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.

Tuesday 21st January 2025

On This Day:

1950: Argyle 1 Hull City 3. Home Park was an unwelcoming place; there had been little rebuilding since the devastation of the German bombs and most of the ground remained uncovered. Argyle's form was poor too (the season ended in relegation), yet attendances soared. This game attracted 29,591 fans, still the record League attendance at Home Park in January. Argyle's goal that day was the last that the home fans would see until Easter Monday, nearly three months later.

1992: As a sign of things to come, Kevin Hodges began a loan spell with Torquay United. At the end of that year he signed a contract at Plainmoor on a free transfer, ending 14 years and 620 appearances for Argyle (the all-time club record), which included over 500 league starts (also a record). He later became one of Torquay's more successful managers before returning in 1998 to take the helm at Home Park.

20th

On This Day:

1962: Argyle Reserves' record attendance: 25,648 against Mansfield Reserves. Eh? A trick of the trade at that time; tickets were on sale for the first time, through the turnstiles, for the FA Cup game against Tottenham Hotspur a week later. What an incredible experience for the youngsters on both sides.

1965: League Cup semi-final (1st leg) - Leicester City 3 Argyle 2, the first of only two seasons that Argyle has reached the semi-final stage (... more on GoS).

19th

"It was a terrible performance," was Argyle's new Head Coach, Miron Muslic's assessment of his side's 1-0 home defeat by QPR yesterday.

"We were far away from deserving anything today.

"The message to the team was that we have to realise the situation we are in - and we are in this situation together. The only way out of this is to compete, to challenge, to win duels and to show that we can be physical.

"Today we lacked that. It was a much-deserved victory for QPR, and that hurts.

"I said this to the team: the only guy who performed on a normal level today was Daniel - and that's a problem. If, in a home game, your best player on the pitch is consistently the goalkeeper, then we're doing something wrong.

"I said at half-time, if you want to have a chance to get out of this game and to earn something, we need to be competitive in duels first. It's not about tactics, it's not about style of play, it's not about the system - It's about the desire to win a duel and we lacked that today."

Argyle continue to be hurt by injuries, with Brendan Galloway the latest to miss out, but Muslic refused to allow the queue at the treatment table to be any kind of get-out for the way the QPR game unfolded.

"I don't like excuses at all," he said. "Today, we still had a competitive team on the pitch. We still had enough game-changers on the bench with quality. It's up to us. We have to learn, and we have to learn very, very quickly. All of us.

"Right now, we are on the ground. The only possibility, and the only way to get up, is we have to do this collectively as a team, as Argyle. We have to take our own responsibilities, every single one of us. Then, we can be competitive, and then we have a chance to reach the goal we have - to stay up.

"We, as staff, will try everything possible to reach a hand to the lads, so we can get up and then we can go again. We have to accept this situation, and it's all about finding solutions for this.

"[The fans] deserve better than we performed today and maybe have performed collectively as an organisation over the last six months.

"We are down right now, and the only way is up. The most important thing for me is just to accept this situation. It's an urgent situation. We have to realise that. For that, you need to get up and be ready to fight."

On This Day:

2007: Rory Fallon signed from Swansea City for a record-equalling £300,000 fee.

18th

Queens Park Rangers inflicted defeat on Argyle at Home Park to end the Pilgrims' four-game unbeaten run. Rayan Kolli's second-half goal was the difference between the teams, with the QPR substitute scoring not long after the hour mark, and Argyle unable to find a way to conjure up an equaliser.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba (Sorinola), Pleguezuelo, Hardie (Bundu), Whittaker (Cissoko), Puchacz, Gyabi (Houghton), Randell, Hajj (Wright), Baidoo, Palsson. Substitutes (not used): Baker, Ogbeta, Roberts, Issaka.

17th

Argyle's home tie against Liverpool in the 4th round of the FA Cup has been confirmed for Sunday 9 February, ko 3pm. The match will be shown live on ITV1.

Consequently, the home league fixture against Millwall has been moved from Tuesday 11 February to Wednesday 12 February, ko at 7.45 pm.

15th

"It's a point and we have to take it," said Argyle Head Coach, Miron Muslic, after his first game - against Oxford United - ended in a 1-1 draw. "If you can't win, then don't lose.

"I think we started well, very powerful. We had some dangerous moments. Everything was good; we didn't allow Oxford anything offensively - and then a banger in minute 44, the first shot on the goal, [went in]. It was a beautiful goal; you have to accept this.

"Going into half-time, we said that structurally we are okay, stick to the plan, play the ball forward, stay high up on the pitch, try to turn this around.

"The belief was that we could get out of half-time and face this, also try everything to turn this. There are a lot of things we prepared only in one day and it was visible. Exactly the way we scored we actually prepared this in the session, even though it was just a walkthrough.

"We stabilised the defensive structure again. If you just look at the last two games, we only conceded one goal, and it was a goal you can't defend. It's a step forward; we have to continue, and we will continue.

