Comings and Goings

Last week we started to see who found be celebrating and weeping as the season ends, with a few clubs crowned champions or relegated.  However, following this week the picture of who will be playing who next season has become more clear.

Championship

­ ­Reading

­Southampton

? West Ham

? Birmingham

? Blackpool

? Cardiff

----------------------

Portsmouth

Coventry

Doncaster

League 1

­ Charlton

? Sheffield Wednesday

? Sheffield United

? MK Dons

? Huddersfield

? Stevenage

----------------------

Wycombe
Chesterfield

Exeter

Rochdale

League 2

­ Swindon

­ Shrewsbury

? Crawley

? Torquay

? Cheltenham

? Crewe

----------------------

Macclesfield

There's still a lot in it for some clubs, though Argyle will be playing Exeter next season in league 2, it still remains to be seen if Torquay will be there too.

All Over Bar the Shouting

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Oxford United

Not quite the 3 points wanted but the draw means Argyle have secured their place in the football league for another season. As the champagne corks get swept up and the Green Army breathes a huge sigh of relief, it's not really the aim that the beginning of the season had - to spend most of the time on the brink of going out of the league and to pull of the great escape. Such a ftought season of emotions running very high as we stared at the very real possibility of Argyle dropping into oblivion. There are 2 games left to go, but are academic now that survival has been won. There is a lot of work to do before next season, to even contemplate Argyle being any force to be reckoned with again, but with the close scrape avoided it's time for positivity that a new start will hopefully bring.

End of Season

There will be no season tickets at Argyle for 12/13 season, instead the board are introducing new 'Join the Club' membership statuses instead.

GREEN+

Access to all home league games and priority ticketing for home cup games
Replica Shirt*
Match-day Programme
Argyle Player for a year
Invites to regular club events (6 per season)
Pre-match e-mail
One free room-hire
15% discount in the Argyle Superstore
10% discount at Akkeron Hotels and Saltrock clothing
(*or retail item(s) to the equivalent value)

Full price: £425
Concessionary price: £325

GREEN

Tickets for all home league games and priority ticketing for home cup games
Argyle Player - one month free
Invites to regular club events (6 per season)
Pre-match e-mail
One free room-hire
15% discount in the Argyle Superstore
10% discount at Akkeron Hotels and Saltrock clothing

Full price: £340
Concessionary price: £250

WHITE

Tickets for 6 home league games and second priority ticketing for home cup games
Benefits:
Argyle Player - one month free
Invites to regular club events (6 per season)
Pre-match e-mail
10% discount in the Argyle Superstore
10% discount at Akkeron Hotels and Saltrock clothing

Full price: £100
Concessionary price: £75

PILGRIM

Second priority for home cup matches
Invites to regular club events (6 per season)
Pre-match e-mail
10% discount in the Argyle Superstore

Price: £25
No concessionary price

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (aged 17 or under before 18 August)

Tickets for all home league games and priority ticketing for home cup games
Pre-match e-mail
Junior Greens 'Meet the Players' Day
Signed birthday card
Free use of Home Park function room for birthday party
15% discount in the Argyle Superstore
10% discount at Saltrock clothing

Price: £60
No concessionary price

FAMILY+ (one adult GREEN+ and one child)

As per GREEN+

Price: £450

FAMILY (one adult GREEN and one child)

As per GREEN

Price: £375
Second adult at concessionary price
Extra children £30

IN ADDITION

CHILDREN AGED 5 AND UNDER (before 18 August)

Free admission with any adult member

ARGYLE FOUNDATION MEMBERS

5% discount on any membership

Existing season ticket holders have until 31 May to reclaim their seat.
Concessions include:
65+ (on August 18, 2012)
21 and under (on August 18, 2012)
Full-time student
Disabled (if non-ambulant, carer comes free)
Serving Armed Forces

More information

Rocky Robins

Swindon Town 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

A little bit of rough on the road to survival as a chance for another 3 points, or at least 1, slipped by. But what are the chance against Swindon - top of the league and only lost 9 games all season and dropped 27 goals. Then again to have hung on so long and concede to a substitute at such a late time in the game is extra galling.

Shot to Pieces

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Aldershot

3 whole points and a plumper cushionof 8 points above the relegation zone. Will this be the escape from oblivion? It's still not mathematically impossible to go down yet, but there is a glimmer of hope now as the season is rapidly coming to its end. It was a nail biting game and Argyle were their usual lacking performing selves - sitting back on a 1-0 margin as if there was no urgency, but as points gaining opportunities are getting fewer, the ones that can be picked up by hook or by crook are vital.

Not so Good Friday

Hereford United 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

3 points lost, just one to contend with. Especially as Hereford gifted Argyle the lead with an own goal but as usual the Greens couldn't hold on to the opportunity they had to pull further aqay from the drop zone. And even boosted Hereford's confidence with missing a penalty just before half time when Walton's kick smacked the upright and Chadwick unfortunately couldn't hit the spot in a 1-on-1. It was Argyle who were desperately looking for the final whistle following the equaliser and a lack of fire in the second half to end a disappointing draw for both teams.

The Great Escape?

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Bradford City

The slow climb out of relegation continues as the Greens beat a very depleted Bradford side following their mass brawl at Crawley, resulting in a number of post match suspensions. Timing couldn't have been better for Argyle, who are clawing for every point necessary to avoid non league oblivion; and thankfully they grasped it. Although it wasn't all plain sailing as City came close a number of times, especially in an edgy final 15 minutes, and Argyle are still incapable of taking at least a 2-0 lead when presented with the chance, and riding their luck for most of the game. However, the thin cushion between the drop has thickened a little bit. For now.

Haven't we been Here Before?

So Brent is selling off land to an arms-length PAFC land owning company in order to raise money to develop the club and ground. Hasn't this been done before?

Point to Point

Northampton 0 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Boring result, but still just out of the relegation zone. Rather negative tactics kept the full 3 points out of Argyle's grasp and it took experience to actually make anything out of the game - with Wotton and Chadwick, and Wotton's free kick could have snatched a winner but tragically it came off the bar. Although the tactics did mean that Argyle effectively parked the bus on the pitch so that no goals were conceded, which was helpful on the goal difference. And a bit of a problem with Tsoumou, for what capacity was he signed, because in whatever it was, he's not really being used effectively enough.

Roving round the table

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Bristol Rovers

A last gasp equaliser gives the Greens a vital point to lift them one more place up the league table. A fairly changed team took to the pitch on Tuesday night, but even so it wasn't great football as Purse and Walton struggled to find their allies, woeful passing and an ineffective midfield. Inevitably, Rovers took the lead and looked likely that Rovers would score a second with the bad performance of the Pilgrims, but thankfully it didn't happen and instead a huffy puffy equaliser finally emerged. There were flashes of 'football' during the game, but you'd have to admit that Wotton was sorely missed. But, a point won, which for the first time means that Argyle are out of the relegation zone by points instead of goal difference.

Muamba

It's not very often that a football crowd will fall silent. What happened at White Hart Lane on Saturday was something extraordinary. To watch or listen to a Premier League ground full of supporters, players, officials, media and staff stop and be quiet was emotional.

