Promotion or the Push

There's talk that if Luggy is not given the push, he should be promoted "upstairs" to a higher role at Home Park. but I'd like to ask - to what exactly?

Luggy has not proved himself in managing this club so far on the pitch, so what exactly could he do if he went "upstairs"? It has already been very strongly rumoured that the previous board's relationship with Luggy soured the 3 previous incumbents of the managerial role (namely Williamson, Pulis and Holloway), in so far as Luggy was kept in the loop regarding all that was happening at the club and undermining the managers' position. So if Luggy was still at the club doing whatever he was doing - and it can only be to do with the players, coaching etc - what will the new manager get out of the situation?

And the Messiah does it Again

Peterborough United 1 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

How does he do it? How can he have so many lives? Many times Sturrock has come within a gnat's whisker of decapitation and he pulls off a win. So it's all alright again! Sturrock is the man to turn it around, starting with the win tonight. Let there be no more talk of sacking of the Greatest Manager who Ever Lived, for Luggy is most certainly the one to lead us to the promised land.

One problem. Everyone else won too, so there's no change in league position.

But he's safe for a few more games. Wonderful.

CORRECTION: Sheffield United got a very last minute equaliser verses Ipswich to end the match 3-3, meaning Argyle and Ipswich swap places.

Well Done Sturrock

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Nottingham Forest

For pissing all over the event and giving the 14,000 who turned up (free or otherwise) a reason to come back. For taking the shine of the launch of the World Cup bid. For equalling the worst run of defeats since 1963. A performance of woeful proportions as usual: some flair shown by some players, a missed sitter, a defensive howler causing the winning goal, 11 men wandering round looking lost for 90 minutes. Not good enough.

Bargain?

So, so far this season the crowds at Home Park have been dwindling yet we can take 2,500 to Newcastle. At the beginning of the season lower prices were announced by the board and the gates have hardly been flooded with Plymouth public stampeding to get in. Even with the introduction of Football Specials (which, have actually been well received aside from the teething problems). Though if the crowds were to increase there'd be no room, so luckily they haven't.

However, now the Great Sky Giveaway has happened and tomorrow's game verses Nottingham Forest will be screened in front of a full (ish) stadium and who knows how many at home. All because the club gave away as many FREE tickets as it could. Thus, to those in the know it follows that people are have not turned up because the ticket prices are still far too high so there will be a review of ticket prices. Again. Now there has to be some strange logic somewhere in the disorder that is the Argyle support. Because it stands to reason that if people will only come if it is free then why should they want to come no matter what price the ticket is unless it cost £0.00?

Does this only mean that people feel that the Argyle product is not worth spending anything on? Maybe there's a consolation that at least they can give it away.

I Do Believe in Sturrock

I do, I do, I do believe in Sturrock, I do, I do...

As Peter Pan managed to bring Tinkerbell back from the dead maybe the combined might of the Green Army will reanimate the genius Messiah.

4 Ingredients to Success

Have a look at Kevin Ross' pictures on Greens on Screen for the Newcastle game (Picture 36). According to Newcastle the 4 ingredients to success are:

Organisation
Spirit
Justify the Shirt
Win

Which of those 4 do Argyle possess?

When will it Go Right

Newcastle United 3 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

It's very easy to be sat behind a keyboard - sometimes anonymously - and shout the odds at Sturrock et al, but when you see it in the flesh it's not all as it seems. The long old poke ended today with a stay over in Sheffield, and because the M1 was closed a tour of some northern grounds on the way home. There is clearly something there - we are not as bad at the league table suggests though we are shit and we know we are (TM The Toon Army). Sturrock, Crudgie, Blackley et al are doing something extremely wrong when the same mistakes are happening game in game out and it hasn't improved in 2 years. Yet it is the same old story. Argyle could never the Same Old Argyle if it wasn't for the recurring flaws that blight every manager. Maybe it is the age old green is bad luck adage?

To be fair we were really expecting that much from the last three games? The glimmer of hope that Blackpool beat the Toon this week probably raised expectations beyond it being a jolly good day out. The next game is verses Forest at home in front of the cameras. This is traditionally bad omen for the Greens as a televised match usually ends in a loss.

As for Sturrock, well we are stuck with him for the duration, no amount of protest will really do any use. Luggy probably knows that he is a very lucky man to still be in charge. Derren Brown states that the combined willpower of people will result in something tangible. Now do we will the team to a win or "Sturrock out"?

That's a Long Old Poke Innit

Newcastle away today.

Pie In the Sky

Does anyone actually truly believe that Plymouth could ever become a World Cup host city? Listening to BBC Radio Devon at the insurmountable evidence stacking up against winning in as much as:
- we have crap transport links, the nearest airports that can accept 747s and motorway are an hour away?
- we have no crowds, if the league games attract 8,000 fans, what more will a low-key match attract?
- what will we do with a 40,000 seater folly in the middle of Plymouth with 8.000 people rattleing round in it? Probably much less when we get relegated
- who from Bristol and beyond would travel all the way down to Plymouth for a game when it'll be quicker to go to London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Portsmouth...?

Is it all a waste of time and just something to placate the Pilgrims supporters into believing the newbies are thinking big?

Supporters' Club Meeting

Far from calling for the head of Luggy on a silver platter, by avoiding as far as possible a potential bun fight, the metting last night attended by about 180 people took a look at some of the more finer points about PAFC.

1. The 2018 World Cup bid
The official bid launch will be at the Forest game when Sky are in attendance, apparently the FA officials were surprised that Plymouth was more than its Dockyard. The plan is for the "FanFest" to bve held on the Hoe, and PAFC to benefit from new training facilities, along with a multipurpose stadium for use by the Raiders.

All the righ noises were being made it seems, a far cry from the interview on BBC Bristol which saw the city pooh-poohed and considered out of the running against Bristol and Portsmouth.

2. Train Travel

First Great Western and PAFC hope to partner up to offer a special £3.00 Cornwall-Plymouth ticket for matches

Another excellent initiative for the support that is vital from over the boarder, now that the football specials are attempting to gather up the Green Army in the city. Perhaps they could look in the northerly and easterly directiion too?

3. Catering at Home Park

Is franchised out and thus the prices are beyond PAFC's control, however the beer tent in the grandstand is run by PAFC and have undercut Lyndley's Catering by a significant amount causing bad feeling.

Haha!

4. Season Ticket holders/Tickets

Upon reaching the Premier League might get a free one! The senior citizen age limit should be reduced from 65 to 60 and there will be a new £48 DJM team ticket which will allow entry for a whole junior football team, along with an increase in free tickets to school children from 160 to 500.

Hahahahahah, be waiting a long time for that free ticket then.

5. Players

It is hoped inthe long run that Japanses players will be brought over and that current players who dissent in the ranks deserve all they get and Luggy knows best how to deal with it.

