and dare I say well organised) income generating facilities would help this, especially if the Life Centre gets the go ahead. This will, however, further delay any actual physical work on the ground.
Further issues to come from the AGM are purported to include:
- there could be new directors on the board
- 2006/07 FA Cup income was spent on loanee players' wages
- Harper's Park training ground is being looked at
- the new floodlighting is FA criteria compliant
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Murphy's Law
Scunthorpe 1 (Morris 54) - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Before the game this was looking like a must win in order to maintain chances of a playoff place, however the league position has not shifted thankfully, but it puts strain on the remaining games. Even if luck was on the Greens' side with regards to the league, it certain,y failed to turn up at Glanford Park in one of the most frustrating games of the season.
Sturrock put out a much changes line up due to suspensions and resting players - in came Hodges, Clark and Mackie along with Seip to cover Timar. However they were unable to weather the storms - that of the high gales and Scunthorpe's attack. In what is becoming and Argyle speciality there were lots of near misses, including one by Fallon which went inches wide right at the end. But Argyle's troubles didn't end there - they had a goal disallowed during the first half, countless refereeing decisions against them, and climaxed with the dismissal of McCormick for handball. With no spare keeper, Hodges had to migrate between the sticks and, as always, pulled off a surprisingly good display including saving the free kick awarded for Luke's dismissal.
It was only so long that the Pilgrims could ride their luck with such disjointed play, and now at crunch time its coming back to haunt them. The last 2 performances are not worthy of a top 5 finish, however they are still sitting just outside the zone. But the spark that has gone missing from the team needs to be reignited. There are a lot of problems with fielding a team this Saturday - especially as Argyle are now goalkeeperless with Larrieu out long term and the only other keeper, Saxon, unproved in any division.
Before the game this was looking like a must win in order to maintain chances of a playoff place, however the league position has not shifted thankfully, but it puts strain on the remaining games. Even if luck was on the Greens' side with regards to the league, it certain,y failed to turn up at Glanford Park in one of the most frustrating games of the season.
Sturrock put out a much changes line up due to suspensions and resting players - in came Hodges, Clark and Mackie along with Seip to cover Timar. However they were unable to weather the storms - that of the high gales and Scunthorpe's attack. In what is becoming and Argyle speciality there were lots of near misses, including one by Fallon which went inches wide right at the end. But Argyle's troubles didn't end there - they had a goal disallowed during the first half, countless refereeing decisions against them, and climaxed with the dismissal of McCormick for handball. With no spare keeper, Hodges had to migrate between the sticks and, as always, pulled off a surprisingly good display including saving the free kick awarded for Luke's dismissal.
It was only so long that the Pilgrims could ride their luck with such disjointed play, and now at crunch time its coming back to haunt them. The last 2 performances are not worthy of a top 5 finish, however they are still sitting just outside the zone. But the spark that has gone missing from the team needs to be reignited. There are a lot of problems with fielding a team this Saturday - especially as Argyle are now goalkeeperless with Larrieu out long term and the only other keeper, Saxon, unproved in any division.
Saturday, 8 March 2008
You Kenny get past Him
Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Sheffield United (Beattie 64)
Oh come on Argyle, if you're going to issue yet another Kitchener plea for more fans (which is getting tiring now), then when they come you have to keep your half of the bargain. Argyle never really got out of 1st gear, and the chances they did take were saved thanks to the great goalkeeping display by Paddy Kenny. And what's more, it puts more pressure on fewer matches to stay in a chance of a playoff place.
Yet again Sturrock kep faifthful to the same starting XI but this time they didn't come up with the goods. Thankfully I was unable to attend, so missed a pretty dire game by all reports. Hopefully this is just a blip and Tuesday night's journey will not be wasted.
Oh come on Argyle, if you're going to issue yet another Kitchener plea for more fans (which is getting tiring now), then when they come you have to keep your half of the bargain. Argyle never really got out of 1st gear, and the chances they did take were saved thanks to the great goalkeeping display by Paddy Kenny. And what's more, it puts more pressure on fewer matches to stay in a chance of a playoff place.
Yet again Sturrock kep faifthful to the same starting XI but this time they didn't come up with the goods. Thankfully I was unable to attend, so missed a pretty dire game by all reports. Hopefully this is just a blip and Tuesday night's journey will not be wasted.
Thursday, 6 March 2008
...And Action!