"Some things that we can work on, a million things we can improve."

"We have another opportunity Saturday and if we can manage to do this, that's okay in the end."

14th

Defender Saxon Earley has returned to Argyle from his loan spell at Lincoln City and has resumed training with the Greens.

Saxon, who joined Argyle in January 2023, also spent time on loan at Wycombe Wanderers.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Marko Marosi has left Argyle following the expiration of his contract.

Despite not making an appearance, Marko has been an exemplary squad member and provided valuable cover while Conor Hazard was out with injury.

He showed true professionalism during his time at the club and everyone at Argyle would like to wish Marko all the best for his future career.

Miron Muslic's era as Argyle boss began with a 1-1 draw with Oxford United at Home Park. It was a third straight league draw for Argyle, wrapped around Saturday's win over Brentford in the FA Cup, making the unbeaten run now four games. Oxford nicked a lead just before half-time, when Will Vaulks smashed home a terrific goal, but Argyle responded, and levelled via Rami Al Hajj's third Argyle goal, his second in consecutive home games.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Whittaker, Puchacz (Ogbeta), Gyabi (Houghton), Randell, Galloway, Al Hajj (Obafemi), Baidoo, Palsson (Cissoko). Substitutes (not used): Baker, Wright, Bundu, Sorinola, Roberts.

13th

Argyle have finally confirmed via the Club website what has long been suspected that Director of Football Neil Dewsnip has left the club with immediate effect.

The importance of securing our Sky Bet Championship status and the change in Head Coach, has enabled us to relook at the football department and make sure it is appropriate for future challenges.

Neil has played a pivotal role in the club's progression since he joined Argyle in 2019, overseeing two promotions from Sky Bet League Two and League One and aided the club's survival in the Championship last season with two caretaker spells, including crucial wins against Leicester and Hull City.

He also implemented first-class structures throughout our Academy system that have seen the emergence of the likes of Tegan Finn, Caleb Roberts, Joe Hatch and Freddie Issaka, and oversaw the amalgamation of the women's team into the football club.

Chairman Simon Hallett, commented: "Neil has been an integral figure in our progress ever since he joined the club in 2019.

"He has overseen a transformation on and off the pitch which cannot be underestimated. When he joined, we were in League Two and now we sit today in the Championship and a lot of that is down to the hard work and dedication of Neil.

"We feel it is now the right time to move in a different direction, but I want to personally thank Neil for everything he has done for Argyle. He will be welcome back at Home Park whenever he wishes."

Former Argyle and Manchester City player, Tony Book, has died, aged 90.

Tony's story was an amazing one. He did not play league football until he was 30, but was still playing at 40, and became a true club legend for Manchester City.

Born in Bath, Tony was a bricklayer, and served national service, playing football for the Army and for local sides, eventually joining Bath City.

In 1964, manager Malcolm Allison left Bath, to move to Toronto, and he persuaded Book to go with him. Within a very short period, Allison left Canada to take over at Home Park. He moved to bring Tony with him once more – and the story goes that Allison fibbed about Book's age, saying he was 28, concerned that his age may play against him when being signed.

Book became a Pilgrim, and played 93 times, scoring three goals, at full-back. He was a virtual fixture in the side in the 1964/65 and 65/66 seasons, during which Argyle finished mid-table in the second tier.

Allison left Argyle to become Joe Mercer's assistant at Manchester City, and Allison persuaded Mercer to sign Book, by then 32, at Maine Road.

RIP Tony.

12th

There is only one way to reflect Kevin Nancekivell (Nance)'s contribution not only to yesterday's win but to steering the ship since the departure of Wayne Rooney. The photo says it all:

https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/we-need-talk-about-kevin

With the arrival of new Head Coach, Miron Muslic, Nance and his co-director of operations, Joe Edwards, will return to taking more of a back seat in the coaching department.

Reflecting on yesterday's win, Joe said:

"It has been an amazing day, and something that I think we can look back on and be really proud of.

"We said: 'why can't we come here and get a result and upset someone?' Full credit to the boys because they were magnificent to a man. They were unbelievable. The work rate they put in. To come here, perform like that and get a win is amazing. I'm so proud of them.

"I didn't feel too uncomfortable in the game. We knew they were going to put us under pressure, but the way we defended, and we were set up, was really good. We knew that when we did get it from a regain, and were able to keep the ball and break, then we're going to create some chances, which we did.

"My message to the boys earlier was 'I'm jealous'. I'd still much rather be them, playing in an occasion like this. Even more so now, when you see the scenes afterwards and getting a result like that. Being a player is still something that I'm focused on doing.

"I've loved seeing this side of it. People often say you get thrown into it and it puts you off or makes you even more driven and hungry for it.