Muamba has at latest been showing signs of improvement, but before the world on TV and radio, he was dead for six minutes. The footballing world were shocked and devastated that such a thing could happen out of the blue to such a young and fit man, and in front of so many people.

Much has been written in the press about Saturday, and emotions are still running high throughout the football across the world. And many have re-examined what it means to be a football supporter, and at the essence, a person. It can be difficult to remember that the people we watch week in and week out on the pitch, the people we praise and then give the foulest shit to the next are infallible people. A spirit of unity has engulfed the football league and premier league throughout the UK, and it's something that very seldom happens. Because at heart, we all know, weather we hate our rivals with passion that never abates, when the life of a person hangs in balance, it overcomes everything.

Get well soon.

Yo Yo Yoing

Rotherham 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Shrewsbury Town

Up and down more than a whore's knickers. Get excited about a win and be out of the relegation zone, a following loss and back down again. Argyle a few weeks ago were 4th from bottom, having lost last week were back in the drop zone and are now again "safe" at 3rd from bottom. At the moment it's not that worth getting too excited about, but as the season gets closer to the end, such yo yoing is going to make a tense ending. But add on that not a few hours from Wotton scoring a trademark screamer goal, his first, and the only one of the game to collect the 3 points, Muamba was effectively lying dead on the pitch of White Hart Lane, it hit home among the eerily silent stadium to every fan there, watching or listening, that football is life and death. But not in the way that Bill Shankly intended it.

12 Seconds

AFC Wimbledon 1 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

It's gonna be one of those end of seasons. With just around 2 months left, Argyle are managing to yo-yo in and out of the relegation zone on a near weekly basis. Following the last 3 inept games, who'd have thought that the Greens would pull off another win to pull them back up to 4th from bottom, let alone score a goal just 12 seconds after kick off. Though it was Bhasera that did it this time rather than Chadwick, but Chadders rather than being outdone scored the winner on 49 mins following the wombles' equaliser at the end of the first half. Although it was still not a perfect performance by the Pilgrims, as Wimbledon could easily have taken the lead after Argyle dozed off several times, though credit to those players who defused the dangerous situations. There are now a dozen or so teams hovering around that drop, and Argyle are more than likely going to end up in and out of the barrel several times before the end of the season. The Green Army's nails would be well and truly bitten by then.

Not even Vale can help

Port Vale seek to enter administration on Friday. Normally such an announcement would be welcomed by other clubs in the league purely on a points/league position basis. But unfortunately for Argyle, Vale are currently sat on 50 points, so even with a 10 point deduction from the FL, they still sit way above Argyle who are on only 29. Even if Vale get extra deducted for their second time in admin, they still wouldn't do the Greens any favours.

It's a Heartache

Plymouth 0 - 1 Gillingham

Well the euphoria never lasts long, especially after the clueless matches played since that great win that lifted the Greens out of the relegation zone. And you could not get more clueless that the loss against a 10 man team that dumped them right back in it. Managers fault? To go out at home with just one striker is too defensively minded, and not to be able to capitalise on a weakened team is criminal. There is still a few months of the season left, but really is Argyle do survive it will be some skin of the teeth miracle.

Missed Chances

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 0 Dagenham & Redbridge
Macclesfield 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Instead of capitalising on the surprising 4-0 win which lifted the Greens 2 places out of the drop zone, the Green Army have had to settle for Argyle to slog out two draws which thankfully have not resulted in another drop, but have missed a good chance to get more points. Especially as Macclesfield was the rearranged postponed match. The Greens are only 1 point away from the drop, being saved by a slightly lower negative goal difference than Hereford and Dagenham. To not at least get something against the weaker teams in the division is very disappointing, but not being able to take your chances and finish mean when you could is worse.

Young McDonald Scores the Goals

EIEIO

Accrington Stanley 0 - 4 Plymouth Argyle

Who are they? As the advert went, and very nearly what people would be asking about Argyle. Which makes it even more poignant that the win lifted Argyle into its highest league position for a long while - 4th from bottom! A 6+ hour journey that was not in vain. Accrington rarely troubled the Greens in the first half though stepped up in the 2nd, but still not a great match by Argyle and the score defies that but who gives a shit, it's probably going to be one of the highlights of the season and celebrations should be ongoing all round.

Richer than Rangers

It's official, Argyle are richer than one of Scotlands top teams, and probably quite a few other English clubs too. Now Rangers have gone into administration, with Portsmouth not far behind for a second time, there could be many more soon to go to the wall. And Argyle have survived. But it could be time for the Green Army to show the support to others that they have shown us very soon.

Draw but Safe

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 0 Barnet

So it was a rather dull 0-0 draw that wasn't worth the agro from the missus about missing Valentines Day for to watch (oh come on you got 364 other days to show your love), but the point does mean that the Greens are - at least temporarily - safe from the relegation drop. But we have been here before. And let's not mention the crap referees we get in this league (any league?) that whose decision could have meant 3 points. Maybe. But not a single chance taken in 90 minutes, you can't go blaming the officials for not even trying. That's just 1 win in 8 now. Draws won't keep us up.

Snow Joking

Silly season is here with the British weather and games are cancelled by snow left right and centre. Being in league 2 only compounds things when clubs are unable to have the necessary infrastructure to keep games going. Seeing as we had the same situation as a country for the last 2 years, you might have thought we'd start learning something by now. But it did give everyone a day off to enjoy the other delights of the football league, from Spurs 5-0 snowplough of Newcastle, to the Liverpool-United furore over a missed handshake, Exeter losing (for all of, well, 2 minutes), and gives everyone a chance to debate who the next England manager should be - and if it's 'Arry, would he leave Tottenham?

The One and Only

game to go ahead to day in League 2 was

Plymouth Argyle 2 - 2 Southend United

Luggy was back to reek havoc on the club he once managed - twice. The least said of the second time the better. And he did 0-2 at half time following a dreadful first half. But a marvellous comeback equalised the score so both teams had to take a point. Unfortunately Fletcher's outlook is sometimes too defensive, notable by the long periods of high balls up to the front even when the opposition don't give the strikers any room, and the defence playing too deep. It wasn't till subs were made early second half that plan B was formed. Because plan A failed as soon as the early goal went in. A point was a battle, and a well fought battle; though the game going ahead does now mean every other team has a game in hand over Argyle.

The Sun always shines on Home Park

If you read the Sun newspaper, you will know their current offer of two adult tickets for £19.50 to many matches in all leagues. If you fancy watching Argyle for under £20 for two people, you can choose from Argyle v Dagenham & Redbridge - February 25 or Argyle v Shrewsbury - March 17. Start collecting your tokens from 6 February.

Deadline Day Deals

On Deadline Day for the January Sales - sorry transfer window, Argyle have signed two strikers. 21 year old Alex MacDonald comes from Burnley, whilst Juvel Tsoumou comes from Preston. Tsoumou has been a regular in PNE's team this season and netted 4 times in 11 games and has international experience from Germany. Alex has played first team for Burnley this season but has spent a lot of time out on loan due to the Claret's string first XI. Although again they may not be the experienced strikers people were hoping for, Fletcher has at least added in an area that needs improvement within the constraints of the FA's salary limit.

