Nu-Home Park

Yesterday the Herald revealed the masterplan for Home Park. The Life Centre is already progressing, but the application for further development includes the completion of Home Park to its 40,000+ capacity, a new arena/ice rink to replace the Pavilions on the football field, a cinema on the council's Parks Services depot, various blocks of student accommodation, a 3 star hotel and retail units on the car park.

In my opinion the majority of that is not required. Certainly there should be no need for further student accommodation, and certainly not within the area of Central Park. The retail centre is unnecessary too as there are several supermarkets nearby and the place is unsuitable for a retail park with such generic names as PC World and DFS. Besides, there's be no car parking left. And the Vue Cinema in Coxside has already closed the Odeon and threatened Reel in the city centre.

So of the development, I only agree with the finishing of Home Park (though not to the capacity proposed), the hotel - likely to be a Travelodge type establishment - and the arena/ice rink. This too could easily be accommodated within the new South Stand development. Although I do disagree that the development itself (ie the buildings, not the usage) would cause undue harm to Central Park as it is all proposed to be contained within areas that are already developed, except for the football field.

All in all it's a pipe dream for the World Cup bid. It may happen, but it's probably gone in slightly the wrong direction on the way.

There's a great website at http://build2.jensenmeyer.com/ with pdf plans to download and peruse for more in depth detail.

Tottenham Hotsparrett

Argyle have been raiding the Spurs player bank again. Following the signing of keeper Button, 18 year old Dean Parrett has signed on loan till the end of the season. Parrett has played 4 times for Aldershot and England as an attacking midfielder. He comes commended from Redknapp and supporters forums.

Groundhog Day

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Notts County

League Cup round 1 - out for 1. The prerequisite of supporting the Greens is to never expect anything from cup games, and even new manager Reid could not change the deeply entrenched tradition as Argyle fall in a poor performance that saw 1 attempt on goal and a defeat. Still, time to concentrate on the league(!)

Green Army marching back up

There is a lot of pressure on a club that drops down in to League One. Instantly the club has the pressure of being one of the favourites so other teams see you as one of their biggest games of the year and up their performance accordingly. After a poor season last time round, Plymouth are looking to bring success back to Home Park.

New manager Peter Reid has made a good start to the season, winning 1-0 at fellow promotion seekers, Southampton. Indeed, Southampton are one of the Betfair Football tips to top the league. An opening day win at against one of the favourites for the title will have given the Pilgrims a massive confidence boost for the long season ahead.

Peter Reid still has a lot of work to do to trim Argyle's enormous squad which he inherited from the Paul Sturrock era. There has been some movement on this front, but they need to get rid of four or five more players. The current squad has in the region of 28 players on the books which is far too many for this league.

There is, however, some good news on the player front for the Green Army. Marcel Seip is back at the club after falling out with Sturrock last year, which resulted in the Dutch defender going out on loan to Blackpool and Sheffield United. Hopefully Reid will be able to convince Seip to stay at Argyle this season, he would be one of the best defenders in this league.

Plymouth have taken a punt on Northern Ireland striker Rory Patterson. The 26-year-old has a prolific record in Ireland and could prove to be a nice bit of business by Argyle. Previously in England, Patterson played for FC United of Manchester in the lower leagues and scored over 100 goals in his 120 odd appearances. Another bonus for Plymouth is the emergence of some talented youth players coming through. The most exciting prospect is perhaps Joe Mason. The 19-year-old put in some promising performances last season and scored three goals for his boyhood club.

Plymouth have a squad more than capable of scoring in this league, Bradley Wright Phillips, Steve MacLean and Rory Fallon will be confident of bagging a few after poor seasons last year. Plymouth will face a tough battle to get out of this league and Leeds showed how easy it was to get stuck for a few years. The Leeds United betting made them favourites to go up for a number of seasons, but it took them quite some time to drag themselves up.

Along with fellow relegated sides Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough, Argyle will also face competition from Southampton, Charlton and new threat Brighton. Despite the competition, this season will be Argyle's best chance of getting back into the Championship.

The Sun

Due to Southampton's policy of only allowing game photos from their official source, The Sun newspaper has decided in protest to expunge the name Southampton, except for copyrighted league tables and fixtures, in favour of "South Coast Team". I think that's hilarious, though I think they missed a trick. Portsmouth B Team anyone?

We Were Top O'The League

Southampton 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

I would never have taken a bet to say that Argyle were going to win their first game of the season, even at half time following a woeful 45 minute 'performance'. But Reid must have put something, maybe a rocket, up the players' arses at half time as the second half was much improved with Summerfield netting the one and only goal of the game. Though the players were panicking with around 15 minutes to goal and Button pulling of some good saves to give the Green the first 3 points of the whole season.

Not a season winning performance but a buoyant and great start to the campaign.

In Safe Hands

Sky Sports News today reported that Argyle have signed Spurs 'keeper David Button on a year long loan. Button, who is a home grown Spurs player has been on loan at several clubs gaining experience and joins solitary Larrieu between the sticks. Argyle are also looking at keeper Colin Doyle to join the squad.

Pre Season 4

Hereford United 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
QPR 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
Saltash 0 - 8 Plymouth Argyle

Well that's another exciting pre season over and done with, with less than a week before the start of the season proper, and was it worth it? You can now add Bolaise to the list of players injured on the campaign, Mackie to the list of explayers who have scored against us, and Hereford to the list of twats for attacking a PAFC coach after the game.

We've had 'will he won't he?' with the possible return of Capaldi, the release of several players including Baker, Walton injured which stops any dealings with him, a couple of trialists Molyneux (who should by rights play for Wolves) and Zubar impressing Reid along with keeper Colin Doyle, the signing of Peterlin and the 'man who said he was interest in playing for Argyle one day' James going to Bristol City. Amongst other things.

So it's now time for the league proper with the first game at St Mary's on Saturday live on Sky, so a 12.15pm kick off, that could see Argyle either top or bottom of the league. For a few hours.

Come on Down

Argyle fans have a chance to quiz manager, Peter Reid, on Thursday 5th August when a forum is being held at Home Park. The free event starts at 6.30 for 7pm.

Bye bye Trohpy

Argyle have received a bye into the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The first round draw will take place on 15 August, whilst the following clubs will wait will the second draw:

Northern Section
Bradford City
Burton Albion
Bury
Carlisle United
Crewe Alexandra
Huddersfield Town
Peterborough United
Stockport County

Southern Section
Barnet
Bristol Rovers
Cheltenham Town
Colchester United
Hereford United
Milton Keynes Dons
Plymouth Argyle
Wycombe Wanderers

It certainly makes a change not to be out in the first round of a cup as is tradition.

Pre Season 3

SC Cambuur 3 - 3 Plymouth Argyle
AZ Alkmaar 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

So the Dutch tour is going well, with a win, a narrow defeat and a draw with good performances against good opposition, though the injuries are stacking up. The week long tour of the Netherlands has now finished, with Saltash and QPR fixtures remaining before the season kick off in a few weeks.