Scathing

West Bromwich Albion 3 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Watford

Plunge to the bottom, propping up the table. Deja Vue of last season just before Luggy the Great pulled off the run of wins to placate the support. The start results of the table (2 points from 7 games) are hard to swallow in their starkness, yet the performances of the losses from the players are better than they have been for some time, but the opposition have been better. Murphy's Law is at play and it'll take something big like a win at Newcastle to break the cycle. Should Luggy go? Sturrock and the fans will have to sweat it out and see. But what's for sure is that his second tenure at the club has brought it to its knees. Sturrock has become bigger than the club itself and to be frank, there's no where he could go professionally - even if he did go 'upstairs' there's a lot of bad blood around and what he could actually do up there? For a successor no one who could realistically take over - Coppell? Tisdale? Jewell? The management of the Greens is a poison chalice, even a fire fighter who can ensure survival will be criticised (ie Pulis). It is not an attractive outlook.

The Vocal Minority

Too many people think that they know how to run PAFC better than anyone else, and unfortunately they are the ones who shout loudest.

Back at the end of last season there was a meeting for supporters about match day entertainment. Those that attended were very scathng in their views and the meeting agreed to turn the volume down,; have no music played for around ten minutes before the teams emerge, allowing fans to build atmosphere; make sure that Semper Fidelis is played in full; keep post-goal music, but to vary it; David Fitzgerald being assisted by Johnny Hore in interviewing guest players; have presentations to take place in centre-circle; teams emerging for second half to Chelsea Dagger, Great Escape, Johnny Comes Marching Home - not Semper.

Only 30 people turned up for the meeting, but their wishes were taken into account. So far, the reaction of those who claim not to have known or didn't bother to go or any other excuse (forum), (forum),(forum) has being scathing too, mainly along the lines of "what the hell were they thinking?" in spite of that's what people had been calling for for the whole of last season. Well the board listened, it failed so are now convening another meeting. No excuses this time.

Bobby Williamson

A very unfortunate man. A man who was appointed manager in April 2004 and fired in September 2005 after a poor run of results. A man who had had less chances than the present incumbent to prove himself was thrown out (he had a 34% success rate). And yet he who must not be derided(wuith a 31% success rate) is still here despite only just saving us from relegation (a job well done say some, a stroke of luck thanks to the other clubs say others) and now having only won 4 times at home since last Boxing Day. Why?

Off with his Head

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 3 Sheffield Wednesday

Another loss, this time made worse because it was at home - the once fortress Home Park, and at any other club there would be mass outrage calling for the manager's resignation forthwith or at least be on the rocky road. Yet little old Argyle is still wrestling with itself over its Messiah and revered one. Notwithstanding the better play than last season's very bad effort the results are not forthcoming and neither is there any light on the horizon in spite of all the new players thrown at the cause, it's just the kitchen sink left, yet with the same management set up nothing is going to change. Maybe we can blame this one on the referee, he made some poor decisions against the Greens. Maybe next time it'll be the biggest game and things will change.

Insanity?

Trains, Planes and Automobiles

Well not quite, there are now Argyle Football Specials trundling around Plymouth every home match, now the New World are adding a train to their initiative.

First Great Western have agreed to run an extra train back to the Duchy after the home match against Sheffield Wednesday, allowing supporters to see every kick of the game.

The train will depart from Plymouth at 5.15pm and call at Saltash, St Germans, Liskeard and Bodmin Parkway before reaching Par at 6.07pm.

Argyle chief operating officer Tony Campbell said: "We are delighted First Great Western have agreed to our request to help out our Cornish supporters.

The New World are doing a lot to improve the plight of the Green Army off the pitch, now for a change of fortunes on the field...

Missing Out

Following Argyle feels a bit like everyone else has been invited to the part without you. Whilst other teams and supporters partied in the second round of the League Cup, the Green Army were left home alone. While others have had brand new seats to sit and and toilets to do their business in, the Green Army fidget on the wooden tip ups with their knees round their ears and pee up against a black painted wall. While the winners go home happy, the Greens go home in anticipation of next time it'll be better.

In a few month's time the new 5 year plan will be announced, hopefully this'll be Argyle's party and no one else will be allowed to come.

Millwall v West Ham

The reason why football is so sanitised and you feel oppressed for being a supporter.

Your Support is Fucking Shite

Apologies for the obscenity there, maybe "f*****g" would be better, or even "flipping" would be better? What about "shite"? Is that bad? Maybe "your support is rather poor" would be better?

Maybe that's the way that football is heading these days? There has been a rumble going on since the Greens were promoted into League One [as is], that the support of the Green Army is more plastic soldiers than SAS. The days of freedom on the terraces have gone, along with the terraces. Once word out of place and you're out of the place. Stand up for more than 10 seconds and you'll be standing up in the local cop shop emptying your pockets. Moan about poor play and get shushed, cheer and get tutted at. Play a bugle, beat a drum and it'll be inserted into a rather painful place.

Football supporters are an ecclectic bunch and that, like life, makes the world go round. Get rid of everyone you don't agree with and you'll be alone, but hey that makes you a better supporter than they ever were. Someone who comes along every game, has paid money, travelled a distance and moans is not seen as a supporter. Football has always been entertainment, but now it is success lead entertainment - no sucess means no entertainment. And no entertainment means people feel agrieved and want to vent their frustrations. Catch 22, players want the crowd to do their bit, the crowd want the players (who are being paid to play from their ticket after all) to do theirs. But then again when has shouting "Have you ever seen your dick?" at a fat away supporter, encouraging your own team?

Is the changing face of football at the real root of the problems? The Thatcherism dislike of the game that got out of control because men couldn't feel the game was complete until they'd kicked at least 3 opposition supporters' heads in? Or because the police were too arrogant in their handling of games to cause the death of supporters in front of the world's cameras? Or because the clubs were more concerned about profits than their own income and let the grounds get into a deplorable state and forget those that funded them? (That last one sounds familiar.) Some of the changes have been good - why should people be fearful when watching a ball game? But can we go too far the other way? Will singing songs be banned because it will upset the away fans? Will all games be forced to end 0-0 because winning is bad and unfair?

But while supporters fight amongst themselves, we forget what we have in common.
The love of one football team.

Argyle 2018

The new board have laid the foundations for a new stadium above and beyond that of what we were spoon-fed for the last 10 years with their bid to host matched for the World Cup 2018. And with the Life Centre now given the go ahead, the stumbling block/excuse of the previous board for delaying Phase II/Redevelopment of the South Stand, has gone. Therefore, should it not really start as soon as the hoardings go up around the Mayflower Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool?

What are we to expect? A stadium with a capacity of 40,000, double that of what we have currently/with Phase II complete. Yet with the fan base we have today, who would fill it outside of the Cup matches? A pipe dream perhaps? Or real ambition? Without doubt the intention is great to increase the profile of Plymouth, not just Argyle, but the city worldwide. But let's not run before we can walk.

Shock Ending

Derby County 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Results are the only thing that matters in football and Sturrock said he was stunned and shocked at the ending of the game yesterday. it doesn't matter that Argyle played well for most of the game and managed to hold the Rams out for 89 minutes. Football lasts at least 90 minutes - most of the time even longer than that. You have to concentrate on the game for the whole time - one blink in Monopoly and the opposition have advanved to GO conquering the greens, built hotels on Mayfair and stolen £1,000 from the bank. Miscalculations and judgements result in goals - and a miss judgment by Le Keeper costs the game. And if Sturrock was shocked - what was he doing? Watching Sky Sports News perhaps thinking it was all over - it is now. The Greens are now taking up their now familiar position of holding up the league, far too early to make a real judgement on what'll happen by next year, but not too early to be worried.