No Blessings from Pope

Port Vale 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

And so back where we belong. Didn't last long did it, a week out of trouble? But for all of 80 minutes until a well timed substitution netted the decider. Vale had a few good chances to put the game away before then as Aryle, who started spritely, reverted to hoofball form due to no threat up front and a lack of direction what to do. It was not an exciting game, but an opportunity missed to capitalise on the rare bit of luck that had Argyle out of the relegation zone for a brief glimpse of survival.

A Minor Miracle

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Crawley Town

The Argyle are no longer in a relegation position! A draw was enough to see the Greens pull out of the drop zone by one place as results from other games went the right way with Northampton and Dagenham losing. What an unexpected turn up! But let's not get carried away, Argyle had to wait the whole 90 minutes to get the equaliser - at least they didn't give up in a game with more dives that Tom Daley, fouls than dogs in Central Park, time wasting by a council worker and enough aerial football that the players should have borrowed cranes. The Midfield was not as good as last week and the defence played well, Wotton acted more like a captain that the team needs even though he wasn't the skipper and what could have been a penalty against in the dying moments not given. A bit of luck for once!

The GAS Board

So James Brent wants to set up a board with representatives from the Green Army. Who will these people be? We've already seen jealousy and loathing over what have been deemed 'superfans' throughout the administration, heaven forbid what the (un)lucky chosen ones will have to put up with.

Burtoned Up

Plymouth Argyle 2 - 1 Burton Albion

1-0, 1-1, 2-1; all thanks to Walton, who scored both goals to ensure that Argyle got the 3 points and a boost of confidence. Wotton retook to the pitch back in green, only to find himself upstaged by the new captain, who struck not only a goal, but also a penalty none the less with 60 seconds of the game left. Wotton did nearly get on the score sheet but missed by the nearest of margins, and the Greens could not sustain a clean sheet. However, things are looking up if the team can keep up the domination of the game, sustained good play, and good defence and stronger midfield that were shown in this game. What's more, it lifts Argyle back off the bottom by one place.

Wottsy Returns

Another ex Argyle player has returned to Home Park as a new signing. This time former captain Paul 'bleeds green' Wotton has signed up alongside Nick Chadwick after being released by Yeovil. There's no denying that Wotton was always an Argyle lad at heart and was the most successful captain making 400+ appearances for the Green, scoring 63 goals over 17 years and saw two promotions. Wotton was released by Argyle 3 and a half years ago and joined Southampton, before going on loan to Oxford and ended at west country rivals Yeovil.

Wotton is now the second former player to have rejoined this January transfer window, with rumours flying round that following his sacking, Warnock could be heading this was form QPR, who else could be re-donning a green shirt? Bojan Djordic is another potential for one. Nalis? Buszaky? Ebanks-Blake? (getting carried away now)

Welcome back Paul.

Argyle have also extended Maxime Blanchard's loan to the end of the season subject to approval, and signed 20 year old Bristol City player Joe Lennox also subject to approval.

Crewe Cut

Crewe 3 - 2 Plymouth Argyle

Another defeat, another lost chance at climbing to safety. Though no one can really doubt the players' enthusiasm, coming back from 2-0 down, their raw inexperience cannot be ignored. Added that Hourihane received his second red card of the season, taking Argyle's red card tally to 10 - the worst in the league. Life in the Blue Square Premier is very much looming, as there are 63 points left to play for, and it is very unlikely that Argyle will pick up many of them. It is especially worrying that if Chadwick and Purse were playing together, the team's experience would have increased and play would have stabilised; to have to rely on one or two key players is very poor form, and unfortunately Fletcher does not have the nous enough to make what he has work. But what alternative is there?

Open Purse

To add to Nick Chadwick, Darren Purse has completed a permanent signing to Argyle. Purse has been on loan to the Pilgrims since November from Millwall.

St Nick

It's a bit late for a visit by St Nicholas, however Argyle have received one in the resigning of Nick Chadwick. Chadders has returned to the Pilgrims 7 years after first signing for Argyle when he completed a free transfer from Stockport County following his loan period. Nick was released by Sturrock and joined Hereford after being a regular first XI player and hold the record for quickest goal by Plymouth - 11.83 seconds. Since November Chadwick has netted 3 times in 6 games, and has become a stalwart of stability in the team - noticeable when he left the Torquay game after 15 minutes following injury, meaning he'll be out of the squad for a while. Welcome back Nick.

Not a Good Start

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Torquay United

What a difference 24 hours makes, the Greens went ended 2011 not at the bottom, but started it in their familiar position thanks to getting 2012 off to a bang with a loss. The defining moment when Chadwick went and the team fell apart being too lightweight. Such as shame that the form always hinges on one player - and Chadders being a loanee is just the latest in a long list. That said they did well to get a goal, and there was a never say die attitude, but a lack of finish and finesse.

Prognosis

Patient: Plymouth Argyle Fooball club

Doctor's notes: PAFC was first admitted as a failing patient, financial problems plagued the body and spread rapidly like cancer. The patient's former guardians mishandled its concerns and left - social services were informed. In March 2011 the patient's health deteriorated so much that it entered administration and began shutting down. Dr Guilfoyle was appointed to oversee the patient and called upon Dr Ridsdale to strip the patient's assets and prepare a leaner patient with fewer complications. The patient went through several periods of potential recovery, before regressing. Mr Brent finally gave the patient the injection it needed to enable it to at least remain alive, however the patient lost a lot of blood in its redundant staff, sponsors, players and management. A bandage of player/manager/coach was applied and some stability was reach, along with some temporary players which are maintaining pitch-side progress. The support of the patient's friends (the 'Green Army') has had a beneficial affect that medical science cannot explain.

Prognosis: The patient is still very ill, however no longer terminal. A long recovery is inevitable, and a decline in league status cannot be rules out. There are many complications that need to be addressed. Drs Ridsdale and Guilfoyle have stood down and the patient is now in the hands of interns , who whilst not having experience in such matters and are still learning its the best the FL can hope for.

Calling the Shots

Aldershot 0 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

The unbeaten run continues, and though a win would have been better, it was enough when coupled with Swindon winning to mean that Argyle start the new year not on the bottom of the table. Keeper Cole kept the Pilgrims in the running as the shots were called by the Shots in the second half, the players say it was a hard fought game and are knackered due to the physicality of the match. That, though, is worrying if fitness is a concern. Staying up is all that Argyle can really hope for at the end of this season, and with 4 months left there will be many hard matches along the way. Starting with Torquay on Monday.

A Very Merry Christmas

Bristol Rovers 2 - 3 Plymouth Argyle

Probably the best Christmas present any Argyle fan could ask for. A win and 3 points, and to come back from 2-0 down with 3 fantastic goals. The only problem is that the Greens have regained their place at the bottom of the league, having lost their get-out-of-jail goals scored advantage. An inspirational second half, following a rather poor but Argyle-usual first, led by Chadwick and Feeney saw the Pilgrims regain advantage and control of the game, but it was Hemmings that eventually scored the winning goal at the death when another draw looked very much on the cards. Santa must have been smiling on the Green Army this Christmas.