Sky TV will be televising the away match verses Sheffield Wednesday, this has revised the fixture information for that game:
Sheffield Wednesday v Plymouth Argyle
Monday 14 April
20.00 ko
Sheffield Wednesday v Plymouth Argyle
Monday 14 April
20.00 ko
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
On the Road Again
Plymouth Argyle 4 (Ifil 11 (og), Easter 57, MacLean 60, Sawyer 68) - 1 Colchester United (Lisbie 64)
Back to winning ways against relegation-zone Colchester with a fairly hefty scoreline thanks to 3 goals in 10 minutes from the Greens. The wounds of West Brom were still evident on Tuesday night, but thankfully a poor Colchester side allowed Argyle some redeeming face. The game began with the same starting XI as that against Albion, and they found themselves unexpectedly 1-0 up when U's defender Ifil headed into his own goal. But the Greens had to wait to nearly the 60th minute before they themselves were responsible for the goal - and then there was no stopping them as 2 more quickly followed! Although they did briefly allowed Lisbie to run nearly the whole of the Argyle half unhindered, up end McCormick and score.
Easter has hopefully ended his drought by finally netting the ball, followed quickly by MacLeand and Sawyer, who even surprised himself. The game was not without bad points - the ball was given away far to easily and a lot of mistakes were made and there was a serious incident when McLeod was stretchered off following a leg injury (though he returned to Colchester on the team bus). And Timar picked up his 10th yellow card of the season, meaning a 2 match ban - missing out on Scunthorpe and Bistol City.
The win puts Argyle on the road again to a playoff place, as they are now 6th in the table.
Back to winning ways against relegation-zone Colchester with a fairly hefty scoreline thanks to 3 goals in 10 minutes from the Greens. The wounds of West Brom were still evident on Tuesday night, but thankfully a poor Colchester side allowed Argyle some redeeming face. The game began with the same starting XI as that against Albion, and they found themselves unexpectedly 1-0 up when U's defender Ifil headed into his own goal. But the Greens had to wait to nearly the 60th minute before they themselves were responsible for the goal - and then there was no stopping them as 2 more quickly followed! Although they did briefly allowed Lisbie to run nearly the whole of the Argyle half unhindered, up end McCormick and score.
Easter has hopefully ended his drought by finally netting the ball, followed quickly by MacLeand and Sawyer, who even surprised himself. The game was not without bad points - the ball was given away far to easily and a lot of mistakes were made and there was a serious incident when McLeod was stretchered off following a leg injury (though he returned to Colchester on the team bus). And Timar picked up his 10th yellow card of the season, meaning a 2 match ban - missing out on Scunthorpe and Bistol City.
The win puts Argyle on the road again to a playoff place, as they are now 6th in the table.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Evander Holyfield
Seems frilled that he's now a Plymouth Argyle supporter.
Starts at 04.30mins into clip
Holyfield on Wikipedia
Starts at 04.30mins into clip
Holyfield on Wikipedia
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Oh What a Circus
West Bromwich Ablion 3 (Gera 45, Miller 60, Bednar 67) - 0 Plymouth Argyle
4th v 5th, though West Brom have been top of the table for most of the season, and Argyle on a confidence streak following 4 wins. But that came to a crashing stop as the campaign hit the buffers as all team spirit evaporated at 15.50 today. Sloppy play lead to 3 laughable, comical goals from Albion as once again Argyle decided that they couldn't be bothered to see out the whole game.
So what happened in that week? Were egos running high? Had the 'beginners luck' of fresh faces run out? Were impending booking and injuries playing on minds? Who knows but something wasn't right from the start though the Greens managed to hang out. And if they had gone into the break 0-0 the scoreline might have been different.
With 2 games in quick succession, followed by league leaders Bristol City, now is not the time to go on a wobbly run. Focus and drive are crucially needed in the coming weeks and months. But today's performance was simply not good enough, even if you do say 'you can't win 'em all' - at least you could try.
4th v 5th, though West Brom have been top of the table for most of the season, and Argyle on a confidence streak following 4 wins. But that came to a crashing stop as the campaign hit the buffers as all team spirit evaporated at 15.50 today. Sloppy play lead to 3 laughable, comical goals from Albion as once again Argyle decided that they couldn't be bothered to see out the whole game.
So what happened in that week? Were egos running high? Had the 'beginners luck' of fresh faces run out? Were impending booking and injuries playing on minds? Who knows but something wasn't right from the start though the Greens managed to hang out. And if they had gone into the break 0-0 the scoreline might have been different.
With 2 games in quick succession, followed by league leaders Bristol City, now is not the time to go on a wobbly run. Focus and drive are crucially needed in the coming weeks and months. But today's performance was simply not good enough, even if you do say 'you can't win 'em all' - at least you could try.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Young Guns Having some Fun
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 4 Manchester City (FAYC quarter final)
Argyle's youth team had their hopes of a semi final place in the Youth Cup dashed by a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City at Home park yesterday.
