THE DAILY DIARY

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Greens on Screen's Daily Diary is a compilation of Argyle news, with help from these and other Argyle-related sites.

Plymouth Argyle FC

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On This Day:

Also included on the three most recent days, facts from Argyle's history.

Friday 26th April 2024

On This Day:

1947: Argyle 0 Birmingham 2; the first of a club record nine successive defeats (the last six games of that season and the first three of the next). It was the first season after the war, which had decimated the club and its facilities, but 'Resurgam': five years later ...

1952: Argyle 2 Torquay 2, the last home game of a magnificent season, in which Argyle equalled the 107 goal record set by the 1925-26 side. This game was a typical anti-climax after promotion was secured three days earlier, but the result didn't matter. Over 28,000 packed Home Park to see Jack Chisholm lift the championship trophy, captain of what some would say was the greatest ever Argyle side: Shortt, Ratcliffe, Jones, Dougall, Chisholm, Porteous, Astall, Rattray, Tadman, Dews and Govan.

1954: Stoke City 3 Argyle 2, 'Jumbo' Jack Chisholm's 188th and final game after five years at the club. By all accounts, he wasn't the most agile, he lacked speed, his ball control could have been better, he rarely left his penalty area - such was his fitness level - and from a medical point of view he should never have stepped on the pitch. Yet few have inspired as he did, an Argyle legend still remembered with great affection at Home Park today.

25th

On This Day:

1953: Argyle equalled their highest ever end-of-season position, fourth in Football League Division 2 (tier 2).

1959: Accrington Stanley 1 Argyle 1 (Penk); the Pilgrims were promoted to tier 2. The team coach arrived back in Devon the following afternoon, and was met in Ivybridge for decoration by the Supporters Club. An estimated 500 cars joined the cavalcade as it entered the city.

24th

On This Day:

1968: Blackburn 1 Argyle 1, Argyle were relegated to tier 3.

2004: A game we'll never forget, Argyle 2 QPR 0; Argyle won promotion to the newly named Championship as champions of tier 3. Bring it all back here - it should be an annual pilgrimage, watch Dom's video clips and bring back the smiles.

23rd

Argyle's Under-18s reached the summit of Merit League One with a fifth straight league win, this time overcoming Oxford United at Home Park.

The visitors took an early lead, but Argyle had turned it around by half-time with a Freddie Issaka cracker followed by a Joe Hatch header.

Caleb Roberts made it 3-1 in the second half to seal a victory that could have been much larger had it not been for an excellent performance by Oxford goalkeeper Monty Marriott.

A win against Portsmouth on 30 April, could see the young Greens secure the Merit League One title.

22nd

Teenage goalkeeper, Zak Baker, has signed a one-year contract extension with Argyle. The 19-year-old Academy graduate signed his first professional deal in summer 2023 and has since been on loan with Tiverton Town.

Zak said: "I've worked hard this season and to be offered a new contract, I'm over the moon.

"I will have played just shy of 30 games when the season ends for Tiverton. Getting those games in, it's just getting experience no matter what the level is. It's massive for me, especially as a goalkeeper, just getting that goalmouth experience, making saves, taking crosses, kicking well; everything I need to hopefully one day break into the first-team."

21st

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip and defender Dan Scarr have each admitted that the Greens were second best in every department as they lost 3-0 at Stoke City on Saturday.

Stoke scored a quickfire double at the end of the first half, through Ki-Jana Hoever and Million Manhoef, with Wouter Burger adding a coup de grace at the conclusion to the game.

"Stoke City were better than us today; that really disappoints me to say it. I don't want to do any excuses," said Dewsnip.

"They were up for it a little bit more. I don't know why that was, other than the crowd got really involved after the incident just before half-time when it was still 0-0. That seemed to give them a lift and, in that period, they scored two just before half-time.

"They were causing us a little bit of a problem tactically, as well, which we changed at half-time, and that went away. In the second half, although we weren't really a goal threat, we managed to nullify them, we thought, in terms of the problems that they were creating. But 2-0 down is a mountain to climb in the circumstances."

Scarr wondered whether the run of seven points from three games may have offered a false sense of security.

"I think they just outworked us, outran us," said Scarr. "They had runners that were just coming at the back-line. They seemed to pick up spaces, win second balls. I just don't think we were at the races today.

"We said before the game, we need to keep doing the things that we've just done the last three games that's put us in this position - today we just didn't do those things. I don't know whether, because we've had a few good results before, we're high on confidence and were maybe a bit naive, but it was just one of those games.

"Things didn't go for us. I haven't seen us concede goals like that for a while and they were disappointing. There's a lot of things that could be done. Three or four things, a domino effect, that could be stopped, and we just didn't do them.

"It's definitely in our hands still. We had a good three games that maybe gives us a bit of bit of leeway, but we just need to get back on it, stick together as a team, with the fans, and just dig in and go again."

"We'll dust ourselves down, and we'll get ready to go again," said Dewsnip. "That's what we've all signed up for: the staff, the players, the fans. How good were the fans again today here? That's the way it's been all season.

"If anybody thought that surviving in the Championship was easy, they'd be a little bit naive. We knew the size of our challenge. We're two games out from achieving that challenge. Although today is very disappointing, we're not about to give in.

"It's my job, and Nance's job, to get them prepared and ready. We'll be doing the best that we can do between now and next Saturday."