It's History

History is complex. History is in the past, cannot be undone, cannot change and cannot be relived. Yet history shapes the present and the future.

Sturrock has history, Sturrock's history with Argyle has been good. He was a revered man who was at the helm at the right time to lift the club out of the duldrums. He has a good record.

Sturrock has history, Sturrock's history with Argyle has been bad. Since he returned he has been a shadow of his self and has played a very poor game and continues to.

Argyle has history. Traditionally a lower league team at the peak of its history. Good times of highs, bad times of lows.

History shapes battles. The Sturrock lamenters say 'remember his history, remember Argyle's hisory, remember he has had to rebuilt after the Holloway fiasco'.

History shapes battles. The Sturrock doubters say 'forget history, what's gone has gone, it's here and now that it counts'.

History bites. 'It's not just 4 games we've been bad, it's the whole of the last season...'

History.

Insanity

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 3 Cardiff City

Albert Einstein said the definition of Insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” And this can be applied to Argyle's modus operandi. Sticking with Sturrock and his style of play since his return is only going to result in the same old same old and here we are with the first defeat of the season due to poor football, poor defending, poor finishing.
Tell a lie - we played well in the second half, for about 20 or so minutes when we dominated and matched the Bluebirds. And we got a consolation goal! Something that was unthinkable last season.

A little tinkering with the formation of the squad, a lot of money thrown at players - and more on the horizon, and yet the gaffer doesn't know what to do with them. He even had the excuse trotted out that tonight will be a tough game (same old same old). And let's look at the suppoters' point of view that it's a new team that hasn't gelled yet (same old same old), that he needs time (same old same old), that we're just 3 games into the season plus a league game (same old same old). The serious stumbling block on the New World's vision is if there are no results on the pitch. A few steps in the right directions now. Let's hope really hard that New World is not Same Old Same Old.

The Sound of Silence

The New World have responded to the fans' pleas to turn off the music before the match so they crowd can build and atmosphere, and were met with a low murmer in response. Many supporters have been harping on for years that the music played before the match and after goals kills dead the supports' chance to get a natural atmosphere going and yet when the chance arises nothing happens. Inspite of all that New World has done the first crowd of the season was just 11,500, the Green Army less willing to show vocal support though they should not be blamed - a part from a few clubs, many crowds have fallen silent following the sanitation of football over the decades and nothing is going to change that. But at least the club have tried, shame he moaners didn't when they had the chance.

Gorkss's Gift

Plymouth Argyle 1 (Gorkss og 90) - 1 QPR (Helgusson 43)

A very very late own goal saves embarrassment again for the Greens following a very scrappy game and it wasn't even a Green shirt that scored it. QPR were the better team for the first half and were rewarded with a goal just before half time and continued with Argyle swapping formations more times than an incontinent's pants and some of Sturrock's signature strange substitutions, though he praise's the team's resolve. Well if dropping heads, miss-placed passes and having to wait for an equaliser courtesy of the opposition is resolve, then very few exciting matches are coming up. The New World has not made an impact on the pitch yet dispite all the money and players thrown at the team, and whilst they stick with the Old World, then the same old same old remains.

The Good Ship Mayflower

Not only is the Mayflower unreserved seating area cheaper than anywhere else in the ground, there is now cheaper beer on offer for the first time since Thatcher's terraces alcohol ban in the old side of the ground if you aren't a corporate customer or a member of the Far Post Club. The new "Outpost" bear tent is open for business, serving pints at a cheaper rate than the rest of the ground. Soon the old side will be the busiest in the stadium. The new board are running roughshod over the old ways and stamping their mark on the club to ingratiate themselves with the supporters. An announcement about phase 2 is due in December, hopefully with no mention of the word 'imminent'.

A Defending Team?

There's no need to look out for goals from the Argyle because Sturrock has said that we are more of a defending team. In his post match interview after the defeat at Gillingham he stated that

"We had people in our back four who want to play, rather than defend. We could have lost it in a couple of key moments on Saturday, with people trying to play in the wrong areas...

...Too many of my defenders are thinking they are footballers at this minute...

...I want my back four players to be competent in passing the ball but know that their job, first and foremost, is to not give goals away. When the other team had the ball, we were the poorest I have seen us for a long time....

...We have got to the stage where the thought processes on what we're trying to achieve at the other end means that when we lose the ball, we're not concentrating on doing the things we were good at last season"

"Yes, we are getting better at creating chances; we have created several chances over the last two games. "But, at the same time, we are not as solid as we were and we have got to add that to our game."

So whilst the chances of something happening up front are increasing, his main concentration is to not let the ball get past the back 4. And what were we good at last season? Not much, if anything. This better not be a sign of things to come.

Predicatably Pathetic Plymouth

Gillingham 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle (Summerfield)

So basically nothing's changed. We're crap. We're crap in the league cup - Sturrock has no hold over cup games and can do nothing to break the predictability of losing as soon as we're in. But more importantly on the pitch, nothing has changed in how we play - namely the wasted chances. Even when in control of the game. Where other teams like to have a pop at goal, we take the cautious route, don't bother and let the opposition score. There were good individual performances, and Summerfield managed to actually get on the score sheet, so at least there was some hope of a come back - small mercies.

Argyle were tipped to be the only team to go through tonight and that's a poison chalaice to start with, have they not learnt from the past? So once again it's off for an early shower, because frankly, who wanted it more?

Argyle's New World

The brand "New World" has been rolled out at Home Park at the start of the new season to mark the new regime's presence at the helm of the good ship Mayflower.

The dawn of New World encompasses a host of initiatives including:

- the introduction of barcoded tickets for the home turnstiles. Season Tickets and matchday tickets now come complete with a barcode that is scanned by the turnstile operator, the information is then sent to the box office to confirm the ticket's validity. Hopefully this scheme has been tested with more than 5 people attempting to enter at the same day, or we'll be seeing long queues well after kick off next week.

- a new corporate entertainment venue. Aside from the Pyramid Suite, Executive boxes, Argyle Lounge and the Chisholm lounge, the executive boxes in the East end of the grandstand have been ripped out and replaced by the new Business Club where guests can watch the game from the comfort of never having to mingle with the masses and their prawn sandwiches will be freshly delivered from Ginsters.

- matchday 'mix and mingle'. Players not included in the team can no longer sit back at the rear of the grandstand, they must turn up suited and booted and be prepared to meet the fans including informal chats and autograph signings in the superstore, giving speeches in the corporate hospitality suites and keeping the fore-mentioned business clients happy.

- the subtle rebranding of the online superstore to Argyle Direct.

- the football specials.

Some good initiatives there but let's hope they're not just putting a cherry on a turd and the new regime has a bit more substance.

And We're Off...