The chance of reaching the semis for the first time ever fell on the heads of the young guys when they won 3-2 against Birmingham last month, however progression was not in the minds of the gods as Argyle trailed 2-0 at half time. They went a further 2 goals down in front of a large attendance before Jarred Stevens scored the consolation.
It's great to see that Argyle are developing a youth team capable of getting so far in such a competition. The youth have seen a vast array of changes in recent years, some have caused consternation amongst the supporters who have funded parts of the development, but we should be proud of these guys.
Argyle's youth team had their hopes of a semi final place in the Youth Cup dashed by a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City at Home park yesterday.
The chance of reaching the semis for the first time ever fell on the heads of the young guys when they won 3-2 against Birmingham last month, however progression was not in the minds of the gods as Argyle trailed 2-0 at half time. They went a further 2 goals down in front of a large attendance before Jarred Stevens scored the consolation.
It's great to see that Argyle are developing a youth team capable of getting so far in such a competition. The youth have seen a vast array of changes in recent years, some have caused consternation amongst the supporters who have funded parts of the development, but we should be proud of these guys.
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Molitva
Plymouth Argyle 3 (Nalis 11, Halmosi 45, Halmosi 76) - 1 Burnley (O'Connor 19)
And the party goes on with 4 wins in 4 games.
A slightly more settled team ran onto the pitch at Home Park with new loanees Anderson and Teale in the starting XI to face a fired up Burnley. However Paterson was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Many said they [Burnley] would only come here to play for the point, but they did their hardest to gather all 3. Sadly for them it wasn't too be, though they did have more than a glimmer of hope.
The scrappy, ugly tone of the game was set from the beginning with Argyle encamped in their own half but on the 11th minute Nalis volleyed the ball straight to the keeper, who in spectaular style caught it, but let the ball slip through his arms into the net. An amusing start to the game. That didn't last long as McCormick was left undefended 8 minutes later for Burnley to equalise.
The goal stunned Argyle for the phase of the game they seemed a bit off focus, until just before half time when a scrap of players and legs in Burnley's penalty box saw the ball over their line for a second time. Easter continuing his bad run as he missed another sitter in a near identical opportunity to Tuesday night. Hopefully he'll get one soon and get out of the rut.
The second half began with Burnley once again threatening Argyle's 1 goal lead, with the 3 points looking fragile by the minute until Halmosi fired in his second from the right hand side. From then on there only had to be one winner. And it was Green.
Argyle are now 5th in the table, and should start showing a real interest in staying there and pushing for promotion. There are several tough games ahead, with league leaders West Bromwich and Bristol City to come. Do they have the balls?
And the party goes on with 4 wins in 4 games.
A slightly more settled team ran onto the pitch at Home Park with new loanees Anderson and Teale in the starting XI to face a fired up Burnley. However Paterson was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Many said they [Burnley] would only come here to play for the point, but they did their hardest to gather all 3. Sadly for them it wasn't too be, though they did have more than a glimmer of hope.
The scrappy, ugly tone of the game was set from the beginning with Argyle encamped in their own half but on the 11th minute Nalis volleyed the ball straight to the keeper, who in spectaular style caught it, but let the ball slip through his arms into the net. An amusing start to the game. That didn't last long as McCormick was left undefended 8 minutes later for Burnley to equalise.
The goal stunned Argyle for the phase of the game they seemed a bit off focus, until just before half time when a scrap of players and legs in Burnley's penalty box saw the ball over their line for a second time. Easter continuing his bad run as he missed another sitter in a near identical opportunity to Tuesday night. Hopefully he'll get one soon and get out of the rut.
The second half began with Burnley once again threatening Argyle's 1 goal lead, with the 3 points looking fragile by the minute until Halmosi fired in his second from the right hand side. From then on there only had to be one winner. And it was Green.
Argyle are now 5th in the table, and should start showing a real interest in staying there and pushing for promotion. There are several tough games ahead, with league leaders West Bromwich and Bristol City to come. Do they have the balls?
Bring a Friend
If you are a season ticket holder, Argyle want you to bring a friend for the Colchester game on Tuesday 4 March.
Produce voucher C at an Argyle ticket outlet and you will receive an extra ticket at a reduced rate of £10 adults, £7 under 23s & over 65s, £3 under 18s.
Argyle will endeavour to allocate the seat next to yours, else you can choose two different seats if it is unavailable.
This is the third special offer Argyle have promoted this season (including the FA's Cup initiative), as an incentive to drive up gates for what would be traditionally low attendance games. With gates falling throughout football, the industry will have to take a long look at itself or it'll risk losing league clubs outside the Premier League.