Argyle Women rescued a point in their penultimate FA  Women's  National League fixture of the season at Billericay Town on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts were the first to find the net through striker Maddie  Biggs'  volleyed effort inside the 18-yard box before the break.

Although the Greens were fatigued  from their previous match against Exeter two days previously,  they  battled hard and found their equaliser through Katie  Dickson's  penalty in the 76th minute.

The Pilgrims' valiant efforts mean they remain eighth in the league with one final match to play on Sunday, 5 May, when they  take on MK Dons in the finale of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division season.

20th

Argyle's reunion with Steven Schumacher ended in favour of the former Pilgrims manager, as Stoke City ran out 3-0 winners. Two goals on the stroke of half-time, from Ki-Jana Hoever and Million Manhoef, turned the game massively in favour of the hosts, and the Greens weren't able to recover. Gloss was added to the Stoke win with a late third from Wouter Burger.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Pleguezuelo (Gibson), Scarr, Edwards (Devine), Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Bundu (Wright), Randell, Galloway, Forshaw (Houghton). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Sousa, Phillips, Issaka.

Argyle's Under-18s made a dramatic late comeback against AFC Wimbledon to win 3-2 in the Merit League on Saturday afternoon.

Tegan Finn continued his fine form and returned to the scoresheet, netting midway through the first half. Caleb Roberts then made it two goals in two games when he levelled the game in the 69th minute.

Roberts also had a large part to play in the winner; it was his cross that Harry Hedges diverted into his own net, making it 3-2 to the young Pilgrims, with only three minutes to go.

Despite having only led for just three minutes in the entire game, it was a well-deserved win for the Greens, four in a row now in Merit League One.

19th

Argyle issued a formal response to yesterday's EFL statement about the removal of replays from all FA Cup games from the first round onwards. Joining with many others in opposition to this decision, the Club statement reads:

"Our overriding emotions are of disappointment, and this is essentially twofold. Firstly, we are saddened at the proposed abolition of replays, which are long established within our oldest, most treasured competition.

"Secondly, it is very disappointing that such a decision has been taken with very little consultation with clubs at various levels. Had such consultation taken place, we feel very confident that the FA would have met with huge resistance, aside from a small number of elite clubs that benefit from this modification.

"Friday's FA statement indicates that consultations have taken place, but Plymouth Argyle have not been part of any consultations and neither, according to their recent statement, have the EFL at large.

"As custodians of the game of football in England, the FA have a duty to represent not just the Premier League and the EFL, but teams throughout the footballing pyramid. One of the beauties of the FA Cup is that teams at various levels can come into contact, and replays enhance the joy of these meetings.

"On one hand, there is the financial implication; how a smaller club can earn a second encounter with a giant of English football, and get compensated accordingly. In addition, there is that intangible of the romantic side of our game, the enjoyment we all, as supporters, can get by having an experience at a major stadium, or bringing a team back to your own ground.

"We have our own examples in recent years. Not only did we benefit financially from two televised games against Liverpool in 2017, but we had a unique experience for supporters, bringing Liverpool to Home Park for the second tie. Finances that we, as a club, accrued from the Liverpool match and replay were specifically invested into projects that went towards our future sustainability.

"It is clear from a series of responses from teams in the EFL, National League and below that the proposals are overwhelmingly being rejected from football as a whole. Our experiences of listening to our fanbase also indicate a widespread condemnation of the removal of replays.

"We stand with supporters and our fellow football clubs on this issue, which we not only feel is misguided, but has been taken without the consultation and care that surely should be an enshrined prerequisite."

Argyle fell at the last hurdle in the final of the A&S Interiors Devon Women's Premier County Cup, losing 2-1 to Exeter City.

The Grecians led 1-0 at half-time, through a Zoe Watkins penalty after 10 minutes, and doubled it moments after the restart, when Sophie Gillies headed in. Argyle had a penalty of their own, converted by Ellie Sara, but could not find the equaliser they craved and Exeter were crowned Devon champions.

16th

From next season (2024/25), a new rights agreement between the EFL and Sky Sports comes into effect, making Sky Sports the home of the EFL.

With more than 1,000 EFL fixtures live on Sky Sports via Sky and NOW each season, Argyle TV will cease to offer domestic live video coverage of EFL matches.

EFL's five-year rights deal with Sky Sports will see significantly enhanced exposure for all EFL clubs.

This is likely to affect timings of matches, with fewer Saturday at 3pm kick offs expected.

As part of the groundbreaking partnership with Sky Sports, fans will be able to access more action than ever before from across the EFL's three divisions, as well as every game of the Carabao Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

14th

Morgan Whittaker has been included in the EFL Championship team of the season at the annual EFL awards. Freddie Issaka was one of three nominations in the Young Apprentice of the Year category which was won by Archie Gray of Leeds United.

13th

On one of the all-time great Home Park nights, Argyle's players, staff and supporters were beautifully in sync as the Greens beat league-leaders Leicester City 1-0. Mustapha Bundu scored after 21 minutes to give Argyle a lead they never relinquished, no matter how much pressure--of which there was plenty--they were put under by the Foxes. In truth, Argyle limited the chances and, when they did come, there was always a block, a clearance, a header or a save that repelled the leaders.

The reaction of Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell, as well as of the players at the end, said it all about the importance of those points and the part played by the vocal Green Army in spurring the team on.

"They sang non-stop", said Nance. "The players would know that, recognise that. When one or two of the lads were getting tired, they would run just a bit further. It was a massive contribution. We thank them.