"I've loved these last 10 days, two weeks. The boys have been amazing with me. I can't fault them. It must be hard for them to sometimes see me being a part of this side of it. I'm doing my rehab in between all I've been doing, so I'm concentrating on that. I want to get myself back fit and like I said to the boys, I want to be a part of these days on the pitch still. I think I can still do that."

Joe went out of his way to praise the 2,500 members of the Green Army who travelled to Brentford and never stopped singing and encouraging their side throughout.

"I think they deserve that," said Joe. "We have got the worst away record and they do keep travelling.

"They've been everywhere with us, not just this season, but for however long I've been here. That one's definitely for them because these are the days that will keep them going.

"They've deserved a moment like that because they've stuck with us. It means everything to them and it means everything to us to see them happy."

Following their magnificent victory against Premier League Brentford at the GTech stadium yesterday, Argyle have been rewarded with a plum tie in the fourth round as they have been drawn against League-leaders, Liverpool, at Home Park. In the 2016-17 season, the Greens held the reds to a nil-all draw at Anfield before succumbing one-nil in the replay at Home Park.

Argyle women suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hashtag United on Sunday afternoon in FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division action at Parkside Stadium. Hashtag's victory meant they went to the top of the table.

The Greens started the game on the front foot, but soon the pressure started to pile on Argyle as Hashtag maintained possession and hit the Greens with continuous attacking waves. Hashtag quickly showed again their threat from set=-pieces as a corner was swung to the back post and flicked home. Argyle managed to hold on and trailed by only a goal after the first 45 minutes of action.

After the break, the Greens looked the better side. Strong and quick defensive work, alongside tidy passing play, presented Argyle an opportunity to run at the Hashtag defence on the counter. It appeared that an equaliser could be on the cards until Hashtag doubled their advantage out of nowhere.

Argyle still sit outside the relegation zone in 10th place and will look to get back to winning ways against Watford at Langsford Park, the home of Tavistock, on Sunday, 19 January.

"I think it's disappointing," said Head Coach, Ryan Perks. We've come here and had a real good go. I think the girls were excellent in spells today. We've caused Hashtag a few problems and limited them to a few chances.

"They listened to the game plan again and executed it for most of the game. Good teams punish you for little errors and that's what happened today. We had two good chances to score, so there's lots to take... A spirited display and performance today gives us confidence moving into the next few games."

11th

For the first time this season, Argyle have won away from home. Never mind that, for the first time since 1984, Argyle have beaten a team from the top flight in the FA Cup, and we all know what happened that year. But lets not get ahead of ourselves, for now we will celebrate a superb result and performance as Argyle beat Brentford 1-0 thanks to Morgan Whittaker's goal. By the way, that is Plymouth Argyle, with the worst away record in the Championship, beating Brentford, with the second-best home record in the Premier League. Yes, we know it is a different competition, different team selections, but who cares, let's enjoy it!

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Whittaker, Wright (Ogbeta), Randell (Gyabi), Galloway (Puchacz), Sorinola, Baidoo (Bundu), Roberts, Palsson. Substitutes (not used): Grimshaw, Szucs, Cissoko, Al Hajj, Issaka.

Argyle Under-18s grabbed their sixth consecutive Youth Alliance League victory as they beat Forest Green Rovers 4-2. A Tegan Finn brace, and goals from Fletcher Poole and Harry Shield, ensured Argyle brought all three points back to Plymouth.

Head Coach Jamie Lowry said: "I thought, overall, the boys did really well, after a big shift on Wednesday night in the FA Youth Cup. It was always going to be hard to get the boys going, but we spoke before the game and on the game day as well, if we want to be serious contenders for the league this season, these are the games that we can't afford to drop points at. In terms of that, I thought their mentality and their attitude was excellent.

"We managed the game well and started quite brightly and early through Tegan [Finn] and then they grew into a game and to a three-goal lead. It's disappointing to concede a couple of sloppy goals towards the end, but overall, I'm pleased with the boys.

"They had a really tough week mentally and physically but, at the end of the day, they've come away with two wins from two. I'm proud of them."

10th

Following 10 days of increasingly fevered speculation and wild movements in the betting market, Argyle finally announced the appointment of a new Head Coach. Miron Muslic, former manager of Belgian side, Cercle Brugge. Muslic was chosen from a final shortlist of three which included Steven Schumacher, former Argyle manager, and many fans' favourite to return. He comes to Home Park with a three-and-a-half year contract. He will watch his new side against Brentford in the FA Cup tomorrow, before taking charge for his first home game against Oxford United on Tuesday night.

At Cercle Brugge, Muslic had an impressive record, winning 43 of his 101 games in charge as he took the Belgian side from a lowly domestic position to European football. His previous managements experience was at Austrian sides Ried and Florisdsdorfer AC.

Highly rated throughout Europe, the 42-year-old also has a reputation for a courageous football style and developing and nurturing young players.