Official Site article
Produce voucher C at an Argyle ticket outlet and you will receive an extra ticket at a reduced rate of £10 adults, £7 under 23s & over 65s, £3 under 18s.
Argyle will endeavour to allocate the seat next to yours, else you can choose two different seats if it is unavailable.
This is the third special offer Argyle have promoted this season (including the FA's Cup initiative), as an incentive to drive up gates for what would be traditionally low attendance games. With gates falling throughout football, the industry will have to take a long look at itself or it'll risk losing league clubs outside the Premier League.
Official Site article
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Manchester City at Home Park
Tuesday 26 February, 19.00
Plymouth Argyle v Manchester City
FA Youth Cup quarter finals
£5 adults, £2 concessions for Mayflower or Grandstand seating
Plymouth Argyle v Manchester City
FA Youth Cup quarter finals
£5 adults, £2 concessions for Mayflower or Grandstand seating
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Football Fans Census Fanzine Awards
I had no idea that this blog had been nominated in the best blog category.
Shamelessly plugs - please vote at http://www.footballfanzineawards.com/the-nominees.php
Closing date 27 February
Shamelessly plugs - please vote at http://www.footballfanzineawards.com/the-nominees.php
Closing date 27 February
Yes, Football Credit
Two new loanees have joined Argyle this week - both became Pilgrims on Tuesday before appearing in their first game for Argyle the same night.
Russell Anderson joins us from Sunderland on a one-month loan. Sturrock secured an emergency loan for the International centre-back, capped 9 times for Scotland, who will wear squad number 21. Anderson was captain for Aberdeen where he made 300 appearances before moving to the Black Cats for £1m.
Gary Teale, another Scotsman also joins on a 3 month emergency loan from Derby County, as played for Scotland 10 times and making 22 appearances for Derby.
Anderson Added
Teale Wings In
Russell Anderson joins us from Sunderland on a one-month loan. Sturrock secured an emergency loan for the International centre-back, capped 9 times for Scotland, who will wear squad number 21. Anderson was captain for Aberdeen where he made 300 appearances before moving to the Black Cats for £1m.
Gary Teale, another Scotsman also joins on a 3 month emergency loan from Derby County, as played for Scotland 10 times and making 22 appearances for Derby.
Anderson Added
Teale Wings In
E-I-E-I-O
Southampton 0 - 2 Plymouth Argyle (Halmosi 30, Paterson 32)
3 wins in 3 games, last season's "week of hell" is being replayed this season following the "month of hell" - we won 5 games after losing 3 back in April, can we match (or better) it?
Certainly it looks as if confidence is at a high in the team as they put in a clinical efficient and professional job verses a poor Southampton, and were rewarded with goals coming within minutes of each other.
The team Argyle put out was slightly cobbled together too, with two new loanees - Anderson having left Sunderland that very morning on a one month deal only joined the Greens a few hours before the match, and Derby midfielder Teale appeared on the bench in spite of joining the same day. Mackie and Wotton again appeared in Sturrock's back up crew, with Seip and Doumbe out injured.
A shaky start saw Argyle concede a series of free kicks but it was all hands to the grind stone as a telepathic sense of comradeship swept through the disjointed team and they began to slowly rip Southampton to shreds. The first goal came from Nallis's cross to Halmosi, who sauntered down the wing with plenty of time to bury it in the net. Southampton kicked off just in time for Paterson to reply as Southampton's shocked defence disappeared leaving him plenty of room to shoot left footed to the right post.
On statistics Argyle is looking much better than they were a month ago, however it must be born in mind that "Sturrock's team" has not been formed yet. The starting XI for the past 3 games has been different, and in several cased included new players who have not even trained with the team before. In one way this is living dangerously, but as it's producing results, who can complain?
3 wins in 3 games, last season's "week of hell" is being replayed this season following the "month of hell" - we won 5 games after losing 3 back in April, can we match (or better) it?
Certainly it looks as if confidence is at a high in the team as they put in a clinical efficient and professional job verses a poor Southampton, and were rewarded with goals coming within minutes of each other.
The team Argyle put out was slightly cobbled together too, with two new loanees - Anderson having left Sunderland that very morning on a one month deal only joined the Greens a few hours before the match, and Derby midfielder Teale appeared on the bench in spite of joining the same day. Mackie and Wotton again appeared in Sturrock's back up crew, with Seip and Doumbe out injured.
A shaky start saw Argyle concede a series of free kicks but it was all hands to the grind stone as a telepathic sense of comradeship swept through the disjointed team and they began to slowly rip Southampton to shreds. The first goal came from Nallis's cross to Halmosi, who sauntered down the wing with plenty of time to bury it in the net. Southampton kicked off just in time for Paterson to reply as Southampton's shocked defence disappeared leaving him plenty of room to shoot left footed to the right post.