Crystal Palace 1 (Lee 62) - 1 Plymouth Argyle (Timar 5)

A but of a sweet and sour start to the season's campaign, and this excludes what was happening in the away changing room toilet at Loftus Road*, with a valuable point or 2 points lost. Whilst it was encouraging to see that the Greens created more chances and attacks on goal than last season, as Sturrock put it 'we sat on the lead and defended too deep'. Er, hello Paul! We did that all last season, why the heck do you think it would have changed if you're still in charge and not changed the attitude? It's up to you to direct the game as it happens - if there's too much defending then bloody well sort it out! The formation he chose worked better than last season, and he chose to play safe with his team selection - though the new 7 subs rule this season saw new keeper Letheren warm the bench alongside Johnson - and resulted in a goal by Timar after 5 minutes, and it wasn't until just after the second half kick off until the Eagles pulled it back. But still there wasn't that much to excite the eye at the dawn of the New World except to say that they didn't fall to pieces after the Palace goal and managed to keep their heads.

Return of the Football Specials

BBC Radio Devon's Green Buff, Gordon Sparks, mentioned today on his programme the return of Football Specials to Plymouth.

A network of buses will run from around the city to Home Park on matchdays, which are FREE upon production of a matchday ticket and will stop at all recognised stops along each route.

The routes are:

PA1: Wembury, Staddiscombe, Plymstock
PA2: Plympton, Laira, Mutley, Peverell
PA3: Glenholt, Derriford Hospital, Estover, Leigham, Austin Farm
PA4: Tamerton Foliot, Southway, Crownhill
PA5: Whitley, Earnesettle, West Park, Honicknowle
PA6: Saltash, St Budeaux
PA7: City Centre circular

More details available here

Timetables

What a fantastic scheme! Exactly what people have been asking for over the last few years, plus it will ease congestion and parking at Home Park and at no extra cost to supporters. However, this may pave the way for a charge to be introduced at the car park in Central Park. But for now it deserves our support.

3 Days to Go

The new campaign starts in 3 days with the away trip to Palace followed by the League Cup haul to Gillingham, and where are we?

Jason Puncheon, a well liked flair player, has gone on a year's loan to MK Dons, effectively extending his stay there from last season. Some Pilgrims fans do not agree with Sturrock's decision to get rid of an effective player from the squad. Doumbe is also near to signing for Millwall after he fell out of favour and was replaced by Barker, Walton was also trialling for the Lions at the same time.

New signing Wright-Philips is already signed for a year long loan. Judge returns from Blackburn and impressed Sturrock with his commitment last season.

It's time for the club to ramp up the publicity for the club, especially as the Palace game is already a sell out.

Geddon ya Janner

From obscurity to nationwide coverage, following the appearance of Pilgrim Pete on the BBC adverts for the Championship, Argyle are now featuring in an advert by Aviva. Green Army member, Paul Whitehouse (now there's irony really), sporting this season's short and a rather dodgy accent, talks about how he, Big Dave, Burd, Buey and Janner had spend so much money on 22 away games last season (which one did they miss?) and champions the insurance company on his drive to Newcastle speculating on what he will spend his saved money on.

If you haven't seen it yet, catch it on YouTube

Pilgrim Pete

gets a staring role in the BBC Sport adverts.

Keep an eye out for the adverts on the BBC for their football coverage to see Pilgrim Pete with his mascot friends (or enemies).

No Naked Matches

Probably a disappointment for some of the ladies, but the away kit was launched today. It appears some people got a sneak peak at what it would be when the club accidentally released a negative version of it instead of the long sleeve home shirt.



After the last few years of dabbling with tangergreen, yellow and black, Argyle have returned to the new 'traditional' green and white colour scheme and have a two smart shirts.

Preseason: Heart of Midlothian

Argyle 0 - 0 Harts

A good sign hopefully, the last few matches have seen a positive attitude towards the game, even though there was nothing to see from the 90 minutes' effort. Players have stated that there is a positivity at the club and that the mood is that finally the Greens will be going somewhere. The change of mood in the club is excellent following last season's dour negativity that permeated everything and brought such a bad outcome. The warm up games compared to last season's will hopefully see Argyle go into the season on the right footing, which should have a knock on effect with the momentum continuing. Those at the match have said that the players are working better and producing some good style. Vive la revolution!

Preseason: Unirea and Morecambe

Unirea 1 - 2 Plymouth Argyle
Morecambe 0 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

Preseason back on track with two wins and marking the end of the 'tour'. What's become most interesting to me is that supporters who watch have said that Argyle appear to be hammering out a Plan B of sorts. All through last season there was only one plan and frequently it went wrong. There was no possibility of getting out of trouble, there were very few come backs and once we conceded a goal it was a conclusion that the game was beyond reach. However there appears to have been a change and some semblance of an attempt to turn things around is emerging. Long may it continue.

Departure

The end of the month sees two departures from Argyle, namely keeper Graham Stack will have his contract terminated on 1st August, and Michael Dunford will leave from 31st July.

Stack's departure comes as a welcome relief to many as he is seen as a rotten apple who's caused dissent and rot in the heart of team spirit, whilst Dunford's departure is more natural following the take over and his tenure coming to an end. Dunford has lead from the helm for many years and has over seen a lot of good at Argyle, but is also felt to have caused stumbling blocks and in more recent years held the club back. What ever both should be wished well in their future.

Squaddies

The squad numbers for the forthcoming season have now been finalised:

1 Romain Larrieu
2 Karl Duguid
3 Jim Paterson
4 Carl Fletcher
5 Krisztian Timar
6 Chris Clark
7 Jason Puncheon
8 Jamie Mackie
9 Steve Maclean
10 Bradley Wright-Phillips
11 Kari Arnason
12 Green Army
13 Mathias Kouo- Doumbe
14 Rory Fallon
15 Chris Barker
16 David McNamee
17 Craig Noone
18 Gary Sawyer
19 Marcel Seip
20 Luke Summerfield
21 Graham Stack
24 Ashley Barnes
26 Yannick Bolasie
27 Lloyd Saxton
28 George Donnelly
29 Damien McCrory
30 Simon Walton
31 Yoann Folly
32 Joe Mason
33 Ben Gerring
34 Liam Head
35 Ryan Brett
40 Argyle Foundation

Another New Signing

Now we should never question a signing as we are desperate for all the help we can get, yet why have we signed another player and not sold any, when we are supposed to have too big a squad already? Maybe the new board have caused the old mantra of not enough money and balancing the books to be brushed aside and we can now spend with wanton abandon. Puzzling.

But anyway, Icelandic midfielder, Kari Arnason has signed on a one year deal and will take the number 11 shirt. The 26 year old has played in many countries including Sweden and Denmark as well as Iceland.

Pre-season: Livingstone

Livingstone 2 - 1 Argyle

Oh, it's getting worse an echo of last year where pre-season ended in losses that carried on to the whole of the season and league game. I hope it will not be the same again, yet news from onlookers is worrying as the Greens are regressing to the poor style of play that we saw for far too long. Has Sturrock et al not learnt anything?