"It was reminiscent of last season," he added. "The place was rocking from the first minute. The players responded to that by giving everything they've got. The supporters give everything they've got and we've come away with three points. It doesn't get much better [than that], does it?"

Neil Dewsnip recognised that the whole squad played their part in this monumental win: "We knew that we would need all the squad, not just 11. Quite a few of them have been involved, if not all of them, I guess. We're delighted, not just for 11 players who've been out there at the end, but for everyone who's contributed in the last three games."

Nance continued: "It's what Plymouth Argyle is all about. We thrive on that. That's what we've got in our favour. We've got that in abundance. We've got that in the terraces. We've got that in the boardroom. We've got that everywhere in the football club - spirit and belief. And the players have got that in abundance too. As long as we all show that passion and that spirit, we'll be fine."

But Argyle are not quite there yet in their fight for survival in the Championship. "We've still got a lot of work to do", said Nance. We've got three big games coming up, and that just gives us an extra belief, a little bit more zest and a bit more confidence to go into the next three.

"We've real belief that we can get this job done, repay the supporters and everybody who's backed us all the way."

On Saturday morning, Argyle's Under-18s made it three wins in a row in Merit League One, defeating Swindon Town 5-1 at Harper's Park, with four of the goals coming in a brilliant second-half performance. Freddie Issaka, Joe Hatch, Caleb Roberts, and Josh Bernard all netted for the Greens, with the hosts' fifth coming courtesy of a Robins own goal.

12th

Argyle gave their survival hopes a major boost with a superb 1-0 victory over Leicester City. Leicester are a seriously slick unit, and they demonstrated their quality under the lights of a sizzling Home Park, but the one moment of genuine finishing prowess came from Mustapha Bundu, steering a wonderful winner on just 21 minutes. The Pilgrims had to defend for long periods, bodies were thrown on the line on numerous occasions, but a tremendous display of defensive determination earned the reward of three valuable points.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Scarr, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Miller (Edward), Bundu (Gibson), Randell, Galloway, Forshaw (Houghton). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Wright, Devine, Phillips, Issaka.

Dan Scarr was awarded the Sky Bet player of the match - his third accolade in a row since he returned to the team.

11th

Argyle's under-10s were victorious at the Oakham Tournament in Rutland from Monday to Wednesday, 8-10 April.

In the group stage, the teams played a series of 8v8 20-minute games in a group stage format, with Argyle finishing third and qualifying for the final four. From there, the young Greens, coached by George Roberts and Ricardo Lanzana, got past AFC Wimbledon to reach the final, where they beat Newcastle United.

Argyle also took under-9s and under-11s teams to the tournament, organised by Specialist Soccer. Both reached the final stage, and both finished third.

Argyle Academy Manager Phil Stokes said: "It was a brilliant few days for some of our young players, getting brilliant experience of playing tournament football. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the lads were a credit to themselves and the football club.

"We would like to extend a huge thank you to the 50/50 lottery, whose help and support has assisted us being able to attend this tournament."

10th

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip declared himself happy with last night's point against QPR that goes towards the tally as Argyle seek survival, but admitted that the ebb and flow of the game took him on a ride.

"It was an emotional rollercoaster. I thought we were okay without getting too excited in the first half. We felt as though we were in control of what we were doing and how we were trying to do it.

"Then, of course, after they score, you're looking for a moment of genius from one of our players, or a moment of madness by one of theirs. Actually, who cares? We just needed a goal and thankfully we got it.

"I think at this stage of the season, both teams are hoping to get away from the relegation area. It's very tense. It's: 'I don't want to make a mistake. Please don't let it be me.' What we've talked about, and will continue to talk about, is we want our players to be brave. There might be a mistake or two along the way, but if we're brave, we hope we'll come out the other side with more good moments than bad ones.

Dewsnip expressed his delight with the point. "It could have been none. That's now four points in two games, and we've got a little bit of momentum going forwards. We want to keep that going on Friday.

"What I can assure the fans is we're trying. We're trying really hard for them. We're trying really hard for us. We're trying really hard for everybody."

9th

A late own goal by Queens Park Rangers handed Argyle another valuable point in the increasingly fraught fight against relegation from the Sky Bet Championship, the match ending 1-1. QPR are facing the same tense season finale as the Pilgrims, and it showed in a game that was full of tension. The deadlock was broken by a bundled goal from Sam Field with 16 minutes remaining and the Greens were staring at a damaging defeat. The response was full of character and, matching the scruffiness of the QPR goal, the Pilgrims earned a point when a corner from Adam Randell was deflected into his own net by Albert Adomah.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Houghton (Forshaw), Scarr, Edwards (Sorinola), Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Wright (Bundu), Gibson, Randell, Phillips (Pleguezuelo). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Miller, Devine, Galloway.

Argyle dedicated the QPR match as this season's Her Game Too fixture. The campaign was launched by a group of female football fans in summer 2021, aimed at creating a dedicated anonymous service for supporters to report incidents of sexist abuse. A number of Argyle's female fans were the pitch-side flagbearers, and the match ball was carried out by Argyle's Her Game Too ambassador. In addition, a  special donation point, set up to collect items for women's group, Trevi, was generously supported.

8th

Dan Scarr has been chosen for the Sky EFL team of the week. Despite not having played for Argyle since January, he made a significant defensive contribution to the Greens' win at Rotherham on Friday night.