On statistics Argyle is looking much better than they were a month ago, however it must be born in mind that "Sturrock's team" has not been formed yet. The starting XI for the past 3 games has been different, and in several cased included new players who have not even trained with the team before. In one way this is living dangerously, but as it's producing results, who can complain?
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Awaydays #16 - Walkers Stadium
The club: Leicester City (The Foxes), Walkers StadiumThe ground: Possibly what Home Park really should be like, but taller. The whole stadium is full of clean lines and very neat, with a high space frame roof, wrap-round bowl seating (but seems to not be faceless at the same time). 8/10
The facilities and food: Huge concourse and some of it wasn't in use, a more than ample number of bars, toilets everywhere you looked. It coped very well with the 2,000 strong support. Better than last season - the pies had improved considerably (much have changed brands). The usual fayre available, and they didn't run out which is good for this season. The catering staff were efficient. 7/10
The stewarding/police:Everyone was searched before entering and had any Holloway related materials confiscated, but once in we were left to our own devices and stood for the whole game. The police like to search the official coaches - even without your knowledge during the game - so watch out. They also like to stop and search on the way to the ground. 5/10
The travelling: All of Leicester's sports grounds are located within the same area and next to the A594, from the M69 (off the M6) the signs direct you straight there, plus they are at pains to point out on them that there is no match day parking - instead there are a couple of municipal car parks near by or on street parking. 6/10
The surrounding area (what's there to do outside the ground): Shop at Morrisons or get drunk in the pub. 5/10
The home fans (their contribution to the atmosphere etc): As poor as last year. Considering they had organised a Holloway support day we could have been the only people in the stadium. The attendance was very noticeably low with plenty of empty seats. The local chavs were very restless and spoiling for a fight. 3/10
Total score: 34/60
Awaydays League Table:
Barnsley (Oakwell Stadium) - 42
Blackpool (Bloomfield Road) - 38
Charlton Athletic (The Valley) - 38
Crystal Palace (Selhurts Park) - 38
Hull City (KC Stadium) - 38
Sheffield United (Bramall Lane) - 38
QPR (Loftus Road) - 36
Cardiff City (Ninian Park) - 34
Leicester City (Walkers Stadium) - 34
Portsmouth (Fratton Park) - 34
Burnley (Turf Moor) -33
West Ham (Boleyn Ground) - 31
Layer Road (Colchester) - 32
Stoke City (Britannia Stadium) - 28
Torquay United (Plainmoor) - 27
Watford (Vicarage Road) - 27
Note that I was unable to go to Carrow Road or Portman Road.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Indescribable - again
Plymouth Argyle 3 (MacLean 6, Mackie 76, Mackie 85) - 0 Barnsley
If you thought Leicester was good, last night's match must have blown your mind. it had everything: debut goals, first goal, calamity refereeing, sendings off, farcical linesman, and the return of the stalwart.
With confidence running high, Argyle scored the opening goal after just 3 minutes following a bizarre incident around the Barnsley Penalty box when Nyatanga brought down Easter. The linesman flagged the incident but his flag broke meaning the referee missed it, eventually the game was stopped and after a long consultation on the touchline the ref sent off Nyatanga, surely a penalty to follow, but no it was just outside the area and a free kick was awarded. MacLean stepped up and in a Wotton-esque way fired it low and hard straight into the net. What a start, what was left to follow was Barnsley, now down to 10 men but playing with the determination of 12 were held siege inside their area as Argyle used the extra space to their advantage. The referee was getting in on the action to as he decided he wanted to touch the ball and slide over as much as the players.
A series of near misses followed by both sides, and Argyle started to lose their was over the break allowing Barnsley access to the goal including one very unlucky shot that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out, but thankfully once again McCormick kept the Greens in the game. As the game was slowing down Sturrock brought off Easter for new young striker Mackie who took 11 seconds to make an impact with his debut goal in front of the Devonport. And it didn't stop there, 10 minutes later he was at it again. However Sturrock remarked that although he has gone from zero to hero in quarter of an hour the rest of his game needed shaking up as he lost every pass to a Barnsley player. The 85th minute saw the long awaited return of captain Paul Wotton after 15 months out injured, he was rightfully welcomed back with rapturous applause and a standing ovation.
In 2 weeks Argyle have gone from Hull and back with a series of very weak performances to being overwhelmingly good, which is something we've all seen before - not least the "week of hell" last season followed by 5 winning games. Now 8th in the table and two places of a play-off place will Argyle have the determination to aim higher?