Pre Season 2

Torquay United 3 - 1 Plymouth Argyle
NAC Breda 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Can't really get excited about the season, let alone pre season at the moment so the news of a dicking verses Torquay warranted only a slight 'oh really'? It has become traditional to play Torquay pre season and traditional to lose. So god know's who thinks the Greens may actually win against Exeter.
Simon Walton however suffered a cruciate ligament injury that will probably ensure that not only can he not play, no bugger'll want to buy or loan him either.

Barking Mad

Chris Barker has effectively been shown the door of Home Park after his exclusion from the squad's tour of the Netherlands. Barker didn't have the best start to the season when he was injured for many months but has been a consistent stalwart of the team in defence since his return to make 54 appearances. Why get rid of a player who has been one of the better over a poor season?

On the flip side, Tony Capaldi is making his return to the Green line up after his spell at Cardiff City (where he was on loan to Leeds) to come straight into the tour squad.

Kit Verdict

The new home strip has featured in Yahoo!'s top 10 worst kits of the new season. Just this season's?

Pre Season 1

Truro City 0 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

The hectic pre season schedule has kicked off with a win against Truro in front of a 1,700 strong crowd with Bolasie and MacLean netting the ball. The team will travel to Torquay on the 13th before staring their tour in World Cup runner up country, The Netherlands. When they return there will be two further away games before the start of the season proper.

July 10 3pm Truro City Treyew Road
July 13 7.45pm Torquay United Plainmoor
July 17 2.30pm NAC Breda Sint Willebrord
July 21 7pm AZ Alkmaar Anna Paulowna
July 22 7pm SC Cambuur Franeker
July 28 7.45pm Hereford United Edgar Street
August 2 7.45pm Saltash United Kimberley Stadium

Kitted Out

The long awaited kit for 2010/11 has been launched by Argyle and Adidas, and is an homage to the original green and black striped livery of yesteryear. Not too keen on the shoulder pads though.

Kit Off

Two days left until the unveiling of the new kit for the new season, with three possible on the club website.

1. Return of black stripes?
2. Corporate colours black and gold (Wolves?)
3. This one looks very familiar, but with the new badge

He is (not) from Barcelona

"I speak English good, I learn it from a boooook."

Not Andrew Sachs, but Laurent Manuel, who according to Sky Sports News last night has joined Plymouth on a year long deal. However, other sources such as the official website have either not caught up yet or it's not true.

More transfer news recently includes Ashley Barnes to Brighton, Simon Walton to Sheffield United (also described as 'his last chance'), and the possible disappearance of Alan Gow. Not forgetting Sturrock to Southend; although they've managed to cancel three of their pre-season matches since he joined. And finally Duguid and Bolaise have signed extensions to their contracts.

So things are starting to move at Home Park as Argyle's pre-season kicks off this Saturday at Truro. Reid has stated the proverbial 'clean slate' for all the players. It remains to see who blots it first.

Reiding Between the Lines

After weeks of speculation and silence, Peter Reid has been appointed Argyle manager this week. Reid has been handed the helmsmanship and will be leaving his assistant manager role with ex manager, Tony Pulis, at Stoke who has given his full commendation for the man.

Reid began his managerial career at Manchester City before moving to Sunderland after his dismissal (with a year back as a player with Southamption). He was let go by Black Cats after 8 years, when he joined Leeds from where he has since managed Coventry and Thailand before becoming Pulis' right hand man. This leaves a question mark still over the heads of Mariner and Carver, though as Reid doesn't appear to have his own yes men, they may be kept on.

So now, just a few weeks before pre-season, which is very limited this year due to the pitch - the big profile home game has already been cancelled - and only Truro and Saltash, as well as the Netherlands games, have been announced. Reid has a lot to do over the next few weeks to turn anything around.

All Fixed

The League fixtures have now been released for next season.

Kicking off away at Southampton on 7 August, with the final away game being Exeter 30 April.
We are away over Christmas to Orient on the 18th and Bournemouth on Boxing Day, with Exeter home on the 11th, Notts County on the 28th and Yeovil on the 1st January. Whilst over Easter we play host to MK Dons on Bank Holiday Monday.
The longest away trips to Carlisle and Hartlepool are on Saturday 2 April and Saturday 2 October, while they make the trip on Saturday 14th August.
There is a distinct lack of Tuesday night away trips, which is a bonus, including just Swindon on 28 September and Yeovil on 1 February.

All in all not a bad list, certainly the lack of midweek away games plays in Argyle's favour especially for fans.

Vuvuzelas

Coming to a ground near you soon?

With the overwhelming popularity of the vuvuzela in South Africa, but derided on TV by those still at home, the instrument is selling like hot cakes back in the UK. The FL and PL state that there is nothing to stop fans bringing them into British stadia and expect them to be appearing soon.

The controversial instrument has divided fans during the World Cup, and looks set to do the same come the new season. As much as drums, flags, face paints and singing divide fans at Argyle, could the horns be making regular appearances at Argyle matches come August? I hope not, but then Argyle fans cannot keep any atmosphere going for more than 5 minutes without a moan. On the other hand all the hot air could be put to use for once. Personally I hate them, they're not even a good score in Scrabble. Except on a triple word score.

Fixing the Dates

The dates for various fixtures of the new season will start to be released soon.

First off the line is the 1st Round of the League Cup, verses Notts County at home week beginning 9th August (assuming the pitch is ready). Usually Argyle do crap in the League Cup, and considering for the past few years there's been a bye into the next round which we;ve then dropped out of, going back to the start does bode any better.

Tomorrow will see the release of the League fixtures, which starts on 7th August.

The pre-season timetable will hopefully come out very very soon! Except for the already known about Truro away on 10th July.

But the Johnstone Paint Trophy will not be drawn until August.

Friendless

Argyle will not be releasing any details of friendlies (except those that have slipped out via other sources) until a new manager is appointed. So, possibly no pre-season this year then?

Big Brother

is always watching you, but as the World Cup has now kicked off (along with some social experiment involving 14 people and an Orwellian controller), fewer people will be watching the goings on, or rather lack of them, at Home Park. A bit more breathing space for the New World board. Until England get out.

One Step Out of Time

Plymouth is the end of the world and things happen slower here than everywhere else, apparently. No wonder the new kit virtually gets made the day of pre season. So it's no wonder that Peterborough got their manager soon after season's end, and Argyle are still groping around. None the less, they may be getting rid of the ones they have, with Carver linked to return back to Newcastle. Carver was appointed to assist Head Coach Mariner when he 'took over' from Sturrock following his 'promotion to the back room', on contract till 2012 as he was tempted to leave to go to Burnley. So, with no apparent manager on the horizon, Mariner still in limbo land, a goalkeeper who coaches himself, and a chief scout who has not been mentioned in the signing of Patterson, the Greens are set to let go one of the very few management staff at the club. Maybe it's saving money.