Chairman Simon Hallett is delighted to bring him to the club: "Miron had a clear vision of how he wanted to take Argyle forward and showed a depth of tactical awareness that made it clear exactly how he wanted the team to set up and play.

"He comes with glowing reviews from his time at Cercle Brugge where he took a team from a lowly league position to European football which is no mean feat.

"I want to welcome him to the club and look forward to seeing him have an immediate impact on the team."

First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell will form part of Muslic's backroom team, with further confirmation of the make-up of his staff in due course.

9th

Argyle Chairman, Simon Hallett, has issued an update on the situation with the Head Coach appointment, transfer targets, investment and much else. The full text can be read here: https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/update-chairman-simon-hallett

Argyle have signed Polish international defender Polish Tymoteusz Puchacz on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy. The left-back who turns 26 later in January, joins on loan from German Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel.

Puchacz has extensive European experience with spells at FC Kaiserslautern, Panathinaikos, Trabzonspor and Union Berlin. He started his career in his home country with Polish giant, Lech Poznan. He has also played 15 times for his country, including in two major tournaments at the UEFA 2020 and 2024 European Championships.

Argyle have beaten off several Championship rivals and European clubs for his signature and Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson is delighted he has chosen to join the club: "Tymoteusz is someone we have been aware of and monitoring for a few months.

"He comes to Argyle with an excellent record and varied experience from several big clubs throughout Europe. There was plenty of competition for his signature, but he is excited by the challenge ahead and felt Argyle was the best fit for the next stage of his career.

"He is naturally left footed, good on the ball, and consistently provides assists, so will provide good balance to the left side of defence but also add further competition for places.

"I am thrilled he has joined and look forward to seeing him in an Argyle shirt soon."

Puchacz will wear the number 17 and be available for selection for this weekend's Emirates FA Cup tie against Brentford should EFL and international clearance be received in time.

8th

Argyle U-18s have advanced to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup after a win on penalties over Lincoln City at a chilly Home Park. The Greens went two up through goals from Fletcher Poole and Josh Sullivan either side of the break, but the Imps equalised in the second half and the game went straight to pens. Dan Holman saved the Imps' fourth penalty, with Tegan Finn scoring the decisive goal to take Argyle through 5-4.

7th

Three Argyle players have made the Skybet Championship EFL Team of the Week - Goalkeeper Conor Hazard and defenders Brendan Galloway and Bali Mumba.

5th

For the second game in a row - and this one away against a team with a new manager - Argyle came away with a draw under the temporary management of Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards. Nance pronounced themselves "relatively pleased" with the result.

"A point in the Championship, away from home, is not to be ignored. I'm really pleased for the boys. They dug in, showed great character in the second half, put bodies on the line and got a clean sheet as well.

"You come to these places, with a big crowd, a new manager and a red-hot atmosphere. Everybody put their bodies on the line, they wore the badge and the shirt with pride.

"They had to get the blocks in, get the tackles in and stop crosses. They've done that in abundance.

"There's always a great atmosphere here anyway. It's a big club, they are noisy supporters. We said: 'we're going to have to withstand a bit of pressure and we're going to have to manage the game'. I thought the lads were excellent at doing that.

"We did have some moments of our own in the first half. I thought we played quite well in the first half and created one or two good opportunities. The game plan was to do that, and we've executed it really well.

"There's been too many times this season where we've been behind and we've been out of sight before half-time, we definitely weren't that in the first half.

"It's a point; it's not three points. We still want to win away from home, desperately. That was the game plan: to win, it wasn't to draw, but you can't always get what you want, and we can definitely be happy of a point.

"That's a building block for next week and further on."

Argyle Women started their 2025 calendar year with an important 2-1 victory over bottom-of-the-table Milton Keynes Dons at Home Park.

First-half goals from Ella Stephens and Taya Pomfret handed the Greens a comfortable advantage after the first 45 minutes. However, MK Dons were able to cause a scare with a late goal through Mollie Knox.

The Pilgrims held on for the final 10 minutes and secured a vital three points, propelling them out of the relegation zone and ahead of Gwalia United in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division table.

4th

A great former Argyle manager used to often to say, 'every point is a prisoner'. On a day like this, you know what he meant. If Stoke City put a DVD of this game in their club shop (they won't) then no amount of January sales marketing activity is going to shift any units. Suffice to say: not a classic. No matter, though. For Argyle, it was a rare away point to add to the tally, and an even rarer clean sheet – just the second of the season. While technical quality was not to the fore, what was on show was heart, organisation and kiln-fired spirit from Argyle, who restricted Stoke – a side who have recently drawn with Burnley and beaten Sunderland – to precious few chances on a cold lunchtime in the Potteries.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Obafemi (Issaka), Whittaker, Gyabi (Forshaw), Randell, Galloway, Al Hajj (Houghton), Sorinola (Ogbeta). Substitutes (not used): Grimshaw, Cissoko, Roberts, Finn, Palsson.