If you thought Leicester was good, last night's match must have blown your mind. it had everything: debut goals, first goal, calamity refereeing, sendings off, farcical linesman, and the return of the stalwart.
With confidence running high, Argyle scored the opening goal after just 3 minutes following a bizarre incident around the Barnsley Penalty box when Nyatanga brought down Easter. The linesman flagged the incident but his flag broke meaning the referee missed it, eventually the game was stopped and after a long consultation on the touchline the ref sent off Nyatanga, surely a penalty to follow, but no it was just outside the area and a free kick was awarded. MacLean stepped up and in a Wotton-esque way fired it low and hard straight into the net. What a start, what was left to follow was Barnsley, now down to 10 men but playing with the determination of 12 were held siege inside their area as Argyle used the extra space to their advantage. The referee was getting in on the action to as he decided he wanted to touch the ball and slide over as much as the players.
A series of near misses followed by both sides, and Argyle started to lose their was over the break allowing Barnsley access to the goal including one very unlucky shot that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out, but thankfully once again McCormick kept the Greens in the game. As the game was slowing down Sturrock brought off Easter for new young striker Mackie who took 11 seconds to make an impact with his debut goal in front of the Devonport. And it didn't stop there, 10 minutes later he was at it again. However Sturrock remarked that although he has gone from zero to hero in quarter of an hour the rest of his game needed shaking up as he lost every pass to a Barnsley player. The 85th minute saw the long awaited return of captain Paul Wotton after 15 months out injured, he was rightfully welcomed back with rapturous applause and a standing ovation.
In 2 weeks Argyle have gone from Hull and back with a series of very weak performances to being overwhelmingly good, which is something we've all seen before - not least the "week of hell" last season followed by 5 winning games. Now 8th in the table and two places of a play-off place will Argyle have the determination to aim higher?
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Argyle, the Wonder Club
Leicester City 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle (Halmosi 34)
Holloway, Holloway, f-off Holloway.
A dream ending to 3 months of hell; the Green Army certainly made their feelings show over how Holloway conducted himself since leaving Argyle and were rewarded by the players rightly pillaging 3 points from under his nose - reminiscent of how he threatened to steal back all his players and how he'll sue Paul Stapleton.
A much improved performance must have been because of the magnitude of importance of the match that was hanging over the players' heads - they just couldn't lose or else. Coupled with the welcome return on skipper Paul Wotton to a bench place surely had some influence in the dressing room.
The sniping between teams, management and supporters has been rumbling along for 3 months and came to ahead in 90 minutes when the Green Army outclassed the meagre Leicester support in front of the world's cameras - even if the commentators, like Leicester, only saw Argyle as "little" and 'pathetic' because of their Holloway infatuation.
Sturrock recalled Adbou and Easter to the starting XI along with a start for new boy Paterson who weathered a good Leicester start but after 10 minutes nerves were forgotten as they took over the show, however Leicester still plugged away and Super Luke McCormick pulled off some great moves to keep the Greens in front. The goal came courtesy of Peter Halmosi after it was played to him by Nallis.
From doom and gloom to ecstacy in 90 minutes and hopefully the whole sorry episode will be forgotten and the club will truly move onwards and upwards.
Holloway, Holloway, f-off Holloway.A dream ending to 3 months of hell; the Green Army certainly made their feelings show over how Holloway conducted himself since leaving Argyle and were rewarded by the players rightly pillaging 3 points from under his nose - reminiscent of how he threatened to steal back all his players and how he'll sue Paul Stapleton.
A much improved performance must have been because of the magnitude of importance of the match that was hanging over the players' heads - they just couldn't lose or else. Coupled with the welcome return on skipper Paul Wotton to a bench place surely had some influence in the dressing room.
The sniping between teams, management and supporters has been rumbling along for 3 months and came to ahead in 90 minutes when the Green Army outclassed the meagre Leicester support in front of the world's cameras - even if the commentators, like Leicester, only saw Argyle as "little" and 'pathetic' because of their Holloway infatuation.
Sturrock recalled Adbou and Easter to the starting XI along with a start for new boy Paterson who weathered a good Leicester start but after 10 minutes nerves were forgotten as they took over the show, however Leicester still plugged away and Super Luke McCormick pulled off some great moves to keep the Greens in front. The goal came courtesy of Peter Halmosi after it was played to him by Nallis.
From doom and gloom to ecstacy in 90 minutes and hopefully the whole sorry episode will be forgotten and the club will truly move onwards and upwards.
Friday, 8 February 2008
Advance Travel News
If you are travelling to Home Park by car between 25th February and November there are major roadworks planned for Outland Road (between the Manadon junction of the A38 and Home Park). These are likely to cause severe delay.