7th

Argyle Women put up a strong fight against runaway league leaders, Portsmouth, but although a below-strength Pilgrims made life tough for their opponents, they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. Despite the loss, Argyle remain ninth in the table.

"I couldn't be prouder of how the girls performed today," said manager Ryan Perks after his side's battle with the title contenders. "Everything in the build-up to this game went against us. We've come here with a depleted squad due to illness which has led to us only having a bench of three players.

"We've started four 16-year-olds against a team who is top of the league, and they've all dug in and worked hard as well as the rest of the team.

"Credit goes to Portsmouth either way, they're a fantastic team and have all but secured themselves promotion to the Championship which they fully deserve. For us, it's a case of dusting ourselves off and going again in a couple of weeks for our matches against Exeter and Billericay."

6th

Argyle's first-team coach, Kevin Nancekivell, went through a whole gamut of emotions at the end of Argyle's precious 1-0 victory over Rotherham United at the New York Stadium which saw the Millers relegated to League One. It was the first game in charge for Nancekivell and director of football, Neil Dewsnip, since the departure of Ian Foster earlier in the week.

Nance's delight was obvious, along with huge relief and a seam of pride as to what his side had achieved.

"I think there's always a sense of relief when you pick up the three points," said Nancekivell. "We're delighted with the players; really, really proud to put on a gritty performance under pressure. It was fantastic.

"The longer the game went on at 1-0, you obviously get a little bit nervous and edgy. The players can feel that sometimes as well, but I thought they stood up to the test really well. They defended well when they had to; we've got a clean sheet.

"It's a massive squad game, and everyone's played their part," he continued. "We could go through the whole 20-man squad and say how well everyone's done. Even those that don't get on, with their attitude towards the team and sticking together, and all of that."

As ever, the travelling Green Army played their part in spurring the players on. "The supporters were everything that we've said this week," said Nancekivell. "They carried us home and got us across the line.

"I don't know what word can describe them. I'm quite emotional about it, when you go over at the end, just because they bring so much to this football club. "Stick with us as you always do," he urged. "All I can promise you is we'll give you every little thing we've got."

5th

At the end of a turbulent week for Argyle, Bali Mumba scored the goal as a 1-0 win at Rotherham earned a crucial three points in the fight for survival in the Championship. Four days earlier, the loss to Bristol City had prompted the departure of Ian Foster as Head Coach, as the Pilgrims turned to Director of Football Neil Dewsnip and First-Team Coach Kevin Nancekivell to lead them through six massive games in the relegation scrap. Stage one of that mission was achieved by Mumba's well-taken goal on the half-hour and a solid all-round display, as the defeat for Rotherham confirmed their relegation to League One.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba (Galloway), Houghton, Scarr, Edwards, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker (Bundu), Wright (Forshaw), Gibson, Randell, Phillips. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Sousa, Pleguezuelo, Miller, Sorinola.

4th

Argyle have bought the Green Taverners building to create extra space for hospitality on and off match days, providing 250 extra covers and bringing in an estimated additional £1 million a year revenue to the Club. Downstairs will continue as a sports bar with a premium general admission, providing fans with food and drink on match days, and for events such as weddings and wakes on non-match days. In a reversion to earlier times, this supporters' bar will be known as the Far Post Club.

The GTs will continue to have their own dedicated space with a marquee located next to the gym on the Mayflower Quarter.

Freddie Issaka has been nominated for the EFL Sky Bet Championship Apprentice of the Season award, sponsored by LFE. The 17-year-old is on a three-man shortlist, alongside Archie Gray of Leeds United and Stoke City's Nathan Lowe.

Freddie is Argyle's youngest ever player, having made his debut as a substitute in the EFL Trophy in August 2021, aged just 15 years and 34 days. He gained more cCup experience in the last two seasons and has made five substitute appearances in the Championship this season as well as starting in wins over Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup and Sutton United in the Emirates FA Cup.

"It is fantastic for Freddie to be nominated," said Argyle Under-18s manager Jamie Lowry. "It shows the hard work he has done, and when a player gets recognised, it reflects well on the club.

"Throughout the whole Academy, a lot of hard work goes into developing and nurturing every player, so anytime a player gets some form of recognition, it makes everything worthwhile.

"He is in tremendous company; he and his family should be very proud."

3rd

In the light of Ian Foster's departure, Argyle CEO, Andrew Parkinson, has issued a statement which has been emailed to Argyle fans. In it, he explains the reasons for Foster's sacking and urges unity among players, staff and fans to spur the team on to achieve the results necessary to ensure Championship survival.

He indicated that there have already been expressions of interest in the managerial vacancy.

The full text can be read on the Argyle website at:

https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/update-ceo-andrew-parkinson.

2nd

Argyle Under-18s won their second game in succession in Merit League One when they defeated Luton Town 3-1 on the road.

In qualifying for the Merit League, the young Pilgrims won their regional conference of the Youth Alliance League, with Luton were winning the equivalent division in their region.

The Greens scored twice in the first half through defender Joel Sullivan. His first goal saw him following up a Tegan Finn shot to knock home the rebound; his second a conversion of a set play, delivered by Cole Fisher after Freddie Issaka had been brought down.

Argyle missed a penalty after the break, Caleb Roberts hitting the crossbar from 12 yards, but only a few minutes later added to their tally, when Finn's corner was not dealt with by Luton and found its way into the net

The Hatters recorded a consolation goal, but the Greens were in control, and saw the game out.