Preseason: Torquay and Skelmersdale

Torquay United 3 - 3 Plymouth Argyle (Fallon, Sawyer, Summerfield)
Skelmersdale United 0 - 2 Plymouth Argyle (Fallon, Paterson)

Is there a cause for concern already for next season in what we are seeing in pre-season? The reason being that the opposition are very critical of how the Greens are playing at the moment, even if they are getting the wins. With the exception of the Torquay match, every game so far has been a win. Though you must wonder why a Championship team can only hold out for a draw against a Blue Square when Bristol Rovers (league 1) can beat then 4-1.

For the Gulls game Sturrock appears to have played his near-first XI, with a couple of exceptions (Saxton in goal again, and some half time swaps) and likewise for Skelmersdale a selection from his forst choices (with Larrieu and Wright-Philips). But even so the Skel fans are not impressed by the 'so called Championship club's' performance, though it's very interesting to see that fans' un-favourites are baggibg the pre-season goals, though possibly the 'stroll in the park' style of play could be helping.

Sturrock still has a lot of work to do on the squad, not least trying to offload those he hates to any Tom, Dick or Harry who'll come in for them with an offer of a mint polo and a cheeky smile, but so far even that hasn't happened. The markerting of disgraced players who are constantly talked down in the press, banished from games, left out of training and left behind on the tour is pathetic and quite frankly so Argyle. If other clubs have managed to offload their trash (mainly to the Pilgrims!) and to big up their fallen stars (Barton for example) then it's surely not beyond possibility.

The Scotland tour is now under way with some doubt still cast over the game verses Livingstone.

The Wright Stuff

Former Southampton striker, Bradley Wright-Philips, son of Ian Wright and half brother of Shaun Wright-Philips, has signed for Argyle. Previously playing for clubs such as Manchester City and Middlesbrough he has been described as a natural goal scorer, and scored 6 from 17 appearances for the Saints last season.

Wright-Philips has signed for 2 years after being released from Southampton and becomes the Green's second signing this summer. He describes himself as being born to score. It remains to be seen whether he will fit with Luggy's style and his talents will be allowed to flourish at Home Park.

Wright-Philips will wear the number 10 shirt.

Preseason: Truro and Parkway

Truro City 0 - 2 Plymouth Argyle (Puncheon, Barnes)
Plymouth Parkway 1 - 3 Plymouth Argyle (Mason, Rickard)

Off to a good start with wins all round. Luggy deciding to play two separate teams at Truro but with second place keeper Saxton completing the full 90 minutes (Larrieu is injured) show that Stack is well out in the wilderness banished never to return waiting to be off loaded to whoever will have him. There are reports of two trialists who are shoruded in secerecy as normal for they don't appear in any match report. One is rumoured to be Kari Anderson, just 1 lucky one who has, so far, the Luggy X Factor. But that still remains to be seen. The youth got off to a poor start on Tuesday as Parkway bagged the first goal, but the Greens then equalised by converting the penalty before taking the lead thanks to Mason and Rickard. Sturrock is pleased with what he's seen, though some supporters state that there were some poor individual performances that have not changed since last season.

That'll do for starters, the first games of the warm up campaign to blow out the cob-webs and should now set the tone for the rest. As last season's pre-season was a washout followed by a washout of a season, these testing the water games are going to be an indication of what we can expect over the year.

5 Year Deal

Fancy signing up to Argyle for 5 years?

Well if you do you can now earn up to 25% off the cost over those 5 years with the new cumulative "New World Season Ticket" incentive scheme.

How it works is thus: Purchasing a season ticket for the 2009/10 season will give you 5% discount off the 2010/11 season tickets, which then gives you 10% discount on the 2011/12 season tickets and so on for 5 years, where by 2014/15 you will get 25% off (only on green season tickets).

So Argyle have come up with a scheme to encourage return supporters, and whilst this is rewarding those who already have a season ticket (along with the other incentives they receive), and are more than likely buy again, it does little to attract the new people to buy in the first place. The only thing that will encourage them is good performances on the pitch. And whether that is forthcoming remains to be seen.

Plymouth Prices

Matchday ticket prices have seen a shake up yesterday when Argyle announced that the £2.00 surcharge for pay on the pay has been scrapped and the Mayflower Unreserved Seating prices have fallen by £7.00.

Grandstand, Devonport, Lyndhurst, Barn Park
Adult - £24
Over 65 and under 23 - £16
Under 18 - £7

Mayflower Terracing
Adult - £15
Over 65 and under 23 - £12
Under 18 - £5

Many people have bemoaned and cited ticket prices as a reason why the crowds won't turn up, now's the chance to test that theory with prices that no longer discriminate the last minute people, are on a par or lower than other clubs and include cut-price opition for those on a tighter budget.

Getting Extra Friendly

An additional game verses Tiverton Town make the full list now:

Monday 13 July. Truro City, Treyew Road
Wednesday 15 July, Torquay United, Plainmoor, 19.45
Saturday 18 July, Skelmersdale United, The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, 15.00
Sunday 19 July - Friday 24 July, Pre-season Tour, Scotland
Monday 20 July, Livingston, Almondvile
Wednesday 22 July, Unirea Urziceni
Saturday 25 July, Morecambe, Christie Park
Wednesday 29 July, Hearts, Home Park, 19.45
Saturday 1 August, Swindon Town, The County Ground, 15.00
Monday 3 August, Tiverton Town, Ladysmead,19.45

Give it some Heart

The home pre-season match will be verses SPL side, Hearts on Wednesday 29 July, 19.45.

Monday 13 July. Truro City, Treyew Road
Wednesday 15 July, Torquay United, Plainmoor, 19.45
Saturday 18 July, Skelmersdale United, The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, 15.00
Sunday 19 July - Friday 24 July, Pre-season Tour, Scotland
Monday 20 July, Livingston, Almondvile
Wednesday 22 July, Unirea Urziceni
Saturday 25 July, Morecambe, Christie Park
Wednesday 29 July, Hearts, Home Park, 19.45
Saturday 1 August, Swindon Town, The County Ground, 15.00

Took Over

Following Paul Stapleton's resignation as chairman today, Argyle have announced that Sir Roy Gardener will be his successor following him obtaining 13% of the club's shares.

The former Manchester United chairman, who left in 2005, took over the helm from Stapleton today and already has plans to aim towards top flight football and increase the budget for players, something Pilgrims fans have been longing to hear. Stapleton has stepped down to vice chairman, and he, Gardener, Dennerly, Wrathall and Todd, and Synan (who represents the 38% for K&K) will now be in charge of the Greens and marks the end of the takeover.

So far it has all been positive and with the influence of a football man, not least someone from the biggest club in the world, can hopefully only mean good for the beleaguered Argyle, now it's up to the new board to deliver on their words.

Stapleton to Stand Down

Today at 11.00am.

According to BBC Radio Devon, Stapleton is due to stand down today marking the completion of the takeover, with the new board taking over.

Keep an eye on the local news for breaking details.