An alternative route is: to stay on the A38 past Manadon to the next junction (signed Devonport) and follow the signs to City Centre, this will bring you to Milehouse (with the Britannia pub on your left). Turn left here and take the next right into the car park.
Please also be aware that there will be works on the A386 outside the train station for some of that period too.
An alternative route is: to stay on the A38 past Manadon to the next junction (signed Devonport) and follow the signs to City Centre, this will bring you to Milehouse (with the Britannia pub on your left). Turn left here and take the next right into the car park.
Please also be aware that there will be works on the A386 outside the train station for some of that period too.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Holloway to Sue
As mentioned before, it has now been confirmed that Ian Holloway is investigating suing Paul Stapleton following Stapleton's recent comments.
BBC article
We watch with baited breath.
08/02/08 Update: BBC Local Radio have been advised not to discuss the situation by solicitors.
BBC article
We watch with baited breath.
08/02/08 Update: BBC Local Radio have been advised not to discuss the situation by solicitors.
Half Term Happiness
Argyle are promoting the Tuesday night game verses Barnsley next week as a family event to coincide with Plymouth schools' half term holiday. The promotions include:
Spend £50 or more in an Argyle retail outlet and receive a free match ticket (this will take the form of a voucher for the ticket price which should be exchanged for a match ticket).
Any under 18 accompanied by a paying adult in the FAMILY BLOCK (Block 1) gets in free, or for £1 in any other area of the stadium. These tickets are available in advance or pay on the gate.
Spend £50 or more in an Argyle retail outlet and receive a free match ticket (this will take the form of a voucher for the ticket price which should be exchanged for a match ticket).
Any under 18 accompanied by a paying adult in the FAMILY BLOCK (Block 1) gets in free, or for £1 in any other area of the stadium. These tickets are available in advance or pay on the gate.
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
War of Words
Following "Sturrock's manefesto", chairman Paul Stapleton has finally chosen to speak out about what has happened at Argyle between November and January. Maybe too late for some, and certainly too soon for Holloway - who has come in for much criticism from the chairman - who is, according to Sky Sports News, considering taking legal action.
Part one (follow links on site for parts 2 - 5)
All in all, this bitching and counter-bitching is just prolonging the ill feeling which has built up over the past few months.
07/02/08 update: The Times have picked up on this story Read their article
Part one (follow links on site for parts 2 - 5)
All in all, this bitching and counter-bitching is just prolonging the ill feeling which has built up over the past few months.
07/02/08 update: The Times have picked up on this story Read their article
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Bunch of Useless Tossers
No, not a rant at Hull's performance, but Shrove Tuesday related.
Marcel Seip, Rory Fallon, Lilian Nalis and Lee Hodges helped launch the British Heart Foundation's "2008 Hearts First Jog", encouraging people to raise money by taking part in a 5km jog round Saltram on 6 April.
Herald
The video shows the guys with little coordination - not much change then!
Marcel Seip, Rory Fallon, Lilian Nalis and Lee Hodges helped launch the British Heart Foundation's "2008 Hearts First Jog", encouraging people to raise money by taking part in a 5km jog round Saltram on 6 April.
Herald
The video shows the guys with little coordination - not much change then!
Monday, 4 February 2008
Awaydays #15 - Fratton Park
The club: Portsmouth (The Blues), Fratton ParkThe ground: Who said you need a spanking new stadium to be successful (except anyone at Argyle)? Portsmouth have just adpated what was there, and until very recently there wasn't even a roof on the away end. However they remain in a cramped position hemmed in by housing and industrial areas, and apart from added seats and the roof nothing else has changed since the 80s; even the food kiosk is a wooden hut precariously held up over the old terrace using breeze blocks. But the forced seating has made the stand fairly cramped. The rest of the ground looks similar with 4 separate stands including a double decker grandstand. But Portsmouth do move with the times - they have electronic turnstiles, and without the usual barcode on the ticket I am still at an end to work out how they work. 6/10
The facilities and food: The concourse is a narrow open walkway along the back of the stand with a refreshment kiosk at one end at the top of the entrance/exit stairs. The toilets are located halfway down those steps causing queuing everywhere, which leave no room to move. The toilets were exactly the same as the Mayflower enclosure - ie a wall painted black and the refreshment kiosk ran out of hot food by half time - however the pies were superb. Likewise the chuckwagons around the ground sell huge side-plate sized burgers for a very reasonable price. 5/10
The stewarding/police: Didn't notice them during the game, but there were plenty about before the game. 8/10
The travelling: Goes on forever considering we're on the same coastline (TV reporters take note), but there are a variety of routes you can take including via France if you so wished(!) but very easy to get to from the M27/A27. The ground has no real parking facilities so the local streets get pretty jammed up. Fratton Park station is nearby. 5/10
The surrounding area (what's there to do outside the ground): Apparently there are quite a few no go areas for away fans - especially round the station. However there is a huge pub on Eastern Avenue as you enter the city that is very efficient. 5/10
The home fans (their contribution to the atmosphere etc): Very quiet for a Premier League team. Much like any team only really got going after each goal and then fizzled out but individually chatting to them in the burger queue they seemed friendly enough. 5/10
Total score: 34/60
Awaydays League Table:
Barnsley (Oakwell Stadium) - 42
Blackpool (Bloomfield Road) - 38
Charlton Athletic (The Valley) - 38
Crystal Palace (Selhurts Park) - 38
Hull City (KC Stadium) - 38
Sheffield United (Bramall Lane) - 38
QPR (Loftus Road) - 36
Cardiff City (Ninian Park) - 34
Portsmouth (Fratton Park) - 34
Burnley (Turf Moor) -33
West Ham (Boleyn Ground) - 31
Layer Road (Colchester) - 32
Stoke City (Britannia Stadium) - 28
Torquay United (Plainmoor) - 27
Watford (Vicarage Road) - 27
Note that I was unable to go to Carrow Road or Portman Road.