Ooh Ahh Just a Little Bit

In the absence of a manager, there has been a new signing, Northern Irish international Rory Patterson. The 25 year old has been described as a prolific striker in NI's Premier League, notable Coleraine last season, bagging 41 goals. Head Coach Mariner has praised his net finding abilities and signed him on a two year deal, joining N'Gala who signed in May. But players are only going to be as good as the team and support around them - what does that consist of at the moment?

It's good that Argyle are still able to carry on doing little bits, but there has been (as usual) a serious lack of shipping out and buying in, mainly hampered by the vacant post at the head of the team. Pre-season, this time with a tour to The Netherlands is fast approaching in a months time, and the deadline of two weeks even quicker. Does anyone want the poison chalice?

No Hopers, Jokers or Rogues

So Argyle have adopted the Fishermen's Friends' song No Hopers, Jokers or Rogues as 'offical club song'. Well there could not really be a more apt song for the incumbents of Home Park's board, management and players really.

Sliding Doors

Every one has a Sliding Doors moment or two (or more!) in their lives, that's why Red Dwarf said we had parallel universes, but anyway the history of Argyle is characterised by so many Sliding Doors moment that that Tube train will probably break down at the next stop signal.
So many what ifs? over the Championship season.
What if Holloway had stayed?
What if Stapleton has gone for it?
What if Sturrock never came back?
What if Pulis never left?
What if Williamson wasn't sacked?
What if player a b c d e f g h i j k never got sold?
What if they never bought the ground?
What if there weren't as many what ifs?

Always the Bridesmaid

So Holloway has achieved his dream to manage in the Premier League, and with tinpot Blackpool too, a team with half a stadium and (until recently) crowds and money less than Argyle. There are still jilted lovers in the Green Army who call for the man's head on a silver platter for the way he treated the club; if he had stayed it could have been us. But he didn't. Whose ambition didn't match whose? Who (eventually) went up and who (eventually) went down? It took time, but the truthsayer's predictions came true and the family silver is still being sold off (though Ollie can take the blame for Buszacky, and did he really try that hard to stop it happening?). So the bridesmaid is now the bride who must be as chuffed as a badger in the mating season.

Dusty Bin

It's the sale of the century - own your own piece of the old cow field for just £40!. I've seen better clumps of grass on Dartmoor.

Quite Predictable Really

Jamie Mackie's the first out the door for relegation beleaguered Argyle, gone to QPR for an undisclosed - 500k - fee (and Exeter get a percentage of that). Certainly not surprising, certainly not going to be the last. Mackie is being derided by the Green Army on certain messageboards as being a poor player. But you can et your bottom dollar that with Warnock and a good squad behind him, the top scored 09/10 with 9 to his name, will be banging them in left right and centre for someone else. Such is the Argyle way.

Exciting Times

You may be able to poke your enthusiasm with a wet flannel but there are changes afoot at Argyle that should get the brain, if not the heart, racing.

New Pitch

The new pitch is going in at Home Park right this minute. A sore needed improvement to the playing surface has been apparent for who can remember how long. Though it may not be ready till a few weeks after the season has started. Oops

New Manager

There should be a new manager incumbent at Home Park soon (imminently?), well certainly by the start of pre-season. Hopefully. Who will it be? Will be be the right guy who is able to raise the Titanic and put the 5 year plan back on track? Will he be given enough investment? Who knows?

New Investment

Maybe

New Match Day Announcer

Fitz has gone - want to have a go yourself? Applications on the back of a post card please.

New Shirt

End of May (allegedly) (if you want it) (if you can afford it)

New old rivalries

Exeter, Yeovil, Rovers. Lovely. (for the TCE)

New cheerleaders with very low cut tops, big boobs and no pants

Well people can have a dream?

Crudgie In

So keeper coach Crudgington has been given the role as Chief Scout. A man who has presided over, for the most time, two keepers who have shown little improvement in the flaws. And a man who coached a keeper who was kept out of the team by a loanee (who had his faults but fought hard to change those). A Chief Scout is supposed to have an eye for potential, an ear to the ground and eyes everywhere. At the moment I severely doubt Geoff's abilities in these areas. Is this a sign of thrifty savings from the club?

Mariner Out

After persisting so long with Sturrock long after it was proved to be in vain, Argyle brought in 'head coach' Mariner to see out the season (and turn it around (with no success)). The title 'head coach' has been leading up to the point in time now when Argyle are seeking a new manager. A manager who will be able to, not only ensure at least survival, if not success, in the League One, but put the Greens back on the road to the 5 year plan aspiration.

Mariner and Carver really haven't set the footballing world alight, aside from a slight upturn in fortunes over the festive period, so to rely on them to take us into League One would not be the best plan, thus a permanent manager is a good way to go. Yet he has to have the right backing and finances to do so. That remains to be see.

Which also beings me on to Crudgie.

We've gone down

Don't give a shit
We're going back to the Chamiopnship.

Positivity
!
?

Beautiful, Argyle

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Peterbrough United

Oh fantastic, round of applause, I admire everyone's stoicism in the face of regelations, the work effort against the bottom team, a fantastic way to go out of the season on a hight, show em what you were made of.

Like fuck!! What a shambles and fucking waste of time. Well that sums up the season really, a steaming pile of manure that shows that the Greens are pathetic no hopers. I don't really want to go off on one again, but this sums up the shite that has been fed Argyle supports since promotion into the Championship. Bouncebackability? Sinkinglikeastoneability.

Going out in Style

Nottingham Forest 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Well if you're going to drop then better to go down not giving a damn. A woeful performance that is just one more of a pathetic season, but is no longer worth getting wound up about because it made no difference to anything. Except the difference between how much 'they' the club and players want it verses 'us' the supporters. At the end a very poor showing of support for the support sums up how little the professionals care for those that sustain and support them. Plus, Mariner has now fallen out of the zone and is really just as bad as Sturrock. Whatever he managed to to in the immediate take over has unravelled and cannot be sustainable into next season. His job is not secure apparently, but who would be best to handle such a tainted product?

Luggone

After months of waiting Paul Sturrock has finally left to pursue his career in management. Mixed emotions for the man who managed to lead the club through one promotion and right up to another, but then lead them back through relegation. There is no denying that his second tenure was dire whilst his first was great. Legend or Leg End.

Welcome Home

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 2 Newcastle United

Relegated. And to be honest who didn't see that coming for a long time? Since the promotion into the CCC maybe? So League One next season (and maybe more, would that team make any impact on L1?), the spiritual home of Plymouth Argyle, 3rd tier, well no actually. A part from a few drops to the 4th tier, Argyle yo-yo between 3rd and 2nd.

What did the Greens make of their latest foray in the 2nd division football pyramid? Consolidation and relegation. Apart from maybe the earliest years, was there ever a time that you could say the Pilgrims went for it? The closest being the end of the Holloway years and we all know what happened then. The same as always. A lot of bottling it. During this time Argyle have managed to lose 2 good managers and a lot of supporters, hire, fire and loan a lot of players, break the record signing bank on several occasions - mostly to crap players - waste a lot of money on not very much and cause so much hot air that could have powered a third world country.