Merry Christmas

An Unbeaten Run

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Hereford United

As a positive the unbeaten run has continued, the Greens came back from being 0-1 down, but that's about it really. Yet another needless but now customary red card to add to the list and a rather woeful performance. It'll be very easy to blame the referee for today's result, even though that'll just hide the poor quality of the team, he didn't do the game any favours and might as well been part of the Hereford lineup, who coudl be seen as another scapegoat for their unsportsmanship leading to the sending off. Thankfully however the gap to safety is shrinking, and the other results mean that Argyle is still 2nd from bottom even if on;y on goals scored.

Off the Bottom

Hurrah, after 100+ days Argyle are off the bottom of the league!

Bradford City 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Although the point is very welcomed, unfortunately the Greens could not hold on to the lead yet again, and yet again a player got sent off (Bhasera - second bookable offence). Surely PAFC have the worst disciplinary record of the league, it seems that a player is not nearly every game! What;s better is that Argyle managed 50% of the possession and 5 shots on goal - doesn't sound much, but is another steady performance. And puts the Pilgrims 3 points off safety; if the right changes are made, Plymouth could possibly stay up.

Ridders Out

So Peter Ridsdale is leaving Argyle for PNE, leaving the Greens with no chairman of football, an inexperienced player/coach/manager and no board to speak of. Mixed feelings on this no, as he had his part to play in the shambles of the takeover through wanting to buy the club for £1 from BIL, and now resigning leaving Argyle with no-one knowledgeable enough to steer the rudder, but also he was steadying the ship for the past year. Plus, where does this leave Darren Purse who came here due to Ridsdale? Interesting.

Not a load of Cobblers

Plymouth Argyle 4 [four!] - 1 Northampton Town

Should have been 4-0 had it not been for a last minute stoppage time goal by Northampton, the first clean sheet for a while, but it wasn't to be. However, it was a Green booking free game! New loanees Chadwick and Hemmings got on the score sheet, along with a well taken penalty by Walton, and a skillfull goal by Atkinson saw the ball banging in the net 4 times in the first half for Argyle, and save for the good saves of the Cobblers' keeper it could have been more. It nearly looked like Argyle were heading for a clean sheet with Argyle on cruise control, and thus taking the pace out of the game, until the near last kick of stoppage time when Akinfenwa grabbed a late, late consolation. But on that performance, who can criticise!

Kitted Out II

The "new" Argyle 2011/12 kit is now on sale (large and extra large yet to be released though!).

The hope for a new kit - as opposed to the temporary kit - has not materialised and the temporary kit has been given a 125 year makeover, and a white away shirt - a 'negative' of the home shirt added instead.

Transfer Terminal

On Loan Transfer Deadline Day, Argyle have managed to sign three loanees - former Pilgrim Nick Chadwick, veteran 34 year old ex-Millwall, Darren Purse and Wolves winger Ashley Hemmings. At a time when the budget is tight and the league even tighter, these three signings should hopefully make a difference to the under experienced and depleted squad. Chadwick was always a work-horse in his previous spell - though much aligned by supporters whose opinion was he was no Championship level standard, and coupled with Purse's maturity could settle the boat on the pitch. Whilst Hemmings is a 20 year old who can grow with the team.
Purse is up for the challenge of saving the Greens and has made a big commitment to move to the South West, and Chadders - holds the other record for Argyle's quickest goal (11 seconds against Palace) and the other record of only mad 49 appearances in his 3 years at Argyle due to many injuries - is also making a move down south, this time from Stockport.
Welcome all.

"Giant" Slayed

The worst ever display by an Argyle team. It's not good enough to be sat 92nd in the football league for the first time, but to be beaten by a team 3 leagues below takes the biscuit. A team of non-professionals knocked the stuffing out of a so called professional team and then kicked it's twitching corpse to death. An event that is too familiar - from Bignot's own stupidity causing him to be sent off, through to the clueless 'what's this round thing and where does it go?' style of football, to the ingrained 'oh shit they've scored, no chance now' attitude. Currently, there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Well done to Stourbridge, the best team won.

Worst. Club. Ever

Stourbridge 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP-FC

Stourbridge the Revenge?

Tuesday 22 November, live on ESPN.

Stourbridge are the favourites, and probably quite rightly so., especially as they drew 3-3 and were leading for most of the match. At the moment, the might of the Pilgrims is as strong as a dead ant, and the FA Cup game has potential for an embarrassing morale damaging defeat, with suspensions and injuries. On the one hand the money is welcomed especially if the right draw comes along, but with Argyle sinking out of the league without a trace, the age-old cup vs league argument has even more precedence. Both teams will need drive and determination to win, and Stourbridge probably have more.

Spending a Penny

Argyle might not have a pot to piss in at the moment, but you can help to give the supporters something to relieve themselves in. Best Loosers are looking for votes to 'promote toilets to a higher league'. Your chance to vote for the shittiest shitters to get the makeover treatment making sure your club is no longer bog standard in the toilet department. Vote for Home Park by 5 January 2012. Anyone who has used the shacks behind the grandstand know that although Argyle can't afford to piss good money up the wall, that's exactly what us blokes literally do every time we take a leak, and the ladies ain't up to much either apparently! Help make Argyle flushed with success in at least one competition this year.

Turkey

Torquay United 3 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Stuffed right and proper, and it's still a month till Christmas. How the mighty have fallen, now all the bravado of being the big club in Devon has proven folly by being beaten by Exeter (then relegated out of their league) and now by Torquay (who are near play offs whilst Argyle are near relegation out of their league). What a complete riches to rags story! Shit or bust time? I don't know, it's too soon after take over but the gap is getting too wide with no sight of ever catching up on the difference. The squad is young, ill-disciplined and inexperienced, and Fletcher too raw in management and still cutting his teeth. To throw him out now is too soon, but to give him time may be too late. A story repeated with every recent Argyle manager, with Sturrock II the hold on was too long, was Reid too short?

A Stour Point

Plymouth Argyle 3 - 3 Stourbridge United

How embarrassing, L1 Argyle very nearly knocked out the FA Cup in Round 1 proper by a non league team, but as I said before kick off, that's Argyle's form. It was very lucky to have secured a goal in the dying minutes rather than concede like normal. Though it was an action packed game with 6 goals, Argyle coming back twice, a late penalty and two sendings off - the bookings are stacking up for the Greens with 3 suspensions for next week' game at Torquay, and again not for the first time discipline has been a problem and impacted on a fragile squad. Stourbridge are surely going to look to be the more confident at taking their chances in the replay at Stourbridge 22 November, maybe even be the favourites, because that was a far from impressive game.

Magic Cup

So the first round of the FA Cup is upon us, the day when all the minnows of football dream of a plum draw against the mighty , dragon slaying, great day out - lots of money! Unlike the League Cup, which quite frankly few people give a damn about now, there's something special about the FA Cup. Today Argyle host Evostik Premier club Stourbridge, who undoubtedly are looking for an upset - and Argyle should not take them lightly given their own position and form.
Special admission prices apply today at just £10 per adult.

