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?
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Saturday, 4 February 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
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.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
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 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!
Monday, 16 January 2012
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.
Saturday, 14 January 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
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?
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?
Friday, 6 January 2012
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.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
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.Monday, 2 January 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Sunday, 18 December 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
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.
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