There certainly hasn't be much ambition from anyone at the club, unless it's directed away from the pitch. Today the board's first statement after relegation was that the World Cup bid was still in the running and the south stand will be developed. OK, I''ll allow the stand as that has been on the back burner for years, but it has always been a team v ground issue - money again. To run a so called established CCC team on a shoestring whilst earning a pretty penny for your back pocket does not work, and has not worked, and will not work. Though now there probably is no choice but to cut costs again.

But there have been ups and downs throughout Argyle's life and there will be forever more to come unless the club goes to the wall. So someday there will be another up and the cycle will start again. Though the team at the moment are not likely to challenge next season for promotion. The lack of anything in the net is what got them to this point, not even mentioning the non existent midfield and dodgy defence. So, if they can't score goals, which is what it's all about, then they won't win games. Simple as. What are the odds for next season?

Congratulations

To those who said we'd go for it
To those who kept faith in the wrong people
To those who put every 'not a proper fan' down
and To those who love terracing

Season Tickets

The details of season tickets for next season have been announced today. Along with the decision to close down the Mayflower terrace, this means there is a difference price structure to work out:


Premium seating is defined at that between the penalty areas in the Lyndhurst (blocks 6 through 14), Grandstand (seats 6 through 151) and the Mayflower Reserved seating. To compensate for the loss of unreserved seating Blocks 17 and 18 in Zoo Corner will be unreserved, but the £15 tickets are being eliminated making the cheapest wholesale ticket to adults £20, an increase of £5. Plus the cheapest wholesale season ticket is now £360, compared to £275 last season (early bird special). So Argyle have decided to effectively increase the price for less of a product (ground and footballing wise). Note too that no new concession season tickets are allowed to be bought for premium areas. A smart move by the accountants in the board room who already complain there's too few people coming in the gates

Ticketing FAQ

Is he or Isn't he?

So, has Sturrock finally been cut loose or not?

The Herald say they believe he no longer has dealings with Argyle, but Argyle have made no statement to either.

The Price of Failure

Three games of the season left and unless there is a miracle, Argyle will be spending the foreseeable future in League One. There has already been much speculation about what this will mean for the club, namely

- a loss of at least £2m in sponsorship money from television deals
- difficulty in maintaining a squad on such high wages
- increased difficulty attracting players to the club
- a fall in gate and sponsorship money
- the potential closure of the Mayflower terrace due to the cost of hiring the seating

Argyle made a loss of near £3m last financial year and saw a transfer embargo put in place due to debts. The loss of revenue and high outgoings next season could cripple the club. The World Cup bid, pitch replacement, hire of facilities for training at Marjon, and plans to finish the stadium (although this one has been cleverly handled as it is now PAHL who will be footing the bill and leasing the ground back to PAFC) are outgoings that may be ill afforded. Though the club has been here before, and some may say is returning to its natural level, we shall just have to wait and see.

Pissed off

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 2 Middlesbrough
Watford 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

There's no point posting really on here whilst I've been in the mood I have. I'm sure people don't really want to be hearing the crap I could spout, but the Watford game sums up how diabolical Argyle have been this season. How can a must win game warrant a defensive line up that never had a shot on goal and didn't even get near the opposition goal until 10 minutes before the end! Pathetic!

And now Argyle are finally getting rid of the man who brought them here with Sturrock leaving. My God, how he has tarnished his reputation in the club. There are those who will see the legend in him no matter what and those who will consider him the biggest pile of shite around, but Luggy's second term was a disaster for the club and leave so many mixed emotions for the Green Army that, like Holloway, will run deep for many years. In his wake he leaves Mariner and Carver, whose positions are not guaranteed, doing a job that is poisioned. No matter what they do it won't be good enough.

Oh and Spurs lost to Pompey. FFS. And refereee you're a cunt.

Slow and Lingering

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 2 Middlesbrough

Back to the same old ways following the win on Saturday, and this time it included missing a penalty. What a waste of the only chance in the game to recover anything. A pitiful home performance again and lacked any cutting edge. Four games of the season left, Peterborough confirmed as relegated, and a slow lingering drawn out death left for the Greens, including probably confirmed relegation in front of the TV cameras.
Happy days.

Goodness Gracious

Doncaster 1 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

And that one wasn't seen coming either. WP's stoppage time header saw the Rover stream out of the Keepmoat, but still safe in the knowledge that Argyle are going down. A scrappy game that once again saw Stockdale pull off too many saves to keep the Donny out of the net for the remainder of the game despite a very deep sitting defence. Not really a game to shout about, in fact the stadium was very quiet for most of the game; is this just prolonging the agony?

Elephants Climbing Trees

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 0 Barnsley

Finally this match was finished, and what an anticlimax with that score. This game was MUST WIN and MASSIVE, but a draw sees no benefit. So, maybe a musical interlude would suffice?

Down down deeper and down...

Oh and I saw an advert today that featured an elephant climbing a tree. But like Argyle climbing the league really. No plausible.

Oh Shut Up!

I'm fed up of hearing people tell me that the next game is 'must win' or 'massive'. I mean, come on, state the fucking obvious, but ffs how many games have been 'massive' or 'must win' and how many have been lost?

Who didn't see that one Coming?

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 2 Blackpool

Really? Who didn't think that something like that would happen? The old two-faced weasel slimeball Judas Hollowords Holloway (TM) returns to the club he shafted and caused their current demise, to fuck them over again. Or rather that the same old Argyle are too bloody inconsistent and that's why they're going down. A very unexpected win last Tuesday that brought the 'told you so bashers' out of the woodwork and reignited the push for survival should really have spelled the forecast for the dismal performance played out again on Saturday. Suffice to say that the Holloway saga should hopefully once and for all be dead and buried; there are more recent and more bigger fish to blame.

I didn't bet on Argyle

Ipswich 0 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

What are they trying to do to the Green Army - make us insane? This is the trouble with Argyle - far too much inconsistancy. After last Saturday's result most people had made up their mind about relegation and here we are again with a glimmer of hope. The corpse is not quite dead yet. Whether to get excited about this or not is a tough one - do you build dreams on poor foundations, settle for something held up with gaffer tape or admire the hole in the ground? I don't really know what to think.
And i missed out on a tenner for the win. Bloody typical.

In related news - 20:32 FFS Spurs!
21:03 - get in!

I lost a bet on Argyle

Scunthorpe 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Stupid mate talked me into another bet on Argyle ("It's a fair bet, I reckon Argyle could do them" - yeah right and I told him so and actually I never remember shaking on it). So now having been relieved of £20 for the second time this weekend I am no longer accepting any bets on the Greens.

Surely that's it now? There can be no coming back, no more chances for false dawns. A condemned team limping through the motions for another months and a bit. tonight most of the Green Army have consigned the team to League One, but more perversely are looking forward to it! How can CCL1 be better than CCC? Consolidation and rebuilding? Hmm, possibly but more likely big losses of revenue and any hope of decent players could see a prolonged spell. I have pointed out Leeds' situation several times as an example of how such a drop does not mean instant success, though Leicester and Norwich managed it. Argyle is a mess off the pitch as well as on it. There is little to say that the Pilgrims will storm League One at all. The green tints have got new greener tinted glasses already.