Morgan Whittaker's 100th game for the Greens.

3rd

Argyle have finally got their man as long-term target, Ghanaian international, Michael Baidoo, has signed from Swedish club Elfsborg for a Club-record fee, reported to be in the region of £1.45 million.

Baidoo has signed a long-term contract to the summer of 2028, and his transfer sees Argyle beat the fee paid for Morgan Whittaker and Bali Mumba in the summer of 2023.

Predominantly a midfielder, but also capable of playing as a striker, it is at Elfsborg where Baidoo has really starred, having made 76 appearances for them in two campaigns. This season, he has scored 10 times and claimed four assists in the Allsvenskan (Swedish league).

Baidoo was also an integral part of Elfsborg's Europa League campaign, with five goals and three assists, scoring the only goal of the game in Elfsborg's 1-0 win against AS Roma in October.

Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson is thrilled to finally sign a player he has tracked for over a year.

Dickinson said: "Michael is someone we have been aware of for a long time, and I am delighted that we have finally been able to bring him to Argyle.

"He can play a variety of positions so will add real versatility to the squad, but most of all chose to come to Argyle ahead of other top clubs throughout Europe.

"He is excited to play in England and show what he can do, and we believe he will make a real impact on English football.

"I want to thank Simon and the board for helping us bring him to Argyle in a record deal and look forward to seeing him on the pitch very soon."

Baidoo will be available for selection for the FA Cup game against Brentford on Saturday 11 January, having not received international clearance in time for the league fixture against Stoke this weekend.

One in, one out, as defender Lewis Gibson has left Argyle to sign for Championship rivals, Preston North End.

He moves for a significant transfer fee that meets a pre-existing clause in the player's deal.

The 24-year-old joined Argyle in the summer of 2023, as a free agent, having turned down a new contract with Premier League club Everton. In his first season at Home Park, he started 39 of the Greens' 46 Sky Bet Championship games, playing a major part in the club's survival.

This season, he has continued to feature prominently, taking his overall tally of games to 63, while scoring his first goal for the club in the recent 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough.

Striker Andre Gray has also left the Club on the expiration of his temporary contract.

Gray joined Argyle at the start of October on a short-term deal after Muhamed Tijani was ruled out with a hamstring injury. He had most recently been playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Riyadh.

Gray made 13 appearances during his time at Home Park and contributed three goals, including the two stunning strikes in the draw against his former club, Watford, at Home Park in November.

Young goalkeeper, Jack Flower, has joined Bath City on a short-term work experience loan deal.

2nd

Joe Edwards, one of Argyle's temporary management team, was relatively upbeat and positive at the Greens' home point against Bristol City yesterday - a point which was snatched, again, in added time.

"This is what this club's about," Edwards said. "Again, in the last minute – [although] we'd like it to be not always so late! We will never give up - and we showed that again today.

"We deserved a point, definitely. I think the first half we started really well, we were on top and I think that's when we needed to score. We know how important it is in these games to score early, when you've got the momentum to do so. We know how effective we can be at home when we start on the front foot, and we create a real tempo.

"I thought we did that. I think we had a few good chances and that's when, in these moments and in this league, you need to take advantage, score and be in front. We didn't do so, and that gave them an opportunity to come into the game.

"They then got the goal and came into the game a little bit. We had to go again second half. We didn't start great, but then we played some really good football, scored a really good goal, and I thought we were in the ascendancy, so it was disappointing again to concede the goal.

"On another day we'd come away with three points here, maybe, but the lads gave us everything. There was plenty of stuff to be positive about.

"I think everyone can see the commitment is there. They're a really honest bunch of players; we've got a good group which want to do well. We're in a tough situation but the easiest way to get out of that is fighting, and showing heart and desire, and I think we saw that today.

"We need that more. In a period like this, when there is a bit of uncertainty, I think coming together and working for each other is something that's essential, which I'm sure we'll get from these boys."

"It was really different [for me]. I had a real good nervous energy about myself. Playing so many games in so many years now, it becomes ingrained into you what feelings you're going to feel.

"I didn't even know what to expect really, but I really enjoyed it. It's a different point of view when you're watching the game, but you're not watching it from a player's point of view, you're watching it thinking: 'how we can change this? How can we improve? Is there a sub coming on, who will he mark at corners?' and things like that.

"There's a lot more you have to think about, which is really good for my development and knowledge. I think it will help me when I get back to playing as well and understand the game even more. I really enjoyed it and, luckily, the boys dug in and got us a goal late on, which we can head home a little bit happier with."