Morecambe and Wise

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 1 Morecambe

Most would probably have settled for a point before the game, but to be leading 1-0 for 90 minutes and concede in 5 mins stoppage time is galling. Just a few minutes more to hold on would have meant the whole bag, but it wasn't to be. Feeney had his best game for Argyle and new loanee Bignot from Blackpool showed himself around the field all afternoon, a few more experienced players could hopefully lift the curse of failing in the last 20 minutes of every game. Plus for the first time the player/manager scenario of Fletcher and Larrieu looked shakey as they both took to the field to leave new coach Kevin Nanceskivell on the bench, Fletcher in particular made some bad player/manager decisions on the pitch, which lead to his booking.

Les Manageurs

Carl Fletcher and Romain Larrieu have been announced player/manager and player/coach permanent following the saving of the club. Congratulations to them both. Though can't help thinking that the Riddler thought no other poor sole would want the job and they'll be gone as soon as he gets bored with them and a big name comes sniffing.

Leap of Faith

It's now definitely over after the Football League took a 'leap of faith' over James Brent and brought Argyle out of administration. And - the staff are being paid! Thus the end has really come, PAFC survive in the present and the future is going to be a struggle.

Misty Dawn

Cheltenham 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Not the best start to the new dawn of PAFC when you lose 2-1 after being 0-1 up for 80 minutes of the game. To lose through a dodgy penalty decision too is even more galling. And it makes hope of survival in the league even more dim. Being rooted to the bottom of the FL all season with a lot of work to do to even contemplate survival in the league is a daunting prospect. There's always something bad happening at Argyle, but with the existence of the club all but secure, now is the time to concentrate on the league. Not a cliché this time!

IT'S OVER!

AT LAST, it's all over. On Friday P&A Partnership have agreed a deal to sell the club to Akkeron Group and the deal has been signed and sealed. Peter Ridsdale has been appointed Chairman of Football Operations (no surprise there really - he's been hanging round like a bad smell for ages) who set out his stall for rebuilding the club's fortunes, and new owner James Brent has outlined his aspirations for the future. Now the FL is due to give back it's 'golden share', one last technicality left and administration is finished. Then it's down to PCC to buy back Home Park and the process of dragging the club back up to standard begins.

Argyle went into admin in March, but the sorry saga has been going for over a year with players and staff not receiving any pay since this time last year. In that time many have left, others have struggled on, supports - in austere times themselves - have given a vast amount of money, organised vigils and garnered the support of numerous other clubs through Fans ReUnited. And it is such a relief that at last PAFC can start to get back to being a football club once more. A glass of champagne for all!

Crash and Burn

Oxford United 5 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Not much to say really, probably quite inevitable despite some of the good performances of late, but the squad cannot hold up to the rigours of the league. But the heavy defeat, which is not that common unless you happen to be a United fan, is of additional note because in spite of the weakness of the squad, a loss by 4 goals has not happened before. And the performance of the squad on the day did not totally warrant a 1-5 outcome.

...Two Steps Back

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Swindon Town

Following the decision by PCC on repurchasing the ground, and the win away from home last week, it looked like Argyle were heading in the right direction. Until full time brought a loss. There was not much to shout about and Argyle neither really deserved to win or to lose, though until admin is over and the team can get more settled with more experienced players, the game is going to be very hit and miss.

Green Green Grass

Of Home Park. Plymouth City Council announced a landmark in the saga of the fall of Argyle today, they are prepared to buy back Home Park and lease it to who ever takes over the club. The £1.6m deal well see PCC buy back HP after selling it to the New World for £2.7m just 5 years ago and leasing it back for £135,000 a year, though this is actually pittance in the grand scheme of things. Thus the deal will anger many Plymothians who don;t give a flying fuck about PAFC and will just see their taxpayers money being squandered on a lost cause - just read the comments - and will divide the City of Plymouth (quite frankly like anything the council does) for a long time. However, with this hurdle overcome, the sale of PAFC should finally be complete within a few weeks. Hurrah!

Spot On

Dagenham & Redbridge 2 - 3 Plymouth Argyle

This time the penalty spot did not present the same problem as in the JPT, with Walton scoring the winning goal from 12 yards that salvaged the 3 points which have come as a shock and delight to the Green Army. Although once again Argyle had to do it the hard way by giving away a 2 goal lead. The lead came courtesy of Lecointe (who is the youngest player to score away from home on debut) and Hourihane, who scored from long range although his delight lasted 6 minutes as the inevitable equalisers came in both players had chances to snatch the points again. It fell to the 90th minute for senior player Walton to convert the penalty awarded by the assistant ref to ensure the Pilgrims went away with their first full marks and putting the Greens tantalisingly 2 points away to leaving the relegation zone.

Banned

The FL have now banned Argyle from acquiring loanees as well as its embargo on transfers, this is due to the continuation of the lack of payment to staff. 2 loanees that were due to sign have now been blocked from doing so. Thus it is even more imperative that ownership is sorted out for the club to go anywhere, because what we have is not good enough.

We'd quite like to apologise...

...for the delayed arrival of your football club at Home Park.

There are not more delays to be expected (more than the roadworks around various areas of Plymouth), as PCC debates Vivian Pengelly's quote stating the council could buy back Home Park and re-lease it to PAFC. Especially after the Taxpayers' Alliance branded it a waste of public money. Other delays would push Brent's bid back to the end of October, meaning the staff will probably have to accept yet another deferral of wages. The whole mess now has potential to have lasted a year, especially as many Plymouth citizens do not agree with the council spending tax payers money on a private firm when in times of cutbacks their taxes are funding fewer and fewer services, just check out the comments in the article to get a feel.

Happy Birthday

Plymouth Argyle 2 - 2 Accrington Stanley

Today PAFC was 125 years old, and a shame that the footballing gods could not have delivered a present of a stable club and 3 points. As it was the Green Army had to settle for just the one, after a shambolic second half performance that saw Argyle at 2-0 up concede two goals. Against 10 men too. Clearly 11 boys v 10 men because there was not a single shot on target during the whole 60 minutes that Argyle were an extra man up, and in front of an 8,000 highest of the season crowd. Even though Fletcher's win rate (1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw) is actually better than Reid's 1 draw, his tactics left little to desire by not making the most of the opportunity with the formation, and playing too much long high ball to under achieving forwards.

However, anyone for cake?

Happy? Anniversary

This Saturday marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of PAFC, and to coincide will see Fans ReUnited2. 125 years have seen many ups and downs for Argyle, and to be playing its anniversary in the 4th tier of the football league is galling. However, for many an outsider it is no more than Argyle's natural habitat. What's more shocking is that Argyle might not even live to be 126 years, although that threat has abated for a while, but there is still much more to be done for PAFC to still be in existence in the next few months, let alone another year. The anniversary shirt has not even been manufactured yet!

This Saturday's match vs Accrington Stanley (who? - remember that, it could easily been Plymouth Argyle) is specially priced at £12.5o per adult and £1.25 per child (who's a clever clogs?), so get to Home Park to see a special date in the history of the Pilgrims.

Oh Well

Crawley 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

To be expected really, one win does not mean survival, and Argyle are just not good enough for the league. Fletcher has changed a few things and trying to instil some team spirit - which shows - but the fact of the matter is that goals are what is needed.