I Won a Bet on Argyle!

Plymouth Argyle 3 - 2 Bristol City

A rare victory in the Argyle derby game saw me finally win a £10 bet (though Swindon had to win as well). Although once again the Greens took their eye of the game at 2-0 up in order to allow Bristol to come back and equalise, a third goal was forthcoming to claim the three points that now put the Pilgrims 4 points off safety. Hurrah for the win, boo for the lack of concentration. The game has opened up the gulf between the Larrieu and Stockdale brigades as to who is the better keeper. The Pro-Ros citing Stocky's give away goals and mistakes in the past few months, whilst the Stockers cite his better kicking and shot stopping. But like the wind the Green Army will always change their minds: Ro, Luke, David... Get him out! The other can always do better. And Wright-Philips finally got a chance to prove himself and scored a fantastic overhead goal. He'll be dropped by Saturday.

Going through the Motions

Coventry 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

So near, so far, all within a few minutes. 3 points and it would have been promotion push, but a draw and it's still trap door drop. A draw against Coventry used to be a good result, but no longer. Differing opinions of the game put Argyle on the edge to take Coventry, whilst others state a once more poor performance. Once again nothing new to say here.

Selling Home Park

To yourself after announcing a loss of over £2million this year. Argyle were always hailed as being the club always in the black but for the last few years even that accolade has disappeared with year on year losses announced every year. (Go on, blame the public for not going, you know you want to). And so to clear some debt Home Park is to "sold" to PAFC Holdings. This comes alongside 90,000 shares in Argyle being sold for £22.22 per share.

Creative accountancy aimed at [quote] "reducing debt levels in PAFC and thus strengthening its balance sheet. In addition, they should provide a basis for commercial property and development finance to be raised in order to develop the stadium in support of the club's ambitions, as well as Plymouth's support for England's bid to host the 2018/2022 World Cup." While Rome burns, the World Cup bid is still foremost in the board's eyes?

Ditto

QPR 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Nothing more to add really, just take the match reactions from the last year and put them together as nothing has changed. A totally toothless display last night with nothing positive to say - same problems, same strange team selection, same result.
When does it become mathematically impossible? Must be very very soon.

Budget Cuts?

Have the budgets been cut so much at Argyle that the team are only paid for half a match? The past few matches the Greens haven't turned up till around half time, by which time they're usually trailing by at least one goal. Fortunately they now have the werewithall to come back from being behind, but draws are no good when 7 points adrift. At the moment the necessary wins are not on the horizon, and with a 50% reduction in team peformances, they're not even over the horizon. Sturrock - whoops - Mariner's starting XI is pointed at as a cause, being some what negative in selection, when it has been obvious that his later substitutions have turned the game. What is the reason for not starting with likes of Bolaise and Noone, and players in their correct position. And Fallon. Bolaise did not even feature on the subs bench. PNE could have so easily gone in for the kill after their goal, and it was only a penalty that saved the point for Argyle, especially with Fallon's botched efforts. How long do we wait for the fat lady?

Ee-By-Eckersley

How northern can you get? Roll Victoria Wood and Corrie in to one, and you can come up with Argyle's new 20 year old, month-long, emergency loanee, Richard Eckersley. A versatile back player that Mariner has signed, even though he admitted to Sir Gordon of Sparkshire that he has only seen him play ONCE and taken the lad on advice of other football insiders. Now watch him keel over in the car park and go injured for the whole month with a twisted ankle. Looking at him - is the Chadwick in disguise?

One Foot in the Grave

This week saw the sad loss of Argyle's greatest followers and as well as an upstanding polititian. Michael Foot passed away at the age of 96 after years of faithful service to the Greens and to the country. Many fans have described how he used to be the Pied Piper of away games, with a queue of green, white or black shirts following him around foreign towns and cities to the match, or enjoying a pint or ten with the man. Off the pitch Michael was then a radical man, and a left wing rebel, enjoying a spell as leader of the House of Commons during Callaghan's tenure as PM and has even been hailed by Margaret Thatcher as "a great parliamentarian and a man of principles". RIP Michael.

One Step Forward...

Sheffield United 4 - 3 Plymouth Argyle

The reason given by many for being at the wrong end of the league table was the inability to score goals. Well that's been taken care of, no one can doubt that 3 goals in one game, and at least one goal in every recent game is marvellous seeing as they were a rare sight this season. So now how come the Greens are scoring but still losing? The obvious reason is the inability to keep a clean sheet and conceding sloppy goals. Therefore Mariner and Carver's next point to address is the sloppy defending that is letting the opposition through like a sieve. Stupid mistakes by all, coupled with poor starts that look like the team are tired before they've even started, are now glaringly obvious.

Argyle are advancing along the road to improvement, but the going is slow. The road ends in a few months, and the sufficient improvement to be keeping on the A roads is still a far way off. Next season on the B roads is still looking a real possibility.

Whata Mistakea to Makea

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Leicester City

Another 2 points lost at home and through a stupid mistake again. This time though, an own goal. Argyle did well to fight back from being 0-1 behind, as they have done so over the past few games, but to go 0-1 behind due to your own player finding your own net is pathetic. It is stupid mistakes that have caused the Greens to lose so many points this season, that what could have been a home victory and 3 very valuable points is galling. However, things seem to have changed for the good at Home Park, the wherewithal to come back in games is now evident, when before conceding a goal would have made game over. There is still a long way to go.

Elvis has left the Building

Ex Argyle physio Paul Maxwell has finally left the club following a suspension shrouded in mystery and rumour. Maxwell was suspended by the club at the beginning of the season around the same time as players were falling out of favour like flies, and lead to rumours that Maxi had let his mouth run free, upsetting Sturrock. Some will say good riddance to a bad apple, but 18 years of service is nothing to be sneezed at.

Swan Song

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Swansea City

The revival continues.
The dire crap continues.

Tuesday's game was one of two view points - the first half saw the same old rubbish served up by Argyle that led to some leaving earlier, however by the end of the second half the Green revival was still in full swing as a penalty was awarded, missed, retaken, missed and scored on the rebound. Though the point did little for league position, it was better than none at all. The views coming out of Home Park by the Green Army have varied in the extreme in recent years and depending on your tint, this game was a real splitter, especially after the win the previous game. False dawn or renewed hope? It's just too much!

2 years, 49 days

Barnsley 1 - 3 Plymouth Argyle

The amount of time since Argyle came back from being behind to win (Boxing Day 2007). What a statistic! And who would really have thought that it would have been broken today? Such wins are a fantastic celebration amongst the grim reality, however it will be a chance for the warring fractions of green and brown tints to lock horns again and many punches will be thrown along with name calling ("you're not a proper fan"), coupled with the fact that Fallon finally found the net, some serious muck slinging will be going on.

The win currently puts the Greens now 6 places off Reading (them being out of action in the FA Cup today), which seems not so much of an insurmountable gap any more. The next game is at Home verses Swansea on Tuesday, followed by Leicester. As the home form is currently abysmal, what pray will the gods of football bring Argyle's way?