1st

Argyle began the year, and concluded a turbulent couple of days, with a draw at home to Bristol City, earned with another trademark late goal. Under temporary management duo Kevin Nancekivell and Joe Edwards, and in front of over 17,000 inside Home Park, the Greens looked up for the battle, especially in the first half, but still trailed at the break through an Anis Mehmeti goal. Rami Al Hajj scored a deserved equaliser after the break, but parity was short-lived, as City captain Jason Knight scored what looked for a long time like a winning goal. However, Julio Pleguezuelo popped up in stoppage time to force the ball over the line, and grab a point for the Pilgrims.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Cissoko), Pleguezuelo, Szucs, Hardie (Obafemi), Whittaker, Gyabi, Randell, Galloway, Al Hajj (Gray), Sorinola. Substitutes (not used): Grimshaw, Ogbeta, Houghton, Forshaw, Finn, Palsson.

Tuesday 31st December 2024

After days, or even weeks of uncertainty and speculation, Argyle announced that the Club had parted company with Head Coach, Wayne Rooney 'by mutual agreement' and with immediate effect. Rumours are circulating as to whether he was sacked or resigned and what, if any, level of compensation was paid.

Assistant Head Coach, Mike Phelan, and first team coach Simon Ireland are also leaving Home Park.

First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards are to lead the team for the Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year's Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as goalkeeping coach.

Rooney said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.

"Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.

"To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.

"I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.

"Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results."

Rooney's departure marks the end of his fourth unsuccessful spell in management and Argyle's third managerial tenure in the last 12 months. Steven Schumacher who left Argyle to move to Stoke on 19 December 2023 was succeeded by Ian Foster on 7 January 2024. Following a run of bad results and increasing fan dissatisfaction, he was sacked on 1 April and Rooney - an unexpected choice - took over on 25 May.

30th

Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, bemoaned familiar issues and the ease in which his Argyle team conceded goals in their 2-0 loss at Oxford United.

"It wasn't good enough," said Rooney. "I didn't think we deserved anything from the game. I'm really disappointed.

"I thought it was a quite tight, even game, to be honest, until Oxford scored. It's a goal we've seen, it's a goal we've done a lot of work on over the last two days. After conceding the goals against Coventry from crosses, again we didn't get tight enough at the cross, then Rands (Adam Randell) slips and they get a goal.

"[It's] the basics of football that we've been working on and drilling into the players a lot over the last two days but, again, it's cost us today.

"We always talk about the balance of your team when you're going forward and we got caught in the middle of the pitch. They have one ball through on goal and then you're 2-0 down and it becomes difficult.

"We were trying to get opportunities, but we didn't create enough chances. For us, if you want to get something out of the game, you need to create chances, especially when you're behind, and we didn't do that enough."

Yet another loss has piled pressure on Rooney whose managerial position seems increasingly tenuous.

29th

A goal in each half was enough for Oxford United to claim three points in a battle between two sides for whom survival in the Sky Bet Championship would be an achievement when May rolls around. As it is, Argyle end 2024, and reach the halfway point of the current season, bottom of the table and still searching for their first away win of the campaign. After a cagey opening, Ciaron Brown's header, from a corner Argyle failed to sufficiently clear, put Oxford in front, and when Przemyslaw Placheta made it 2-0 on the hour, Oxford were always likely to see the game out.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba, Szucs, Hardie, Whittaker (Gray), Gibson, Gyabi, Randell, Galloway (Finn), Al Hajj (Roberts), Sorinola. Substitutes (not used): Grimshaw, Ogbeta, Houghton, Pleguezuelo, Issaka, Palsson.

26th

Argyle suffered a tough four-goal defeat at the hands of Coventry City at the CBS Arena on Boxing Day. The Sky Blues' scoring came in the first half through a Josh Eccles brace, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto header and an Ephron Mason-Clark volley. Callumn Wright was shown a straight red card for a challenge from behind on Joel Latibeaudiere in the 87th minute to round out a hard day in the Coventry mist.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Szucs, Bundu (Wright), Gibson, Gyabi (Houghton), Gray (Issaka), Randell, Galloway (Sorinola), Al Hajj (Forshaw), Finn. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Ogbeta, Pleguezuelo, Palsson.

22nd

Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney was left, not for the first time in recent games, balancing positive and negative feelings, following his side's 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.

Speaking after the game, Rooney's instinctive thoughts centred on his side's inability to hold on to the lead they held three times, but he was also happy with the creativity his team showed.

"Firstly, it's probably the most chances - clear chances - we've created all season," he said. "That's a real positive for us. In the first half, I thought we were excellent. Defensively we were excellent in how we pressed, how we nullified them playing through the lines, and forced them to go long.

"I thought we created a lot of chances today; we were unlucky to go in only 1-0 up.

"All three goals we conceded were poor from our point of view, but the reaction to them scoring was fairly good, in terms of getting back on the front foot, creating chances.

"There was a bit of naivety I felt, in terms of two of their goals, not clearing the ball well enough and not picking up on second balls on set-pieces.

"In the second half, we maybe got dragged into feeling we were going to win the game. [Maybe because] we haven't won for a while, we sat off them a little bit and allowed them to dictate the game.

"There's moments where we can improve. I think just controlling the game and controlling your opposition makes a big difference. I didn't think we did that well enough, and it cost us today.