I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue
And keeping scores today is the lovely Samantha...
Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Hull City (Windass)
...today's Clue comes from the delectable city of Plymouth where Mrs Trellis of Wales remarked that she once saw Drake's balls.
It looks like to chose the right weekend to have nowt to do with sport (though I did watch part of the France-Scotland rugby match), and this avoided having to watch or listen to a woeful performance on all accounts. And who to blame? So many candidates really - Sturrock's tactics, the boards inept handling of transfers/money, Holloway for bailing out, Pulis for starting the rot about ambition, the players for being crap... Well as I wasn't there I don't know, but apparently nobody could give a shit about playing, the game was poorly played and Hull weren't that different. This is the third time that we have played Hull this season, and surely to God someone by now must have had some savvy to keep an eye in Windass - he's frightened the bejezus out of the team twice already, and then scores the goal! For crying out loud! Many will say that the heart has been ripped out of the team and thus the players have not gelled yet, but come on, you can at least try and show willing. Hopefully this is a blip and that a right ritual humiliation is not on the cards next weekend at Leicester, another game I am in two minds about going to. But that's another story.
Mornington Crescent.
Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Hull City (Windass)
...today's Clue comes from the delectable city of Plymouth where Mrs Trellis of Wales remarked that she once saw Drake's balls.
It looks like to chose the right weekend to have nowt to do with sport (though I did watch part of the France-Scotland rugby match), and this avoided having to watch or listen to a woeful performance on all accounts. And who to blame? So many candidates really - Sturrock's tactics, the boards inept handling of transfers/money, Holloway for bailing out, Pulis for starting the rot about ambition, the players for being crap... Well as I wasn't there I don't know, but apparently nobody could give a shit about playing, the game was poorly played and Hull weren't that different. This is the third time that we have played Hull this season, and surely to God someone by now must have had some savvy to keep an eye in Windass - he's frightened the bejezus out of the team twice already, and then scores the goal! For crying out loud! Many will say that the heart has been ripped out of the team and thus the players have not gelled yet, but come on, you can at least try and show willing. Hopefully this is a blip and that a right ritual humiliation is not on the cards next weekend at Leicester, another game I am in two minds about going to. But that's another story.
Mornington Crescent.
Friday, 1 February 2008
How to Bury Bad News
Taking tips from the government maybe...
Today Argyle announced:
1) Their final signing of the transfer window - defender Jim Paterson from Motherwell. Paterson has worked with Sturrock before at Dundee and plays predominantly on the left. He scored 5 goals in 100 appearances for Motherwell and has come here because of the relationship he had with Sturrock when given his 'big break'.
Official Site
2) That we can all get fat by gorging on tubs of Pilgrim Passion - Apple Crumble and Clotted Cream flavoured ice cream specially made for Argyle. The ice cream will be stocked by TESCO Roborough and Transit Way branches.
Herald
Today Argyle announced:
1) Their final signing of the transfer window - defender Jim Paterson from Motherwell. Paterson has worked with Sturrock before at Dundee and plays predominantly on the left. He scored 5 goals in 100 appearances for Motherwell and has come here because of the relationship he had with Sturrock when given his 'big break'.
Official Site
2) That we can all get fat by gorging on tubs of Pilgrim Passion - Apple Crumble and Clotted Cream flavoured ice cream specially made for Argyle. The ice cream will be stocked by TESCO Roborough and Transit Way branches.
Herald
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)