Don't Stop Believing

Some will win, some will lose,
Some were born to sing the blues.
Oh the movie never ends,
It goes on and on and on and on.

To quote Journey/Glee. Of course Mariner ain't going to say 'that's all folks', but blind faith isn't going to help, getting a dose of reality and doing something about the problems might. The Herald reported that the fans' consensus is the club is doomed, and the inevitability of League One has set in with people making plans to visit old haunts and (God spare us) stand on terraces (I might piss myself at the excitement).

Consolidate and rebuild in League One. With even less money than now - look at Leeds, an even bigger club than Argyle, and they're only just coming back out. Haven't we heard that before, practically every season has been a 'consolidate and rebuild' season, yet consolidation hasn't happened and lessons haven't be learned. What makes people say that will change?

But there is still a minuscule ray of hope, though it is fading fast.

Hanging by a Thread

Reading 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Well that's it really, 9 points adrift from the safe zone and no prospect of winning sufficient games to make up the required amount of points. Besides you need goals to win and that ain't going to happen, and every other team needs to lose and that's not likely either.

There was hope as the Greens clawed an equaliser, but the last minute penalty put paid to that. Controversial it may have been, but why ever get into a position where one could be given in the first place? Poor play, which as basically been the club's problem since Sturrock came back. And now Mariner's glasses have acquired a green tint as he insists every thing's OK (all right it's not mathematically impossible yet), he even sounds like Sturrock on his interviews!

Sir Roy, the man who never fails is fast sliding back to oblivion. The brave New World have said little about the club's plight now they've secured the World Cup bid, once again there's no money and a transfer window squandered. Blame the stay-aways is the cry - but with a team and management that has been seen before, really, who can blame them?

Handbags at 30 paces

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 West Bromwich Albion

Did any really expect anything to come out of the WBA game pointage wise? Though the game was very entertaining, plus the scuffle at the end provides an interesting talking point - did it show team solidarity or poor discipline? Whilst the fighting spirit can be good - a solid team effort on the field showing that there is some breath in the old dog called Argyle even if it doesn't produce results - or are tempers boiling over because the corpse is DOA already?

Football is a results business and without them we'll be saluting at the Mayflower sinks to League One come May. There is no reward for a gutsy performance, though that's part of the battle. Stuck to 23rd place, 4 points off Reading, it's a bleak outlook, as even if a wining streak is forthcoming, everyone else has to go on a losing streak. And life ain't that kind.

Closed for Business

The transfer window has closed and Argyle have managed to sign a grand total of 3 loanees, Stockdale, Cooper and Johnson. International players, good prospects. Proof of the pudding in the eating. Meanwhile, in the opposite direction, some of the 'dead wood' has been shifted.

Sinking without Trace?

Sheffield Wednesday 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

So, hands up who had resigned themselves to relegation? Enjoying the wins, though few and far between, but really don't get surprised at a loss? Has the losing mentality become the norm? It seems so when you watch some of the players at work, and certainly in the crowd's reaction to their "work". One signing in the transfer window that closes tomorrow, a goal keeper none the less to replace a goal keeper we let go because we didn't need another one (huh?). So we are looking at the team that will take us to the end of the season and through the toughest few months in recent years, not least March which sees a plethora of matches augmented by the rearranged postponements. Nothing to get really excited with as the Greens look unlikely to ever breakout of the drop zone.

Do my Own Eyes Deceive me?

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Derby City

A win? You wot? Sure? Yes, a win at Home Park against Derby, probably an extraordinary feat in days like this. Though as usual it wasn't a pretty display, and their is still a long way to go, but it's the result that counts, which lifts the Greens one more place to the top of the drop zone. Apparently, Warnock left his scouting report by accident in the changing room last week, which details the teams weaknesses in minute detail. Whether that was deliberate or not, it hasn't been acted upon yet, with players' weaknesses still in evidence. Plus, with Palace going into administration, the 10 point deduction will place them a few points off Argyle, though as they've fallen from the top of the table, they should pick up points from the remaining games to pull away again.

P-P Again

Due to the woeful state of the pitch, the Barnsley game has been postponed for the second time, meaning this is the 3rd cancelled fixture and no football today in Plymouth, and with the other teams playing and pulling away, the Greens are coming further adrift. It also puts the game on Tuesday against derby in doubt. Though this weekend's weather has been good so far to dry it out, considering the state of the pitch last Saturday will not be easy to rectify by Tuesday. Barnsley must be fuming.

Normal Service Has Resumed

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Crystal Palace

How tedious, that normal service has been resumed at Home Park with a loss on a quagmire of a pitch, when including the FA Cup game, no goals have been scored since the flash in the pan of Reading and Cardiff. There's really nothing much to be said that hasn't been said already, so you can be spared any moaning. For now.

Gary

I have a friend who used to be quite an ardent Argyle fan. But not any more. He hasn't set foot inside Home Park for years. On the occasions we have discussed this his reason has been twofold. Namely, that they don't come and see him when he is bad, and that the good players are always being sold off. So, New World, as you supposedly want to know why the Plymouth public don't give a crap, here's your answer. Now what are you going to do about it?

Bye Bye Cup

Newcastle 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

No surprise there really.

Extinction

So the transfer embargo was a symptom of something much more deeply worrying - that Argyle had received a winding up order. What the heck has happened? From being a celebrated financially stable club that wouldn't throw pence at a tin of paint for fear of being in the red to one that was on the verge of being extinct within at most a year? Seeing especially as the takeover happened very recently, which was meant to give the club a firmer foundation. So what has happened to all the so called money? The tangible answer lays in the big squad with players paid stupid prices for not even getting a sniff at playing, let alone getting into the car park. But this cannot be all. No wonder Argyle desperately wanted people to stop buying Dewdney's pasties, if the catering is going to make up some of the short fall. But apparently this is ancient history (if a few weeks can be ancient) and nothing to worry about. Like fuck it is - there will always be a 'what if' element.

P-P

By now it should have been 35 minutes into the first half of QPR v Argyle at Loftus Road. Instead of shivering in the School End, the Green Army are shivering at home, in the pub or out shopping due to the postponement of the game because of safety. In fact across the whole country this weekend only a handful of games are going ahead because of Mother Nature.

Such postponement will affect Argyle two fold - on the one hand Mariner hasn't been able to train the players properly this week and thus will get extra time before the Cup tie on Wednesday (assuming that's happening). However the momentum built up during Christmas risks being slowed or halted, QPR (now) are fairly weak, however come the replay, with dealings in the window, they may be riding high. Also due to the Cup replay, the Barnsley game is also being moved. This does give us 2 games in hand (though most clubs this weekend will have some games in hand too), hopefully to cash in at the right time.

Nobargo

The Embargo has been lifted, so on with the show!