"Overall, it feels like a defeat, but there's certainly a lot of positives."

21st

For the second straight season, Argyle and Middlesbrough played out a classic, to-and-fro 3-3 draw at Home Park. The curious mirroring of the parallel was that whereas last season saw five goals racked up by half-time, this encounter saw the bulk of the goals coming after the break, in one of the most breathless halves of football you are ever likely to see. Argyle were excellent in the first half, deserving their 1-0 lead at the interval, which came courtesy of Lewis Gibson's first Argyle goal. After the break, Middlesbrough equalised via Jonny Howson, before Darko Gyabi also notched his maiden goal, putting Argyle back ahead. The pattern repeated: Hayden Hackney equalised, Mustapha Bundu restored the Greens' lead, but Emmanuel Latte Lath scored a third leveller to conclude the scoring in a wild affair.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Szucs, Hardie (Gray), Obafemi (Issaka), Bundu, Gibson, Gyabi, Randell, alloway (Ogbeta, Al Hajj. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Houghton, Wright, Sorinola, Finn, Palsson.

Adam Randell (the Plymstock Pirlo) made his 150th appearance in an Argyle shirt in today's game.

Argyle Under-18s ended 2024 on a high with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth in the Youth Alliance League South at Millennium Fields.

Goals from Jared Rendle and Jensen Ireland handed the Greens three points, extending their league unbeaten run to nine games and placing Argyle second in the league, three points behind Gillingham. The Greens had the ball in the Pompey net four times, but two were adjudged offside.

Head Coach Lowry said: "The pitch was soft and cutting up, so it was a different type of game to what we'd ideally want, but that was the same for both teams. We did do well in terms of managing the game and we scored a well-worked goal early on through Jared, but we spoke about half time; we can't always be pretty and nice. That's what it takes to come to be consistent and to win games, sometimes.

"We then spoke at the end of the game about it saying, well done, you won the game and things, but some things were missing from our normal performances. It's a learning curve and they still managed to find a way to win and keep a clean sheet.

"I'm really pleased with where we are in the league at Christmas. It was a slow start leading into finding our feet and we now know what we are, what our strengths are and what we're effective at.

"The boys have got a real hunger to be winners and win every day. Training is competitive. It's all about building that mindset in training, as well, and the boys set themselves to be at the top and that's where they are at the moment. I'm delighted."

20th

Argyle's FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie against Lincoln City will take place at Home Park on Wednesday, 8 January, at 7pm.

After the Greens beat Carlisle United in round three, they will now face the Imps, managed by Sam Tillen, after Lincoln beat Wrexham to get to this stage.

Lincoln are fourth in the northern section of the Youth Alliance League, with Argyle sitting second in the southern division.

19th

The Senior Greens held their Christmas meeting in Club Argyle. Guest speaker was Mustapha Bundu (Moose) who gave a thoroughly entertaining and honest talk about his upbringing in Sierra Leone; his career so far, and his time at Argyle. He was given a standing ovation at the end.

18th

Midfielder, Will Jenkins Davies, has agreed to extend his loan deal at Torquay United until the end of the season.

The Gulls are top of the Vanarama National League South, and Jenkins Davies has played an important part in their ascent under manager, Argyle legend Paul Wotton. Will has played 19 games, providing four assists and scoring four goals, all of which have come in the last three league games.

Now 20, Will also spent time with Torquay last campaign, playing 33 times, but saw his season cut short by injury. He signed a one-year extension to his Argyle deal in the summer, before heading back to Plainmoor, where he has thrived once again.

15th

Although Argyle came away from Sheffield United with a defeat, there was some cause for optimism despite the 2-0 scoreline.

As the stats showed, Argyle had plenty of the ball, with chances to equalise, and had the Bramall Lane crowd frustrated on more than one occasion.

Head Coach Wayne Rooney was rightly pragmatic about the afternoon's action, given that his side ultimately lost and had to head home with no points.

"I'm pleased with the performance, and obviously disappointed with the result," he said.

"It was a much better performance. I think we came here with the mindset of, firstly, trying to take the ball away from Sheffield United, which we've done, and then secondly, we felt we could get something out of the game.

"We had some good chances. On another day we take them, and then it's a different story.

"I think the reaction [to going 1-0 down] was really good actually. It's everything we've been talking about over the last couple of weeks.

"We still need to improve on the details... It's something we're really drilling into the players, and trying to get better, because I think if we get the details right on some of the attacking phases we have, we will cause more problems.

"I thought our overall play, having confidence to take the ball from Grimmy (goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw), right the way through the pitch, was good. I thought our press was good, it caused them problems and forced them to go direct a lot of the time.

"They're unbeaten here. They haven't conceded a goal here all season, and we caused them big problems. We should have scored here today; there's lots of positives for us to look at."