More Pre-Seasoning

A couple of additions to the pre-season schedule make the full list:

Monday 13 July. Truro City, Treyew Road
Wednesday 15 July, Torquay United, Plainmoor, 19.45
Saturday 18 July, Skelmersdale United, The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, 15.00
Sunday 19 July - Friday 24 July, Pre-season Tour, Scotland
Monday 20 July, Livingston, Almondvile
Wednesday 22 July, Unirea Urziceni
Saturday 25 July, Morecambe, Christie Park
Wednesday 29 July, (opposition to be confirmed), Home Park, 19.45
Saturday 1 August, Swindon Town, The County Ground, 15.00

Late Night Reading

The Tuesday evening game verses Reading at the Madjeski Stadium on the 9th February will now kick off at 8.00pm.

Very advanced warning there!

Newsround 28/06/09

Its been so quiet that Newsround missed a week.

Season Ticket Prices

Prices for White and Pilgrim Memberships have been released:

White membership
Main ground: adults £154, over-65s and under-23s, £101, under-18s £47.
Mayflower Enclosure: adults £100, over-65s and under-23s £77, under-18s £35.

Pilgrim membership
£30

Player News

Nothing to get excited about, Sturrock's one in one out policy hasn't really gone anywhere, Stack is now 3rd choice goalkeeper, trialists are going to be sought using an X Factor format (I mean come on!!) whereby we have no trialists (now that is worrying) for preseason and Sturrock will see them all during a closed doors game, and Romain Larrieu is now club captain so congratulations to him.

Takeover News

Phil Gill resigned (which I somehow pre-emptively managed to report 2 weeks ago), making Kagami the majority shareholder.

Match News

The Boxing Day match at Cardiff's new ground has been changed to a 13.00 kick off. So the Heddlu can have an early night.

Kit News

The new home kit is now available in Argyle merchandise stockists. Still no sign of the away kit, so we shall probably be playing in skins. And come on what the hell is the hold up? Other clubs have had their kit on sale for weeks before the end of the season, by the looks of it the away kit will not be on sale to week after the start of the next.

A Bonnie Wee Game...

'gain' SPL side, Livingston on Monday 20 July at Almondvile and Romanian Champions, Unirea Urziceni on Wednesday 22 July (venue to be decided) is the line up for the pre-season tour to Scotland.

This is presuming the Livingston exist by the end of July.

Negativity

It festers and it has festered so long it's the norm. Therefore Luggy's comments regarding the League Cup draw at Gillingham come as no surprise. Apparently it's a tough tie, because of the 506 mile trip, although there is a hint at positivity as the promises the Greens will be professional and go to get a result. However, it does once again seem that by calling it a tough draw is once again an excuse for if the Pilgrims should lose.

Fixtures 2009/10

Today saw the release of the fixtures for next season and for once they are surprisingly kind to Argyle! They include:

We kick off the season away at Palace on 8 August and finish it at home with Peterbrough United on 2 May. The popular Blackpool away fixture will be in October.

Away games to Newcastle and Middlesbrough are on Saturday 19 September and 31 October respectively though we have to wait till April for the return fixtures for both. Over Christmas the Green play Cardiff away on Boxing day, again with no New Years Day match due to the FA Cup, rather kicking off the New Year at QPR on the 9th January.

The 5 away Tuesday matches are Peterborough United (September), Bristol City (October), Swansea (December) and Reading (February), Ipswich Town (March), which is not too bad considering, with just two long haul journeys.

Fixtures from The Herald

And the honour of beating Argyle goes to...

...Gillingham.

Argyle have drawn Gillingham away in the 1st round of the League cup to be played in the second week of the season. Last year the Pilgrims were beaten by (now non-league) Luton Town, which is no surprise really as Argyle traditionally don't do well in the Cup matches (except for the spell under Holloway when they progressed to round 3 drawing West Ham).

This is Argyle's history in the League Cup when they've got beyond the first round. It doesn't make happy reading:

League Cup - Semi Final
Season	Date	Match
1973	30 Jan 1974	Man City	2-0	Plymouth Argyle
1973	23 Jan 1974	Plymouth Argyle	1-1	Man City
1964	10 Feb 1965	Plymouth Argyle	0-1	Leicester City
1964	20 Jan 1965	Leicester City	3-2	Plymouth Argyle
League Cup - Round 5
Season	Date	Match
1973	19 Dec 1973	Birmingham	1-2	Plymouth Argyle
1964	25 Nov 1964	Plymouth Argyle	1-0	Northampton
League Cup - Round 4
Season	Date	Match
1973	20 Nov 1973	Q.P.R	0-3	Plymouth Argyle
1964	11 Nov 1964	Plymouth Argyle	3-1	Stoke City
1964	4 Nov 1964	Stoke City	1-1	Plymouth Argyle
1960	6 Feb 1961	Plymouth Argyle	3-5	Aston Villa
1960	19 Dec 1960	Plymouth Argyle	0-0	Aston Villa
1960	13 Dec 1960	Aston Villa	3-3	Plymouth Argyle
League Cup - Round 3
Season	Date	Match
2007	26 Sep 2007	West Ham	1-0	Plymouth Argyle
1992	11 Nov 1992	Scarborough	2-1	Plymouth Argyle
1992	27 Oct 1992	Plymouth Argyle	3-3	Scarborough
1990	31 Oct 1990	Plymouth Argyle	1-2	Notts Forest
1979	2 Oct 1979	Wimbledon	1-0	Plymouth Argyle
1979	25 Sep 1979	Plymouth Argyle	0-0	Wimbledon
1973	30 Oct 1973	Burnley	1-2	Plymouth Argyle
1964	14 Oct 1964	Bury	0-1	Plymouth Argyle
1960	16 Nov 1960	Plymouth Argyle	3-1	Birmingham
1960	14 Nov 1960	Birmingham	0-0	Plymouth Argyle

The full draw:

Accrington Stanley v Walsall
Huddersfield Town v Stockport County
Rotherham United v Derby County
Tranmere Rovers v Grimsby Town
Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale
Bury v West Bromwich Albion
Notts County v Doncaster Rovers
Lincoln City v Barnsley
Scunthorpe United v Chesterfield
Coventry City v Hartlepool United
Darlington v Leeds United
Preston North End v Morecambe
Crewe Alexandra v Blackpool
Carlisle United v Oldham Athletic
Nottingham Forest v Bradford City
Macclesfield Town v Leicester City
Sheffield United v Port Vale
Cardiff City v Dagenham & Redbridge
Wycombe Wanderers v Peterborough United
Southampton v Northampton Town
Barnet v Watford
Hereford United v Charlton Athletic
Bristol Rovers v Aldershot Town
Millwall v AFC Bournemouth
Gillingham v Plymouth Argyle
Colchester United v Leyton Orient
Reading v Burton Albion
Exeter City v Queens Park Rangers
Cheltenham Town v Southend United
Brentford v Bristol City
Yeovil Town v Norwich City
Crystal Palace v Torquay United
Milton Keynes Dons v Swindon Town
Swansea City v Brighton & Hove Albion
Shrewsbury Town v Ipswich Town

3 Prong Attack

Argyle chairman, Stapleton has set out his threefold plan for the Greens and the way forward on the day that the news on the takeover was that there was no news. His aims are:

To resolve the proposed takeover of the club by director Yasuaki Kagami as soon as possible.