In the Bleak Midwinter

Bloody snow, makes everything slow down or stop. Not much different to Home Park really. The transfer embargo STILL hasn't been lifted, meaning that the debt hasn't be paid as promised. Good players are being sold off or loaned out because of the need to get some capital and personal gripes and the club can't even organise selling tickets properly meaning the "sell out" verses Newcastle wasn't really a sell out and people left because of the queues.

But on a brighter side, the 0-0 has forced the Greens into the draw for the FA Cup 4th round, meaning another long ol poke up north on a Wednesday night, meaning that the rescheduled Barnsley game will need to be rescheduled again. Mind you as it's going with the weather QPR on Saturday may be in doubt too as clubs are racking up the postponements.

New Year, Old Crap

Roll up Roll up to the great Argyle Give Away, players going at a fraction of the cost you'd get elsewhere! 4 players have gone, including Seip on a season loan to the Blades, meaning that he (like I predicted) will never get near a green shirt again. It appears that the decision to oust him as come from boardroom to changing room, so what has gone so wrong there, especially as Mariner said he would judge players individually but never saw him play. Next to the door: Mackie.

The transfer embargo has not been lifted despite assurances that the debts would be paid off, meaning the Greens can sign no one. So yet another load of hot air from those in charge about a situation (lack of money) that has been seen before.

What other deja vue moments can we expect in the next few weeks. Maybe start with crashing out of the cup tomorrow?

Hyperventilation

Plymouth Argyle 4 (four) - 1 Reading

What? 4? 4 goals? For Argyle? No! Surely some mistake?

Well it wasn't a flash in the pan, and the boys went on to trounce Reading today in an unbelievable game that sees the Greens gain their biggest win for a long time. A penalty started the ball rolling followed by 3 goals within 5 minutes before the Pilgrims putting in a 4th just to seal the deal. Santa must have delivered a fairy godmother to Mariner (is her name Carver?) over Christmas because no one saw that coming.

Santa's Present

Cardiff City 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

My god, now I've only just got over the shock of an actual win, maybe Cardiff City Stadium will be a lucky ground - if we ever go back! The 450 Green Army (that's a shocking number really!) finally had something to celebrate thanks to a Cardiff defender, Fallon and Sawyer. Though the stats for the game are awful (2 v 8 on target for starters), a little bit of luck shone on the Greens for once, especially on the referee who gave Argyle a lot of leeway.

So that puts the Greens off the bottom for the moment, but will it be the start of a revival or a flash in the pan?

A Song for Christmas

A fantastic reworked version of Band Aid's Feed the World appeared in the latest edition of Rub of the Greens.

This Christmas time, there's every reason to be afraid;
This Christmas time, they won't do anything but they'll still get paid.
And in the league this season, we pray our games are called off,
Get the sprinklers on the pitch this Christmas time!

But say a prayer.
We won at Middlesbrough!
At Christmas time, it's hard but when Ipswich have won.

There are leagues below the Championship,
and it's a world we've been before.
Where the only match worth watching
is Leeds v Hartlepool,
and to Peterborough and Scunthorpe:
We thought you'd go back to League Two.
But it looks like it'll be us, instead of you!

And there won't be wins for Argyle this Christmas time (oh)
We hope the games get called off 'cos of snow (oh-oh)
Where no one ever scores,
Can't even get a draw,
Perhaps Home Park needs Chadwick after all!

Merry Christmas!

5 Year Plan

The 5 year plan has been announced, namely:

1. To reach the Premier League within 5 years by:
a. putting in place the necessary infrastructure
b. improve the training facilities
c. securing and developing playing staff
d. building on the youth development programme
e. improving the medical and physiotherapy activities
f. expand the scouting network

2. To create a sporting venue in Central Park by:
a. building the new stadium
b. working with international partners

3. To build the fan base by:
a. surveying the attitudes of Plymothians
b. expand communications
c. develop marketing in Japan
d. develop marketing in New England
e. launch Argyle Internet TV

4. To provide business infrastructure
a. reorganise the PAFC Holding group
b. improve technology
c. operate from modern facilities

Number 1 is only an aspiration, and at the current rate it will take more than 5 years, so that's a cop out already really. The rest cover all aspects of PAFC as a whole, including the stadium - which has already been announced - supporters and infrastructure. All in all, it's not really that surprising as all aspects needed addressing. Ok, so they've talked the talked, now let's see if they can walk the walk. So far, it doesn't seem like they have.

All Aboard the Polar Express

Ply,outh Argyle 0 - 1 Coventry City

I am writting today from France, where due to the wrong type of snow I am stuck for the forseeable future. However, unlike my present predicament I have been unable to muster much concern for the plight of the Greens, who, like Eurostar train are going nowhere fast. Well actually that's a lie, they are going backwards in the least.

It came as little surprise as I drank my £6.50 pint of Kronnenberg whilst watching Canal+Sport (Sunderland v Man City, The Scum v 'Ull) that French have no interest outside the Premier League and I somehow found the score, that there was yet another loss. Even worse that the apathy on the terraces has spread to the pitch, though not Mariner's head who must be under the Christmas spirit.

Apparently, the 5 year plan is due imminently, though what that 5 year plan might have contained could be being hastily rewritten in to a 50 year plan. Most supporters are now resigned to relegation, though there is still mathematical hope, but as Argyle trqditionally spend years in the lower leagues, the future does not look good. Unless you count all the 'new' old tradionally grounds to visit at a cheaper entrance rate in a league that places all the rivals virtually on the doorstep verses the loss of a lot of income for the club, zero publicity and a cat in hells chance of getting or keeping quality players (not that this lot can really be classified as such at the moment). Merry Christmas.

They've only gone and done it

Plymouth has been officially declared a host city for England's World Cup bid 2018.

Very surprising, but congratulations are in order for once!

Now it's up to FIFA to decide what country gets the competition, though that won't be decided until next year.

Home Park Stadium

The plans for new look Home Park were revealed today, though dependent upon the World Cup Bid.

Phase one of Phase two (keeping up?) will increase and finish the current stadium to a capacity of 27,000; this is not reliant on the bid and will start at the end of NEXT season (so 2011). Phase two and phase three of phase two will add an extra tier to phase one (you sure you got that?), which will add 8,000 seats and then make the full complement of 46,000.

Now even if Argyle get the bid the legacy is going to be a 46,000 seater stadium that is far too big for the South West, though it will be multi-purpose. But,the Olympic stadium in Stratford is being built to Olympic standards and the legacy will reduce it to a more manageable size. If half that stadium could be described as "temporary", then why can't the same logic be applied to Home Park?

Mariner Out

Swansea 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Well that's what it should be surely? Sturrock Out/Mariner Out, same result? The only difference was the half time talk that saw a renewed performance from the Greens though the same mistakes were being made, but its a results driven business after all!

Now Mariner has inherited a mess from Sturrock, and he needs to be given time, especially for a head coach that has no managerial experience in the UK. So we're back to the beginning of another very long hard journey. And when "for the time being" ends, it will begin over once again.

[/sarcasm]

Thank you Mr Sturrock

Paul Sturrock was given the ultimate sanction today as he was axed as manager following the team's plummet down the league.