Fans ReUnited

Plymouth Argyle 2 - 0 Macclesfield Town

So what was it? The change of management leading to a change of football style, the additional fans that turned up or just the odds? Argyle won! The Fans ReUnited day saw supporters of a myriad of clubs attend Home Park, not just those from Brighton who pumped the atmosphere right up, but Wednesday, Bristol, Torquay, Norwich, even Falkirk! ...and many more. And what's more it worked wonders on the pitch. With Ridsdale due to stand down as chairman cos he's no longer in the running for Director of Football following the collapse of the BIL bid, maybe, just maybe, things are going to start turning good.

Les Caretakeurs

Fletcher and Larrieu have been named caretaker manager and assistant respectively. Not much surprise there really. In the cold light of day - and yes I have mentioned this before - as Argyle weren't getting the results, any other manager would have been sacked if it weren't for the distractions off pitch. So Reid's sackings should not really come as a shock. Even if there were exceptional circumstances. However what are Fletch and Ro gonna do with this squad, and what is the new man going to do whilst he is still in the same situation as Reid with no money? Is this another turning point?

Bonne chance!

Argyle of Old

Southend United 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Again nu-Argyle get stuffed by the old Argyle. Not content with having an ex manager (who saw over part of the demise of the club) but two ex Argyle players scored the goals - including one who signed for a matter of days during this mess and buggered off due to non payment of wages. To top it call the skipper gets sent off for scraping with the opposition, in yet another match with saw the Greens down to the bones of their ass.

Ultimately though this has proved to be Reid downfall and was his last as manager of PAFC.

Reid Out

Following the new record of successive defeats, acting chairman Ridsdale has dismissed Peter Reid from his role as manager of PAFC. Ridsdale has cited that football is a results business and Argyle have not performed. However, considering that Reid had to work with what else could he really have done? Especially as he hasn't been paid either, sold his medal to raise funds and paid the heating bill! It now begs the question of who the hell would want to come down here for nothing to work with nothing? A fucked up decision by Ridsdale.

Who Now?

So more bids are coming in to takeover PAFC after Heaney allegedly has walked away from the club due to his claimed FA indecision. Some of these bidders have even wildly been claimed to be friends of Michael Jackson/Uri Geller! Even Jesus wouldn't take an interest in Argyle. But why are there suddenly more people hovering round - do the jackals smell a cadaver?

Same old Story Again

Barnet 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Not much to say really following yet another defeat, nothing's changed and nothing will because until Argyle is secured off pitch, the on pitch performance will not improve. There is no money and no security to buy and retain players to form any sort of team that can compete, even at this level. In fact, considering Argyle are adrift at the wrong end of the table over the drop out of the league, many would Argyle fans prefer relegation to extinction.

Welcome to 3 Points

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 2 Port Vale

Argyle just don't - and never have had - the skills and aptitude to be in the league they're are in. When in the Championship, the team were mainly L1 players, when relegated to L1 the team's ability fell to L2 level, and now in L2 we're playing at Conference ability. And that's where Argyle will end up, because there is now no hard-done by feeling at a loss, just a resignation that they won't score and that's that then. The players are playing their hearts out, but they're heads aren't in it. Until something is sorted off the field, every Saturday is just going through the motions. And those motions are giving the opposition 3 points of a plate every game.

Fans ReUnited

24/09 Home Park

Protest day in conjunction with Brighton and Hove Albion

More details from TwoHundredPercent

Can the Green Army make a difference?

The Wage of a Football Club

Statement from P&AP re the strike/payment of staff:

Statement from The P&A Partnership re Plymouth Argyle Football Company Limited (in administration)

The joint administrators of Plymouth Argyle Football Company Limited (in administration) have confirmed that all staff (both players and other employees) have today (2 September 2011) been paid 40 per cent of their September wages on the basis of an agreement that they will continue to work up to and including 15 September 2011.

The money has been paid direct into their bank accounts today.

The P&A Partnership would like to stress that legal formalities are taking longer than anticipated to complete.

However, Bishop International Ltd and Plymouth (125) Limited have both stated that they remain confident that they will be able to conclude the transaction shortly.

Why has it taken a threat of a strike by players for this to happen? Where has the money suddenly come from? Twohundredpercent have written yet another excellent article about the situation. All round the players have caused high profile publicity for the club that hopefully could work to resolving the situation much sooner.

Gone for a Burton

Burton Albion 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

In the end the players did not go ahead with their strike following the paying of 40% of the staff's wages, though there was a bigger crowd of press at the game following the national exposure. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, they witnessed the fruits of the Argyle situation. Reid has admitted there is a lack of fire power in the squad, but there is very little he can do about it except work with who he has got, though they made a concerted effort. Goals win games and the Pilgrims' squad, as it stands, simply cannot come up with enough of them and they remain 4 points adrift at the bottom of the football ladder.

Going for a Burton

So the players who proposed the strike have gone to Burton, on the understanding that they and the staff with receive 40% of their wages for September by the end of yesterday. It therefore remains to be seen whether that assurance has been proved and thus the players do actually run out on the pitch. At the moment Guilfoyle has gone AWOL having taken a break due to exhaustion, Heany is blaming the Football League for the delays, and the FL are, well, who knows? But now the plight of Argyle has reached national attention, people have started to reach the end of their tethers. Unfortunately, there is still no end in sight.

Everybody Out

Argyle's plight finally reached national attention when Sky Sports News, having run out of anything of interest to do with the Premier League/Deadline Day, got whiff of the possibility of a players' strike. Fletcher and Larrieu and the other senior team members are deciding whether to cut their losses and strike tomorrow instead of playing against Burton, and along with Reid gave a lengthy press conferance at Marjon where the squad train. Spokesman Fletcher, backed by Reid, have declared that enough is enough and the players cannot go on after yet another month of no wages and 'hollow promises' from the administrator and bidders, and quite frankly who can blame them when living of nothing but savings for 3/4 of the year?

£389,095,000

Spent in the summer transfer window by Premier League clubs.

As of 21.30 on 31/08 with 1 hour 30 mins left.

Who says football's all money orientated?

12 yards

That's all that was left between Argyle and advancement in the JPT, three worth's of 12 yards too. And yet not one penalty hit the target.

Exeter City 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle (3-0 pens)

And so the Greens are out of yet another cup tournament ('let's concentrate on the league', 'it's only a pot of paint' - only 300ish of the Green Army actually made the trip 42 miles up the road, and when some staunch supporters have got so disenfranchised with the franchise, who can really blame them?) at exactly the same point and against exactly the same team as last year. And though Argyle fought well to get back on level pegging, surely questions need to be asked that not one player could score from 12 yards with only one defender in the way? And yet this is what we have got, and save from a few loanees and free agents, the transfer window close very soon. Without the ratification of the football league, yet another deadline has been missed by the administration/takeover team and these players are who the Green Army will have to trust in - if they have a club to support at in the first place. Maybe it's inexperience, youth or nerves, but unfortunately struggles and frustrations like this, which are becoming expected, will be the norm.