Manager, Jamie Lowry, praised the team's resilience. "To Luton, we were up very early in the morning, and back in a day. The boys were brilliant though, dealt with it really well, and had the bit between their teeth. I was really pleased."

1st

Argyle slipped to another painful loss at Home Park with a 1-0 defeat to Bristol City, and a particularly tough one to take after dominating the first half of a typically tense Westcountry derby. The Greens had more than enough moments to grab a decisive lead but Bristol City were much improved after the break, and snatched the points when substitute Nahki Wells scored the only goal just before the hour. Argyle lost the services of Alfie Devine for the closing stages after he was dismissed for two yellow cards and the Robins held on for the win.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba (Bundu), Sousa (Miller), Houghton, Hardie, Whittaker, Devine, Gibson, Phillips, Forshaw (Randell), Sorinola (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Pleguezuelo, Wright, Galloway, Waine.

Following the defeat against Bristol City, Argyle sacked Ian Foster after 87 days in charge. Director of football, Neil Dewsnip, and first team coach, Kevin Nancekivell, along with Simon Ireland and Daryl Flahavan will be in charge for the remaining six games of the season. pafc.co.uk/news/foster-departs

Before the start of the fixture against Bristol City, four new recruits were welcomed to the Argyle Academy.

Luca Kirby (Under-9s) is an aspiring goalkeeper hoping to follow in the footsteps of Michael Cooper. Signed from our North Devon Centre of Excellence and Southgate Grassroots Club, Luca has already been involved in our pathway and now progresses into the Academy.

Joseph McGaw (Under-10s) is our first Academy signing from our recently launched Emerging Talent Centre. He had previously played Grassroots Football at Torquay Academy.

Elliot Coles (Under-11s) progressed from our partner club, Chivenor Soccer, based in North Devon. Elliot is an attacking talent, known for his exceptional dribbling skills. Everyone at the Academy is excited to continue supporting Elliot's development.

Jovan Wamani (Under-14s) is a strong, athletic and calm defender with superb quality in possession. Our local scouts identified Jovan as a fantastic talent, with the attributes required to be an Academy player.

Adam Hayman, Head of Academy Recruitment, said: "I'm a delighted to welcome all four boys into the Academy. All four boys reside from a different part of our catchment area, South Devon, Cornwall, North Devon and South Somerset.

"This shows the length, breadth, and fantastic work of our Talent ID & Recruitment department, along with the terrific work of our pathway and partner clubs."

31st March

Argyle Women rescued all three points from their trip to London Bees, coming from a goal down to win 2-1 at The Hive.

The Bees led at half time, but the Greens levelled 45 seconds into the second half through Charlotte Whitmore and later confirmed victory after Ellie Sara blasted Whitmore's lofted through ball into the back of the net.

The Greens move up into ninth place in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division with a game in hand on Portsmouth - Argyle's next opponents.

29th

Football is a cruel, brutal game, and Argyle left Carrow Road feeling very sore after two set-piece goals saw Norwich fight back for a 2-1 victory. Argyle's number ten scored after ten minutes, neatly adding up to 20 goals in the season for Morgan Whittaker, and the Pilgrims held that lead until the midpoint of the second period. Josh Sargent delivered the equaliser for the Canaries and Argyle, who had created a number of chances to extend the lead, were left shattered by a painful own goal, as the ball bounced off the unfortunate Ashley Phillips.

Argyle: Cooper, Houghton, Hardie, Whittaker, Miller (Sousa), Devine (Waine), Gibson, Randell (Forshaw), Galloway, Phillips (Pleguezuelo), Sorinola (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Scarr, Wright, Bundu.

28th

Argyle director, Trevor East, has resigned from the Board of PAFC.

Trevor was appointed in 2019, having spent the majority of his career in broadcast and television at ITV and Sky Sports, respectively, Trevor has been a sounding board as Argyle have developed into one of the leading EFL clubs for marketing and communications.

Chairman, Simon Hallett, paid tribute to Trevor's contribution to the Board, saying: ."...his contacts, knowledge and support have opened a number of doors for us over the past five years.

"I'm sorry to see Trevor depart but I fully respect his decision and wish him well. He leaves us in a better place than when he joined, and he made immense contributions to making that possible."

Argyle and Argyle Community Trust have been selected as finalists for three awards at the 2024 Football Business Awards. The marketing and communications team has been nominated for the 'Best Club Marketing Campaign' award for this season's home shirt campaign which saw record-breaking sales and media coverage.

Argyle Community Trust has received nominations for Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Scheme, with Project 35, the award-winning social action initiative aimed at reducing poverty in Devon and Cornwall in partnership with Ginsters, recognised as one of sport's leading CSR programmes.

The second nomination is in the Best Football Community Scheme category, where the Trust has been chosen as a finalist for their clear commitment to the local community, its people and business.

The awards take place on Friday, 24 May at The Brewery in London.

Argyle's Under-18s secured their first win in Merit League One as they beat Stevenage on Thursday morning.

Tegan Finn scored the game's only goal on 75 minutes when he finished from close range.

"They boys were really good today," said manager Jamie Lowry. "I had that feeling at the start of the game, and during the game, that they were up for it. After the game it's always nice to have that feeling of three points.

"The biggest message was defensively, as a team, to keep working hard, which they did outstandingly all game. We know the ability of the attacking players that we have, that we will create something and score a goal.

"Collectively, from the first minute to the last, they worked really hard, dug in for each other and got back and doubled up; all the nitty-gritty things you need to do to keep a clean sheet."