To ensure the Pilgrims are run on a profitable basis.

To set medium to long-term goals for the Home Park club to try to achieve

So...

1. To resolve the takeover.

This has dragged on and dragged on with no look of ending with little twists and turns such as the American interest, the savioured fan rep on the board, those in the know by some fluke sticking their feathered tails up at the proletariat, but nothing happening. Apparently a board member, Phill Gill, as resigned and sold his shares Yasuaki Kagami making Shoanan Management Company making them the largest stakeholder. This apparently is meant to lead other members selling their shares to that Kagami then holds 51% of the company, meaning that he can then take over. There is no doubt that Shoanan are involved in PAFC Ltd as they hold a number of shares, so what is going on that is holding things back. Stapleton mentioned back that he was desperate to ensure the club's integrity after the takeover. This leads to the question of what exactly is Kagami, who is not known as a football fan but a property developer, planning for the Pilgrims?

2. To ensure the Pilgrims are run on a profitable basis.

Should not be too difficult for am accountant, he's always said we're in a good situation and yet sometimes the mask falls. Last season the Greens made a loss and the perennial 'not big enough gates' is chanted after every match (it's mentioned in the article - have a look!). The waste of money by Sturrock last year coupled with the regular sell off of the family silver shows a different story. Sturrock's one out one in attitude to this summer's transfers and the desire for the takeover starkly shows that there is no money left.

3. To set medium to long-term goals for the Home Park club to try to achieve.

Another 5 point plan? Just 'survival is a big achievement' for the foreseeable future? Let's face it the Premier League is not going to be achievable by Argyle, and the club won't want to set the stakes that high - they haven't in 100 odd years, even when "if we're there, we'll go for it". So why would they now? So what is a medium/long-term goal that is achievable?
Answers on a post card please.

To be frank, it's not really anything exciting either. Number 1 is an immediate concern that has to be dealt with, number 2 has been going on since Stapleton and co too over, and number 3 is just paying lip service to the supporters.

Newsround 14/06/09

As there's bugger all exciting happening, here's a few titbits from last week.

The Takeover

"Days away" is the new "imminent" as the takeover is week on week just 'days away',]although this week is has now become elusive but Stapleton is not worried but confident that there is no problems of 'relationships' causing tensions and delays. Last week it was learnt that Americans have been connected with K&K's interest. These things do take time to complete properly - we don't want to be going off half cocked do we? - but it ain't half frustrating that it's not done and dusted so the 'rebuilding' of the team can take place.

Team News

Homegrown Luke Summerfield has extended his stay at Home Park. Summers is a love-hate player who divides opinion because of his standard of play and his ability to be picked above other players when he's going badly.

On a brighter note, after a year of trying, Sturrock finally got his man by signing Carl Fletcher permanently to become the Pilgrim's first signing of the summer. Fletcher is more favoured among the Green Army and the signing has been the high point so far.

And in the rumours, ex player, Graham Coughlan could be returning to Home Park to take up a coaching role. Cocko was a well liked and respected player during his time for the Greens but does he have the necessary to coach a Championship team?

We Built this FC on Loan Players

Hurrah! Luggy's going to try and go wild in the aisles of the loan mart, though he's cautious that loanees will be in high demands because of the economic climate.

Luggy's been in contact with 5-6 Premier managers with a view to talking to 20 agents for loan players for next season and thus has his "finger on the pulse" to target the players he wants.

So are we to actually possess any proper players next season, or are we going to be transient with loanees coming and going, propping up the team? In one way, given Sturrock's poor choices for permanent deadwood last season a turn over of players would be good - bring 'em in, if they don't cut the mustard send 'em back. And his loanees performed the better job last season to keep the greens up. But is it really a viable plan?

Pre Season

Confirmed pre-season matches:

Monday 13 July. Truro City, Treyew Road
Wednesday 15 July, Torquay United, Plainmoor, 19.45
Saturday 18 July, Skelmersdale United, The Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium, 15.00
Sunday 19 July - Friday 24 July, Pre-season Tour, Scotland
Saturday 25 July, Morecambe, Christie Park

Black and Grey Barmy Army

The new Argyle leisure wear is now available at the new look Argyle Centre Spot. And Plymouth Argyle seem to now be paying homage to newly relegated Newcastle United. Everything's gone black and grey.

Now traditionally Argyle's colours have been Green and Black, then white joined in and more recently gold, yellow and orange have crept in. So in some ways we're going back to basics, however, where is the green? Argyle are just one of 2 English league clubs who play mainly in green, but you would not have thought that by looking at the leisure range. Adidas's new kits for us have been off the peg and so is their leisurewear, so whilst they can be applauded in some way of rejecting pink, luminous yellow, orange, brown, red, azure (though, we haven't seen the away kit yet!), this may just be taking things one step too far.

Les Rosbifs

Blog, Les Rosbifs*, following the fortunes of English players when the go abroad have a very interesting interview with ex Argyle and Torquay player, Sam Malsom.

I recommend Les Rosbifs, to readers of TBAP who are interested in what English players who have moved abroad are doing, and shall add it to my recommended blogs.

*"Les Rosbifs" literally translated is French for "The Roast Beefs", a term used like "Jocks" and "Taffs" to mean the English.

Championship new-boys: Peterborough United

In my last post I had a look at Leicester City, who I think should be able to survive in the Championship without too much difficulty. The Posh represent a different kettle of fish all together and predicting where they’ll end up next season is much harder.

They played some neat football in League One last season and as long as they hold on to Darren Ferguson as boss that should continue next year. Irish owner Darragh MacAnthony is certainly willing to splash his considerable cash around. Since he has taken over at the London Road Stadium about £2million has been invested into the squad and they paid around the £500,000 mark for goalkeeper Joe Lewis and a similar fee for defender Gabriel Zakuani.

There is no doubt they need to spend a bit of money in the summer but I don’t think they need to make massive changes to their side. Peterborough will have looked at the way teams like Doncaster have come up and survived this season. It will be a big task for a club that size to compete in the Championship but they’ve got a good manager and owner so the set up is there to succeed.

They will be relegation candidates with the bookmakers, that’s a certainty, but I would argue they have a decent chance of survival. For the Posh keeping hold of Ferguson will be crucial and he is fast becoming one of the most sought after managers in the lower leagues, with QPR among the clubs said to be keen.

Personally I reckon Ferguson will stay and try and establish them in the Championship, but it seems a good Championship bet that he’ll need more funding from MacAnthony if he is to achieve that.

Comings and Goings

With Burnley winning 1-0 against Sheffield United, `w welcome the following clubs into the Championship:

Middlesbrough (relegated from PL)
Newcastle United (relegated from PL)
West Bromwich Albion (relegated from PL)
Leicester United (promoted from L1)
Peterborough United (promoted from L1)
Scunthorpe (promoted from L1 via play offs)

Whilst saying goodbye to:

Wolverhampton Wanderers (promoted to PL)
Birmingham City (promoted to PL)
Burnley (promoted to PL via play offs)
Norwich (relegated to L1)
Southampton (relegated to L1)
Charlton Athletic (relegated to L1)

The games against likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough will get janners creaming their pants, else it's going to be yet another tough season.