Strongest Team in the Football League

It's official Argyle are holding the whole football league up after being plunged rock bottom following

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Crewe

The on-pitch woes continue as Argyle lacked any bite back against Crewe, this suffering yet another home defeat. The off-pitch actions have and still have wide reaching repercussions and goes some way to proving that money does buy success or you can't make a silk's purse with a sow's ear. This is Argyle's sixth successive home defeat - the last time that happened was 1947 and show's no sign of any improvement. Without the distraction of the very existence of the club, supporters would now be questioning Reid's ability, who has not been able to make any Argyle side - with or without experienced players - work. Even so, the end of the transfer window is only a week away, and it is very very unlikely that any players will be brought in except for possibly free agents that no one else wants. Or maybe they're saving up for Luka Modric?

BIL of Health

Statement from The P&A Partnership, re: Plymouth Argyle Football Company Limited (in administration):

"The joint administrators of Plymouth Argyle Football Company Limited (in administration) are satisfied that Bishop International Limited has secured the necessary funding and everything is agreed between the numerous parties.

"Solicitors are now working to finalise the documentation and complete the sale to Bishop International Limited / Plymouth Argyle (125) Limited.

"Brendan Guilfoyle said: 'This has been a complex deal involving a dozen stakeholders. I am very grateful for the assistance I have received from everyone involved in the sale.

"'I can now look forward to the new club obtaining the share from the Football League and retaining their status as a Football League member club'.

http://www.pafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10364~2433309,00.html

So a deal has been struck with Bishop International Ltd, and on the proviso that contracts are signed and then ratified by the Football League, Argyle might just have been saved...

D Day

Since Wednesday approximately 50 people have been holding a vigil at Home Park. They have lit 124 candles - one for each year of the clubs existence, with 125th due to be lit when the club is finally secure. However, there is very little optimism around amongst Argyle fans that the Greens will exist by 17.00 today and many fans Facebook statuses reflect this. If it does pan out for the worst Argyle will be the first club to cease to exist during a season. Any trust that ever existed in Guilfoyle or Ridsdale has evaporated into the same contempt shown to Stapleton et al, even if the takeover does limp over the finishing line, I don't see much true support is going to be directed towards the directors' box.

We await.

Pilgrims' Regress

Who better than an outsider looking in to perfectly summarise the complete quagmire that is PAFC and try to make some sense of it:

TwoHundredPercent Part 1
TwoHundredPercent Part 2

No way Back

Gillingham United 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

As has been the norm for ages, once the Greens concede there's no going back. The heads drop and the fighting spirit evaporates. Even more so now the team is full of youngsters who have very little professional league football experience - the knowledge of losing, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding their future has a bad effect on the pitch. Once the Gills had got one, you knew it would be hard to come back, 2 and it was all over. Even more so the fact that Argyle were down to 10 men and first came from the resultant penalty.

The Gills summary includes

"I can't recall Flitney having anything of note to do against a young inexperienced Plymouth team that offered very little other than enthusiasm. They chased and harried and made it difficult for us to create anything but that was about all."

"First half we were ineffective against a very week Plymouth team (they will go down if they don't go bust)"

"3-0 but could and probably should have been 6-0."

The second comment is a real reality. There appears to be no way out of the mess that surrounds the club; off the pitch or on it.

Paint Trophy 2011

Argyle have drawn 'big club' Exter City away in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy to be played on either Tue 30 or Wed 31 August. A repeat of last year's defeat on the horizon?

When will it all End?

For crying out load, just when will this complete shambles of a "take over" end? Yet again the 'Irish consortium' of Bishop International has failed to provide significant funds to even pay the staff forcing them to accept a deferment yet again. However, even Guilfoyle's get tough tactic was thrown out by the courts. So unfortunately for any Green Army member, the saga of PAFC will rumble on for a fair time to come.

Not the Best Outcomes

Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Millwall [LC]
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 4 Rotherham United

Not the best kick off to football at the Theatre of Greens, but is there much that can be expected from a team that has not much experience? And what incidentally has happened to Larrieu? Following his testimonial year and decision to stay, Reid has not played him favouring Cole instead. At any rate those that attended the Millwall game gave a good account of the lads that Millwall were not that good and there for the taking, but Argyle history would have predicted that the first foray into the League Cup always ends up in a humiliating dumping out at the earliest opportunity. The reverse however was the feeling verses Rotherham. Literally men against the boys. With Reid summarising as 'suicide football', especially at the home team took the lead - but the passing was all right! Walton has vowed that the same mistakes won't happen again, but you can probably assume it will. The game saw yet another débutante - Will Atkinson - the 22 year old on loan from Hull, who actually scored Argyle's one and only goal. It will be a long hard season, maybe things will click right soon. Maybe.

Start as you mean to go On

Shrewsbury Town 1 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

A draw start to the season from the Greens, a good start I suppose considering 1. it's not a loss and 2. it's good enough for the team considering what's gone on. Reid had to field 5 players that have never played in league football, 9 that had never played for Argyle before and in a team who's average age was only 22 - Larrieu didn't even feature and skipper Fletcher - at 31 - was the oldest in the XI. The Green Army had to wait the full 90 minutes to be rewarded by a screaming goal from Fletcher, though Shrewsbury only managed their opener at 69 minutes. There is obviously a lot that needs to be done before Argyle can be considered any force in the league, but fair plays to the lads they did alright.

Ticket Prices 2011/12

Argyle have released the ticket prices for pay on the day for the forthcoming season.

There will be no POTD levy, thus all prices are set at:

Adult - £20
Over 65 - £15
Under 18 - £7
Family (1+1) - £25

for anywhere in the stadium, except the disabled stand.

This has simplified the POTD structure, whereby before you used to get a discount for buying in advance and pay more for premium compared to standard seating, however, like the season ticketing there had been losses and cuts to previously available tickets. For example a family ticket has shrunk to 1 adult + 1 child (from 2+2), there are no student or under 21 discounts, and the under 18 and under 10 tariffs are the same. This has already caused annoyance at previous ST holders who came under these brackets, and thus will cause more outrage that they cannot even get a POTD discounted ticket.

The Squad 2011/12

The squad as it stands so far:

1 Romain LARRIEU
2 Durrell BERRY

3 Robbie WILLIAMS
4 Carl FLETCHER
5 Stephane ZUBAR
6 Curtis NELSON
7 Luke DALEY
8 Simon WALTON
10 Tom HITCHCOCK
12 GREEN ARMY
13 Ladjie SOUKOUNA
14 Onismor BHASERA
15 Luke YOUNG
16 Jamie RICHARDS
17 Jared SIMS
18 Jordan COPP
23 Jake COLE

That is just 5 first team players left from last season.

The Name's Bond...

...W H Bond.

The new kit and sponsors have been revealed just in time for the new season in Argyle tradition of waiting till the last minute. The new Puma made green home and white away kits will bear Cornish family business W H Bond Timbers' name for the season, with future sponsorship dependant upon on pitch performance.



The new all green kit will please many fans, especially as the much derided red Ginsters logo has been consigned to history and the Bond Timber logo fits in well with no jarring colour contrast, although Ginsters are still alleged to have interest in the club.