Fans have been calling for Sturrock to step down for some time and it has been confirmed today that Mariner will take over - for the time being, whatever that means - and Sturrock will have some business role - whatever that means!

Thank you Mr Sturrock for what you have done over the years, but your second tenure was a disaster and probably prolonged too long. Mariner now has a tough job to drag the Pilgrims out of the relegation zone and, not being a manager in the UK ever, it will be a very tough job. Hopefully there will be some positivity surrounding Home Park now which everyone should ride into the Christmas period and spark a revival.

Resurgam?

Leg-End

Swansea 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Well that must be it for Sturrock - he has lost the fan base (well until the next win when he'll be a hero again, but when will that happen?). The Legend has turned into a true leg end but prolonging the agony and not admitting to the mistakes that have been made since he came back. The impossible situation is perpetuating into a downward spiral that is tearing the club apart from its roots.

Argyle fans have seen it all before and once again the New World has become the old world. If the new board do not act in a way different from what the Plymouth public have got used to, then why should they care about the club? Well they don't anyway, who can really blame them?

It's the Results that Count

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Sheffield United

Another late goal, another game where its hard to see out a full 90+ minutes. A better performance from the boys in green who could have played them off the field, but it's not the performance but the score at the end of the day that counts, which is a big fat 0. And if a win against a poor team is never going to be forthcoming then what the hell is the point really? Sturrock has always been untouchable, and with Mariner, the two of them are even less likely to feel any comeuppance that would have befallen any other manager in the country. Strange player choices, baffling substitutions and excuses already in the bag before the game has even kicked off ("it's been raining"), words fail.

Blimey that was Quick!

The date for the rematch of the Great Injustice has been fixed for Tuesday 12th Juanuary, though dependant on the 3rd Round replays of the FA Cup. Normally it takes some months for a replay to come around, so the it's surprising that it's scheduled for just a months later. Maybe the FA are trying to avoid the situation where either club's future rests on a replay.

Those supporters with proof of purchase of a ticket from the original fixture will be able to attend for free.

3rd Round Bore

The 3rd round FA Cup draw will see Argyle play Newcastle at home. Now a few years ago this would have been an attractive fixture, but seeing as the Toon are now in the Championship, we've played them once already at theirs and they're due to come down once already, I don't really see anything that exciting. Some say it'll increase the gate, but if people come to see Newcastle win in the Cup, why should they come and see them win in the league? Either way I don't see the revenue from what will no doubt be Argyle's only FA Cup game being anything to get worked up about. Mind you it'll be a fair 'ol poke for 'em won't it - twice!

Urine

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 4 Barnsley [Match Abandoned]

There was a lot of urine around Home Park today - a piss poor performance that took the piss resulting in being 4-1 behind at half time followed by the match being abandoned because it was pissing it down.

Luggy had the biggest pardon ever in football history when the referee decided to abandon the game during the second half due to deteriorating conditions following a woeful performance that saw initially fairly good composure by the Greens and an Argyle goal followed by 35 minutes of sheer drivel that opened up defensive howler after howler and a team that fell apart at the seems resulting in 4 conceded goals. And so the early bath was a huge relief for all concerned.

The honeymoon period is well and truly over for the two Pauls and some very severe soul searching needs to happen.

Pompey and Out

One of Plymouth's rival's for the 2018 World Cup bid, Portsmouth has dropped out of the running following Portsmouth Council's refusal to provide financial backing. This now leaves Plymouth in direct competition to Bristol in the South West region. One step closer to the biggest thing to happen to Plymouth/Westcountry since it was bombed in WWII.

Back in the Shit

Leicester City 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

A 90+ minute goal puts Argyle back in the relegation place following a game where there was hardly any shot on target for the Greens. A pathetic game that consisted of the game old tactics of trying to defend for a point and finally giving in and conceding, especially following the recent optimism. There was a good start to the managerial set up, maybe they just got this one wrong?

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

A summary of Keith Todd's answers during his live chat (in the order answered without repeats):

- Paul Sturrock is very much in, with the improvements made by Paul Mariner and PS partnership, the board are very happy
- Season Ticket holders are not being sidelined by initiatives to increase crowds with lower prices, hence the New World Deal
- PS and PM are reassessing the current squad which is too big and players are very likely to leave with 1/2 new signings
- 5 year plan due in December, along with stadium plan which is not dependent upon results on the field. Phase 1 of Phase 2 will create a capacity of 27,000.
- No comment re Paul Maxwell
- The board are happy with the level of communication with fans
- Tony Campbell is working on partnership with First Great Western re discounted tickets from "upcountry"
- Work is in progress about live screening of PA matches
- Youth development is tied up in the 5 year plan
- There are contingency plans for relegation
- The board recognise that poor form is the reason for lower gates, though more initiatives to increase gates are due
- Aspirations to be in the Premier League within 5 years
- The sale of key players is not ruled out
- The board is happy with the stewarding at Home Park
- A new training ground is being looked into
- The board is interested in welcoming other sports to use Home Park
- The DJM have told the club that few games clash with Argyle

New World Question Time

Probably not the best time to have an online question time as most people will be at work, but Keith Todd is now online answering your questions.

Out of the Mire

Plymouth Argyle 2 - 1 Doncaster Rovers

...by one place outside of the drop zone. Not much more to say really, not an A1 (or even D5) performance but the result was excellent and a good win. Hurrah!

The Train now standing on Platform 1...

...will cost Argyle fans just £6.00 for a return every Saturday.

PAFC and First Great Western have teamed up to offer Cornish supporters discounted train travel on Saturdays between Penzance and Plymouth when travelling on the 11.00am departure from Penzance and returning on either the 5.29pm, 6.42pm, 8.39pm or 9.20pm departures from Plymouth. Tickets are purchasable from Penzance, St Erth, on the St Ives branch, Camborne, Redruth, Truro, Falmouth branch line, St Austell and Bodmin.

So, coupled with the free bus services (which can be caught from the railway station), the new board are certainly doing what they can to get the people into the ground, however the two biggest factors that have been quoted to me last week are 1. price and 2. the quality of the football that put people off.

Piss Off Seip?

Ex Argyle player, Seip has extended his loan at Blackpool and quite frankly for a vocal majority of Argyle fans the sooner he goes the better. Marcel has been seen as nothing but a bad influence in the dressing room, full of temper tantrums, fallings out and the cause of off the pitch shenanigans with his family and is now the most hated man at Home Park.

Does he deserve it though or is it all hear say?

Up the Boro

Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Well it's been a hectic weekend of travelling over most of the country and thus only just really got back home, including an epic 14+ hour round trip up the Boro. Did we really play 98 minutes of football? It seemed so much longer because when hanging on to a lead feels like every second is an eternity as sooner or later someone will muck up and it'll be game over. But it didn't happened. Well it nearly did but the penalty was missed and how much slower time passed after that! And what makes it better - it was their first match under their new manager, usually a time when the new broom has galvanised the players, though in their case he was sacked for falling crowds, not what was happening on the pitch. So figure that one out.