Good Luck Sturrock

The summer shenanigans have started at Home Park.

First off it appears that Gallagher will not be returning as he's now too expensive for Argyle, fan favourite, Timar has been told to shove off and fan non-favourite Summerfield is likely to be kept on.

No one really knows the workings of Sturrock's mind, Timar has been out of favour since his head injury and if he's never to figure again just as well he gets shot along with the changing room cleaners like Mpenza. It was never likely that Gallagher would be staying as money would always be the problem, and Summerfield ... well I don't think we'll go down that road apart from saying that he has a lot of potential. This all assuming someone wants Sturrock's rejects.

Well good luck Sturrock, you can't really do much worse than last year's transfers can you? Can you???!

We're all going on a Summer Holiday

Several short bits of news at the start of the summer hols:

Cash in the Attic
Mr Sturrock appears to be having trouble finding cash in the attic after sweeping up the dregs of the squad for the local car boot sale, whilst he's decided to keep just 3 apprentices, the fax machine appears to not work for his big boys.
Do people still fax these days or can someone give Luggy a computer/texting lesson please?

Go North!
This year's pre-season tour, rumoured as far back as January, will be in Luggy's native homeland, Scotland (surprise, surprise!). With a match in Skelmersdale on the way up.
I wonder if there will be tartan preseason kilts in the shop soon?

Testing, testing, 1, 2
What are your views on the PA system and pre-match/half time entertainment at Home Park? There will be a meeting on Wednesday 3 June at 18.30 in the Pyramid Suite for fans to discuss all aspects of the off pitch entertainment for next season.
They listened with the stewarding and Blocks 17/18, so this is very good.

Some good news, some worrying news and some no new news so far. Of course the big one we're waiting on is the Japanese take over which is tantalising being drip fed through the Herald as being near.

Championship new-boys: Leicester City

It has been a little while since my last post on To be a Pilgrim and I thought I’d start my first post of the off-season with a little look at the teams who will be new to the Championship. First up then is Leicester City who after just one season in League One have made their way back into the Championship and won the league in some style.

I’m not expecting wholesale changes for the Foxes to be honest. They paid their squad Championship wages in League One in an effort to get them straight back up and it worked. They’ve got some decent players there already, Matt Fryatt in particular has been amazing this season and owner Milan Mandaric is keen to keep hold of the striker. I’m not convinced Fryatt will have the same impact in the Championship (well I’m sure he won’t) but he is still a quality goal-scorer and he should keep that up in a higher division.

Mandaric claims he wants to take them into the Premier League so they probably will delve into the transfer market a bit, though as I said I expect the spine of the team to remain essentially the same. I rate Nigel Pearson as a manager and whenever I’ve watched Leicester this season they’ve played some nice stuff, though his record in the Championship with Southampton wasn’t great even though he didn’t last very long there.

Personally I’m expecting Leicester to start the season well, as many promoted sides do, but I can’t see them challenging for promotion next season. I doubt they’ll be relegation candidates either though and a mid-table finish seems like a good Championship bet for their first season back in the league. I’ll be looking at Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough next time, who unlike Leicester will probably have to build their squad to cope with the Championship.

I’m a big fan of the new Argyle home kit as well, looks pretty good but I’m not so sure about the keeper’s jersey – though to be honest who buys the keeper’s strip anyway?

End of Season Report

CONFIDENTIAL

Name:
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Ltd

Age:
123 years old

Year:
2008/09

Headteacher's comments:
Must try harder, needs more action less talk

Teacher's comments:
A poor start to the year in the test matches of August led to a continued below average performance through to September when the pupil was in the bottom three of the class. Plymouth showed some excellent work during September and November when he turned around his attitude and results to sore to near above average, however he was unable to sustain this success, slipping back to his usual slow ways. Another flurry was shown around New Year when Plymouth was chosen to work with the top set and showed good resilience in their playground, however this treat did little to boost his moral. Aside from a few very good performances, Plymouth worked below his potential for most of the year and only just avoided being kept back a year. Plymouth has also experienced a higher than usual number of injuries this year, seriously affecting his work rate.

There has been concern with Plymouth's out of school circumstances, in particular his parent's financial situation and parental supervision. Additionally, Plymouth had failed to make many permanent friends from other classes and could only manage friendships that lasted a few months at a time.

Recommended action:
Before next year, Plymouth needs to work hard on his key skills, including his enthusiasm, team work and confidence. He needs a positive attitude. It is hoped that there will be help with is financial situation, and also his ability to make friends. Extra training, possibly in Scotland, would be beneficial.

General comments:
Plymouth has shown a lot of concern over recent years but has managed to do just the right amount of work to get by, the increasing pressure may eventually prove too much. Needs close monitoring.

A Fitting End

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Barnsley

Well doesn't that just sum up the whole season? A huge pile of shite.

A no pressure game that saw no pressure to succeed. We're safe, who cares? From play off to just scraping relegation in 21st position in a successful season for the Greens.

Nothing but pride to play for today, but even that wasn't worth our players getting out of bed today, most of whom will go back home tomorrow, leaving us with the rejects and Sturrock to continue to guide the new look ship Argyle onto the rocks. This was a perfect chance to prove all doubters wrong, and yet instead of go out with a fanfare, a mild passing of wind ensued instead. Lucky it didn't go down to an end of season nailbiter isn't it? To snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the 11th home defeat of the season.

Can you tell I can't actually be bothered to even get upset? I wonder why that is?

Kit Unveiled

Argyle unveiled their new home kit for next season today following the new deal with Adidas as manufacturer.

The predominantly green with the trademark 3 white stripes down each arm, is joined by 2 white sweeps across the right breast and side and a left white sleeve (this is not going to make Cosmo), whilst the goalkeeper's kit is pale blue. Both kits feature the new look club crest which is now backed by a circle containing the name of the club and a large sponsor's logo across the chest.

Adidas is under contract to provide a new home kit every season and a new away kit every other season (so reversing the current trend) for four seasons.

The new kit is available for pre-order and will be available to buy from outlets over the summer. The away kit has not yet been launched.

The Season's not even over yet...

...and the excuses for next season are already being wheeled out and hosed off.

I mean for crying out loud, when the managed states that we "won't be top three next season", backed by the chairman saying "I think next season will be just as hard", it hardly fills you with confidence or enthusiasm does it? Who else by little old parochial Argyle, the backward club of the Championship, would come out and say 'you think this was tough, then wait till next year, by the way, give us your money we have lots of season tickets/match tickets/merchandise for you to snap up'.

There's a big difference between being open and communicative and being utterly transparent to the point of cutting of your nose to spite your face. What would be wrong with 'we've had a bad season, we'll do our hardest next to not have a repeat'? Unless of course they're not going to try because the lack of money/bad gates/economy have been lined up to protect their backs? Whose fault is it that there is a lack of money and bad gates? If you publicly sell crap then you're in the shit, whereas if you sell crap but tell no one it's crap you'll get away with it (who was that guy who had a huge business but admitted his goods were crap and within a few weeks was bankrupt?).

I despair a lot of the times.