However, it's not without the usual puzzlement that eminates from Home Park as of late. What does Ridsdale mean when he said:

"When we spoke to WH Bond & Sons about our predicament [regarding lack of kit], the first thing they did - which I think is an indication of a relationship that is outstanding - is they wrote a cheque so that we will have a kit to play in.

"Not only against Shrewsbury, but also in home games coming forward before - ultimately - the main kit that we are hoping to play in for the rest of the season will arrive."

So what - ultimately - is the main kit they are hoping to play in?

Season Tickets 11/12

Details of the season tickets for 2011/12 have been released:

Adult: £240
Over 65s: £260
10-17 year olds: £120
Family (1+1): £380

for anywhere in Home Park (different prices apply for the disabled stand)

Under 10: Free, when sat in the Family Stand (block 1), maximum of 2 children per adult

There will be no STs sold in blocks 15-19. The deadline for renewal of an existing seat is Fri 22 July.

Thus, in comparison to last season there has only been a £20 reduction in price to reflect the relegation in league, the family ticket has shrunk with the elimination of the 2+2 option. Once again Argyle have shown very little thought for its supporters, and, although better than the increase in prices last season following a relegation, supporters are still paying MORE than they were when watching Argyle TWO DIVISIONS higher.

Zoo Closure

Following the announcement regarding season tickets, it is noted that no STs will be sold for blocks 15-18 due to safety and security reasons, effectively meaning that yet another part of Home Park is being closed down. Now that means that along with the Mayflower and 4 blocks, nearly 1/3rd of HP is out of bounds to supporters.

League 2 away crowds are never that big, especially the travelling support so 5 blocks for the opposition is over accommodating and will mean that in the majority of cases only 2/5ths of their allocations will be sold, thus with what will be a smaller home following, probably nearing 1/2th of the ground will only be occupied for the majority of the time.

The thinking probably being along these lines that it's better to concentrate fewer supporters in a smaller area, however ST holders and supporters have been shifted without care for the second time now, from Mayflower to Zoo Corner to wherever, causing a lot of ill feeling. And considering there's only been a £20 reduction in cost of a ST since last year (and what, if you work out the saving of a ST over the number of games, is only about £2 for POTD), a number of people will be saying 'sod it' to the Greens.

Le Keeper's Testimonial

It's Romain Larrieu's testimonial year and events of Le Testimonial will kick off soon.

On the 1st July there will be a Special Guest Evening, Gala Ball and Celebrity Golf match.

Le Testimonial match is on Wednesday 20 July at Home Park v QPR, 7.45pm.
Tickets Adult £14 . Under 18 £7 . Over 65 £7 . Under 10 £4 (with £2 reduction for last season's season ticket holders, to be bought by 19th July)

More details can be found at Le Testimonial website.

Romain made his 300th appearance last season and as become a bastillion of the club, having been named club captain. As a constant presence at the club, Romain has remained loyal through the ups and downs, and thus deserves a great reception from the Green Army.

Out with the New

Argyle have decided to revert to the 'traditional' club crest, casting aside the New World's offering of the circular badge containing the Mayflower Crest. However, there are a few modifications in order to celebrate 125 years of the club.

The news will please many Argyle fans who have called for the removal of the new badge - and mostly cos it's been tainted with the New World fiasco and looked a copy cat of many other clubs badges.

The 125 version features gold trim and an extra banner at the top. Maybe after this celebratory season, the crest will revert to the plainer green/black/white design.

Fixtures

Some news!
After nearly a month of nothing except administration/mystery bidders/selling players/staff not being paid ... basically the same old crap. There's some news - something to look forward to. Well maybe not, because the fixtures came out today and all it does is remind you of how lowly Argyle have stooped.

First up is the league cup, which cause Argyle are unseeded, they've drawn Millwall at home (full list).
Second is the full league fixtures, which can be found here. Highlights include Rovers on Boxing Day, the Devon Derby I in November at Plainmoor the return being New Year Bank Holiday;first game is away to Shrewsbury followed by first home to Rotherham and ending at home to Cheltenham. Maybe the only plus is the travelling distance will be so much less, and there are just a handful of Tuesday night games.

This is assuming Argyle exist, as the bidders are still shrouded in secrecy - why? At this going rate, Argyle'll be starting on -10 points, and a further drop will be a potential reality.

Oh What a Surprise

Ridsdale has bought the club.

CVA-Accepted

Last Friday Argyle's creditors agreed to the CVA and accept less than a pound return for every £1 invested in the club. That hurdle over with, the next is the announcement of the preferred bidder - who is rumoured to be neither of the forerunners so far.

Following the end of season 1-4 blow-out loss to Orient in traditional Argyle style, now begins the process of rebuilding (yet again) the club both on and off the pitch for the start of life in League Two in a few month's time. Certainly the 60% of income cap on wages will be interesting to watch being played out, with many players still on Championship wages. A few will most certainly be leaving, and already loanee and first choice keeper, Button, has returned to Spurs following the end of his contract. And so another era in the history of Argyle is set to begin. Let's hope it's done correctly this time.

10 Years

10 years ago in 2001/02 Argyle escaped from the 4th tier of football (then known as Division 3), 2 "5 year plans"' worth of time, just to end up back at square one (well, npower League 2, not quite Blue Square One - yet). In fact, Argyle's wikipedia entry has already been updated! Was it worth is? Has anything actually been learnt?

It took the Pilgrims 4 years following their relegation in 97/98 to climb back out of Division 3/League 2, then a consolidation year in Division 2/League 1 before reaching the dizzying heights of the Championship. How soon is the comeback going to happen this time? As we all know it is no one's god-give right to play at any expected tier of football (outside the more established Premier League teams where they have preferential treatment anyway); there were expecting a bounce-back on relegation to League One and no doubt the same are expecting an immediate come back this time. But Argyle are not like that as history foretells.

Meanwhile, the actual existence of Argyle in League 2 is still not guaranteed. Whoever updated wikipedia may have been too quick off the mark.

You've Never Had it so Good

A misquote by PM Harold MacMillan, sometimes atttributed to Margaret Thatcher. MacMillan was of course talking about post war 1957 Britain that the Conservatives had built and we all know what came of them. Similarly a few years ago the Green Army had never has it so good; the club were riding high in the 2nd tier of English football with a bright manager and a youngish up and coming team, but yet on the verge of a second successive relegation, this time into the 4th tier of the football pyramid, as Liam Byrne wrote to his successor at the demise of NuLabour, 'Sorry, there's no money left'.

During the flying high times, the board were lamenting the 'never had it so good' message to all, with promises of Premier League football and a(nother) 5 year plan, and many believed it. Though as is clear to all the personal greed of those in charge, the reluctance to let go or seek investment, got in the way of the real goal of a football club - success. Instead, as even now in administration, property development took over. The World Cup bid was in the main a quick fix way of getting the stadium finished, and the surrounding area covered in money making property, and when that inevitable fell, as there was no longer any strong footballing foundation, the club crumbled. Even still, the direction Guilfoyle looks to be sending the club appears to be the same, with no attempt to market the club to anyway, and only property developers interested.

And so, as Argyle head into another history repeating recession, how long before the Green Army have never had it so good again?