27th

On-loan midfielder, Darko Gyabi, has returned to his parent club, Leeds, after suffering a groin strain during training. He will now miss the rest of the season at Home Park while he is treated for the injury at Elland Road.

Argyle defender, Brendan Galloway, was a 63rd minute substitute for Zimbabwe in a 3-1 defeat to Kenya in the final of a four-nation African tournament.

Striker, Ben Waine, also came off the bench for New Zealand in the 81st minute of a 0-0 draw with Tunisia at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt in a third and fourth place play-off at the ACUD International Cup.

Plans have been approved for the multi-million-pound transformation of Brickfields into a sporting centre of excellence and asset for the wider Plymouth community.

The City Council has given the green light to the scheme brought forward by a partnership between Plymouth Argyle, Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC, and Devonport Community Leisure Limited (DCLL).

The milestone means legal agreements can be formalised, the remaining funding secured and the proposals to deliver an exciting range of community and sport facilities on the underused site in Devonport can now progress.

At the core of the proposals is a new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle's youth wing, the Argyle Academy, and Plymouth Argyle Women. Extensive community and sport facilities will include new grass and all-weather 3G pitches, athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users, play zones exclusively for public use, better public access, landscaped public areas, and parking. Brickfields is also currently home to the DHaN Food Bank which supports over 300 local families each week and will be retained.

26th

Argyle sponsors, Seco Support, have won the 'Supported Living Team Award' at the National Finals of the Great British Care Awards for dedicated work in their communities.

Seco Support was co-founded in 2018 by former Argyle player, Marcel Seip, and his friend, Simon Cook. Seco are specialists in 24/7 complex supported living services for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who present with behaviours of concern.

25th

Argyle Academy has appointed Niall Cully as its Under-13s lead coach. Dubliner, Niall, will also assist Under-18s' manager, Jamie Lowry.

Argyle Women's Under-16s' goalkeeper, Freya Weeks, is with the England Under-15s' schoolgirls squad for their round of fixtures against Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

23rd

Argyle's Under-18s fell to late defeat against Leyton Orient in Merit League One on Saturday morning.

Cole Gibbings scored the Pilgrims' only goal of the game, a flicked header from a Tegan Finn set-piece. This equalised a Devine Samuel goal, but the same player popped up late on to score the match's decisive goal which knocked the wind out of Argyle's sails.

This was the young Pilgrims first defeat in the league.

22nd

Argyle 'keeper, Conor Hazard, played the first half of Northern Ireland's 1-1 draw with Romania in a friendly in Bucharest. Northern Ireland scored in seven minutes, with the equaliser coming on 23 minutes. Hazard was substituted at half time, having picked up a yellow card on 44 minutes.

Alfie Devine, on loan to Argyle from Spurs, was a 78th minute substitute for the England Under-20s in a 5-1 Euro Elite League win against Poland in Bialystock.

And striker, Ben Waine, was a 65th minute substitute as New Zealand lost 1-0 to Egypt in Cairo as part of a four-team tournament.

21st

Plymouth Parkway played their Southern League Premier Division South fixture with Winchester City at Home Park. Argyle offered Parkway the use of the stadium as the international break meant there were no EFL games there for 16 days. The match, which kicked off at 7.45 pm, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Argyle loanee, Lino Sousa, played the whole of the England Under-19s' match against Morocco in Rabat. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

17th

Argyle Head Coach, Ian Foster, blamed two incidents in the game against Preston North End for his side's one-nil defeat at Home Park.

Argyle failed to deal with a cross from the Preston left flank, which eventually found its way to substitute Liam Millar, who slammed it in for the only goal of the game. There were shouts for a penalty in the second half after Ryan Hardie went down in the box, but the referee waved play on.

"Their goal, we're disappointed with in terms of the manner of how we defended it," said Foster. "Then, the 'penalty' at the other end; it's a clear foul on Ryan Hardie. The referee's right there and decided not to give it, which is a blow to us.

"We're desperately trying to pick up points in this division; today was an opportunity for us to do that. It's a game, possession-wise, that we've dominated, but unfortunately for us, we just haven't created the chances that would have put us in a position to get points from the game.

"That's my responsibility to do that. The players are trying; they're working hard, they fought to the final whistle, and will continue to do that. I'm sure if we do, we'll continue to pick up points."

Nonetheless, the result left many fans very disgruntled at the style of play with calls for Foster to be sacked coming from certain parts of the ground.

There are now two weeks for the international break before Argyle travel to Norwich - a side they beat 6-2 at Home Park - for the Good Friday game.

Argyle Women made a sensational comeback to earn a superb point against second-placed Hashtag United in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division. Two goals from Ellie Sara were enough to seal the draw.

"I thought we were superb today and got what we deserved from the game," said manager Ryan Perks. "Fifty-five seconds into the game, we've had a howler and conceded, but the girls have shown great character to get us back into the game. We almost nicked it at the end as well... In the end, we've worked hard and improved on last week's performance which has helped us get another point on the board."

Argyle now only need one win - or for eleventh-placed Chatham Town to lose - to confirm their safety in the league.

16th

Argyle fell short of delivering a much-needed three points on the annual Armed Services Day at Home Park, as Ryan Lowe's Preston North End snatched a narrow, 1-0 win. The first period was a disjointed affair with the former Argyle manager forced to shuffle his pack with two early substitutions, and one of those replacements, Liam Millar, grabbed the only goal two minutes before the break. The Pilgrims battled gamely after the interval but were unable to find the answer to the Preston problem and will use the international break to regroup ahead of the final push of a long season.

Argyle: Cooper, Houghton, Pleguezuelo (Devine), Edwards, Hardie, Whittaker, Miller (Sousa), Bundu, Gibson, Randell (Waine), Phillips. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Scarr, Wright, Galloway, Roberts, Issaka.

15th

Seven of Argyle's current squad have been called up for international duties in next weekend's 'break'.

Striker Ben Waine can add to his 11 caps for the New Zealand All Whites in a four-team competition known as the W Cup, which will take place in Dubai. New Zealand will play Egypt on Friday 22 March, and Croatia or Tunisia on Tuesday, 26 March, depending on results.

Brendan Galloway is also heading to a four-team competition. His Zimbabwe squad are off to Malawi for a tournament that also includes the host country, Kenya and Zambia.

Goalkeeper, Conor Hazard, is included in Northern Ireland's squad that will play friendlies on Friday 22 and Tuesday 26, against Romania and Scotland respectively.

Spurs' loanees, Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine, are both included in the England Elite League Squad (formerly England Under-20s). The Young Lions meet Poland in Bialystok on Friday 22 March, and Czechia in Ostrava on Tuesday, 26 March.

Lino Sousa will be part of the England Under-19s who travel to Morocco to play two games in Rabat. England will meet Morocco on Sunday, 21 March, and USA on Sunday, 24 March.

Freddie Issaka has again been called into the Wales Under-19s squad. The Dragons will play Belgium in two away games--on Friday, 22 March and Monday, 25 March.

14th

David Tivey has joined Argyle as Physical Performance Coach, initially until the end of the season on a consultancy basis. He is known to Neil Dewsnip and Ian Foster from their periods at the FA where he worked as National Team Performance Coach under Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate. David also spent time at Swansea City and Nottingham Forest under Steve Cooper, working closely with Cooper at Forest as they clinched promotion to the Premier League.

10th

Argyle Head Coach, Ian Foster, pronounced himself conflicted after yesterday's draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. He was clearly disappointed not seal the victory their dominance deserved, but he was naturally pleased with the way his players went about things, especially after the team's performance against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, and his reaction to it.

Argyle had made five changes with starts for Mustapha Bundu and Bali Mumba and, most notably, the return of Michael Cooper in goal on the turf where he made his substitute debut in October 2017.

Although chances missed were probably the story of the day, the Championship's two top goalscorers both added to their tally with Rovers' Sammie Szmodics scoring his 21st league goal of the season after just seven minutes. Blackburn has defender Kyle McFadzean sent off after 54 minutes for a tackle on last man Ryan Hardie but, by the time Morgan Whittaker scored his 19th of the season on 74 minutes, Argyle had had countless opportunities to level.

They continued to push for the winner but could not find the net again, despite their efforts.

"Even before their goal, I thought we were the team on top," said Foster. "We've created chance after chance, and we've done it playing the right way. Some wonderful football from the from the players today shows they're not lacking in confidence. It shows what they're capable of.

"I can't complain. The players were absolutely outstanding. We asked them to play a certain way. We asked them to be brave in possession, as we always do, and they were terrific. They connected the game really well. They've caused the opposition countless problems, and we should have had more than one goal.

"We've got to take a lot of positives from the game today. The players have obviously come in disappointed, because we felt it was a game we ought to have won, but it's a point in the right direction, and it's a performance the players can really build on."

Again, Argyle were buoyed up by the magnificent travelling Green Army of nearly 1,500.

"I'm sure the fans are really proud of the players today," said Foster. "They've given them lots to scream and shout about today; we've lacked that of late.

"The players want the fans to get behind them, and we have to give them something. We've given plenty today, and the fans were outstanding - we thank them for that. We're just disappointed that they're going back with a point and not three."

A dramatic, late, injury-time goal saw Argyle Women fall to defeat away to Cardiff City. The home side led through a first-half goal and retained their advantage until the closing stages when Ellie Sara levelled for the Greens just after the 90 minutes had elapsed. It seemed the late equaliser had earned a point for the Pilgrims, but a 95th minute shot found its way into the Argyle net, resulting in heartbreak for Ryan Perks' team.

"We're incredibly frustrated with that result," said Perks following his side's late defeat. "We've worked hard to come back into the game, did so through a great finish from Ellie and you think you're going to come away with a point. Cardiff have then got a chance through a lapse of concentration from us and with a bit of luck have found the back of the net through a bobble that's took the ball over Lily. It's a sucker punch.

"Today, we weren't on it. We get drawn into a scrap every time we play Cardiff and they're better at that side of the game than us. We're a young side that lack that physical presence but that will come with age and experience."

9th

Every point is precious at this stage of the season and Argyle thoroughly deserved something from their trip to Blackburn. The Greens fell behind early to a Sammie Szmodics strike but then created a number of decent opportunities in the first period. A red card for home defender Kyle McFadzean changed the complexion early in the second half and the Pilgrims finally got their reward, Morgan Whittaker scoring on the rebound for a 1-1 draw.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba (Sorinola), Houghton (Randell), Pleguezuelo (Devine), Hardie, Whittaker, Miller, Bundu (Gyabi), Gibson, Phillips (Galloway), Forshaw. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Sousa, Edwards, Waine.

7th

Argyle have appointed Simon Ireland as first-team coach, initially until the end of the season. He becomes the second backroom signing since Ian Foster joined the club in January.

Barnstaple-born Simon has previously worked at Huddersfield, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

Argyle's away fixture with Rotherham United has been selected for broadcast on Sky TV. This crucial match will now kick off on Friday 5 April at 8pm.

5th

Argyle fell by a single goal at Hillsborough on Tuesday night, with Djeidi Gassama's strike for Sheffield Wednesday on the hour the difference between the two teams. It was a game of precious few chances. In the end Gassama, latching on to a right-wing cross from Ike Ogbo, pounced, and forced the ball over the line. The Greens tried in vain after the goal to find an equaliser, having their best spell of the game towards the closing stages, but Wednesday fell back, protected their box, and saw the game out.

Argyle: Hazard, Edwards (Mumba), Hardie, Whittaker, Miller, Gibson, Gyabi (Bundu), Randell, Galloway, Phillips, Forshaw (Houghton). Substitutes (not used): Cooper, Sousa, Pleguezuelo, Devine, Waine, Sorinola.

Argyle's Under-18s drew their opening Merit League One fixture against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday afternoon, sharing six goals. Freddie Issaka bagged a brace, scoring each side of half-time, bringing his total to 15 for the season across all competitions. Argyle's other goal was scored by Henry Donovan, with the forward hitting the back of the net for the first time this campaign.

Argyle went two up before Cheltenham, in the shape of Sopuruchukwu Obieri struck twice - the second from the penalty spot before the break.

In the second half, Obieri completed his hat trick before Issaka scored his second individual goal. Both sides had the chance to win the game but it ended with the points shared.

3rd

"We're disappointed to lose the game; of course we are," said Argyle Head Coach Ian Foster after the defeat against Ipswich Town. "We don't like losing games of football, particularly at Home Park."

For 45 minutes, Argyle matched their opponents but an unfortunate deflection off Brendan Galloway on 63 minutes turned the game with the visitors scoring their second less than 10 minutes later.

"We're desperately disappointed in the manner of the first goal. There's nothing in the game up until that point. We nullified their threats really, really well.

"We perhaps didn't react and respond the way we wanted to, and we probably hadn't caused them the problems that we wanted to.

"I just want to see a little bit of a bounce from us, though, on the back of that goal, and unfortunately we didn't get it.

"The disappointing thing for us, again, is we've conceded from a set play, so that's poor on our behalf. We have to be better in those moments.

"We came in on the back of a wonderful performance up at Middlesborough, where we had 17 shots I think in the first half. We just couldn't replicate that today."

Ipswich did the double over Argyle this weekend when Argyle Women fell to defeat by their East Anglian visitors at Coach Road.

The Greens responded quickly to an early Town goal but the Tractor Girls scored again before half time and consolidated their lead 12 minutes into the second period.

"Overall, I'm really happy with how we played today," said Manager, Ryan Perks following his side's narrow defeat.

"In possession, and out of possession, I thought we were superb. Our performance levels across the 90 minutes were equally just as good. We've had three or four really good chances and responded incredibly well to their first goal but like our matches against Portsmouth and Hashtag, we've come away with nothing in a match that if I'm honest I feel like we should've had something from.

"If you compare today to the previous result against Ipswich, we lost 7-1 in a game that we could've conceded more. Whereas today we've caused them issues and shown how much we've developed as a side in a match that is probably the best we've ever played against one of the best teams in this league."

2nd

Two scruffy second-half goals condemned Argyle to a frustrating 2-0 defeat at home to promotion-chasing Ipswich Town. The game was bereft of clear chances in the first hour of play but turned in favour of the visitors when a hopeful effort from Conor Chaplin took a massive deflection off Brendan Galloway to break the deadlock. The Pilgrims were then hit by a decisive second from Ipswich, Kieffer Moore drilling a volley into the corner after the ball had bounced around the penalty box.

Argyle: Hazard, Houghton (Forshaw), Pleguezuelo, Hardie, Whittaker, Miller, Gibson, Gyabi (Bundu), Randell (Devine), Galloway (Phillips), Sorinola (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Coope, Mumba, Sousa, Waine.

Argyle have done their bit for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, in partnership with men's cancer charity, the Chestnut Appeal. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 diagnoses and 12,000 deaths from the disease every year. A simple blood test measures the level of PSA--a potential marker for and early detector of prostate cancer.

Before the game against Ipswich, the Club, hosted a free clinic at the Life Centre. It proved a resounding success as all 300 places were fully booked.

Former Argyle player, David Norris, working with Sky Bet and the Club, handed out vouchers for 1,330 free pasties and other snacks to fans at Home Park before the game against another of his former Clubs as a thank you for fans' generosity in crowdfunding £6,000 for him.

Norris, who played for Argyle between 2002 and 2008, recently fell into unexpected financial difficulties which left him on the verge of being forced to auction off his 2003-04 League One winners medal.

After seeing the former midfielder's post on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, quickly came to the rescue via crowdfunding platform JustGiving.

Sky Bet will help deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which aims to champion the modern football fan and fan culture while making their matchday experience better.

David Norris said: "After being faced with what is a really difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider football community has been incredible. The generosity and kindness they have shown has been overwhelming and I am really pleased to be able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and help give back to them with help from Sky Bet."

1st

Darko Gyabi has won the Argyle player of the month award for February. The loanee from Leeds has impressed, in particular in the Greens' success against Middlesbrough last Saturday.

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