Argyle's home fixture which was called off last Saturday because of the high winds has been re-arranged for Tuesday 14 January, kicking off at 7.45 pm.

Evergreen has reached its second anniversary with an incredible membership of almost 6,000 Argyle fans joined up. The scheme now aims to support different aspects of the past, present and future of the club, such as Forever Green, the Middleton House accommodation at Marion and the Argyle Academy.

14th

The 2-0 scoreline that Argyle lost by at Sheffield United tells very little of the Greens' trip to South Yorkshire to meet the promotion favourites. Goals, one in each half, from Gustavo Hamer and Kieffer Moore, the latter from the penalty spot, were the nominal difference between the sides.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Szucs, Hardie (Gray), Obafemi (Issaka), Bundu (Wright), Gibson, Gyabi (Forshaw 74), Randell, Galloway, Al Hajj. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Ogbeta, Houghton, Pleguezuelo, Palsson.

Argyle Academy player Jovan Wamani has been called up for an England Under-15s Talent Camp at St George's Park this weekend.

Jovan, a strong, athletic and calm defender, will join up with the rest of the selected players at the home of England football.

Phil Stokes, Academy manager, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Jovan... it is always pleasing when any of our young players get recognised at international level.

"Jovan continues to develop his game and has made really good progress over the last 12 months - this is a credit to his attitude and application. It is also a testament to the hard work of all the Academy staff and commitment from Jovan's family."

12th

The annual Argyle Christmas carol service takes place at Home Park this evening. Doors are open at 6 for a 6.30 start. Father Christmas and Pilgrim Pete will be in attendance.

On the same day, Forever Green held its Christmas lunch at Club Argyle, with fans and players enjoying a special festive meal.

11th

Argyle's third successive defeat at the hands of Swansea City was an improved performance, if pointless, with Head Coach Wayne Rooney rueing his side's inability to stop crosses into the box, which ultimately cost them.

"It was frustrating really," said Rooney. "I thought we played well in the first half, and then it's a really poor goal to give away; not stopping the cross and then not clearing the ball.

"Going in at half-time 1-0 down was tough. That gives Swansea something to hold on to.

"We just let ourselves down with the two goals we conceded. It's poor from our point of view. Everything we've worked on over the last ten days really is being aggressive, getting to the ball, stopping crosses, and making it difficult for opponents to get chances in our penalty area.

"We have to do more to stop the ball coming into the box. The second goal, I think we had three players around the lad on the ball. We let him cut inside, get a cross in, and then we don't defend the box well enough.

"There was positives within the game, some really good play at times. More so in the first half than the second half. We had some good attacking moments [in the] first half, but that final pass, or the final shot, wasn't there. The second half was more grinding and trying to get something out of the game.

"We were pushing, we got a goal back and we couldn't quite get the second goal. We can't keep relying on late goals to try to get in the game. We need to make sure we're in the game, pushing to try to win the game late on, if that's the case.

"I thought there were some good moments in the game but, ultimately, the result was the most important thing tonight and, unfortunately, we haven't got that."

Dan Grimshaw has been voted as Argyle's CT1 Player of the Month for November.

The goalkeeper starred in a difficult month for the Greens, making a number of impressive stops and keeping a vital clean sheet against Portsmouth at Home Park.

Grimshaw won the supporters' poll with exactly 50% of the vote, ahead of Andre Gray (25%), Adam Randell (16%) and Julio Pleguezuelo (9%).

10th

Argyle's game against Swansea City has been designated the second Project 35 fixture of the season. The first (at our home game against Sunderland) saw 1,600 items of food and essentials donated to the Project 35 gazebo before kick-off, accompanied by a record £1,425.50 collection at Home Park and through the JustGiving page.

An improved Argyle were not able to add any more points to their total as they lost 2-1 to Swansea City at Home Park. Although perhaps an upgrade on recent heavy defeats is not saying much, Argyle had much more about them, especially in the first half, against the Swans, but still found themselves a goal down at the break, through a Jay Fulton strike. Now with the advantage, a confident Swansea scored on the hour, through Liam Cullen, but the Pilgrims rallied, and got one back via Mustapha Bundu, with just over 10 minutes to go. This led to a late Argyle surge, as the Greens pushed bodies forward, but there was to be no repeat of their late heroics of other home games this season.

Argyle: Grimshaw, Mumba, Ogbeta (Obafemi), Szucs, Wright, Bundu (Al Hajj), Gibson, Gyabi, Gray (Hardie), Randell, Galloway. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Houghton, Pleguezuelo, Forshaw, Finn, Palsson.

It was better news for Argyle's Under-18s who progressed to the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup with a dramatic 4-2 win in extra time against Carlisle United at Brunton Park.

A converted penalty from Cole Fisher and a last-gasp free-kick from Harry Shield took the game into an additional 30 minutes, where Argyle won the game with goals from Seb Campbell and Frankie Maund, despite Kian Burch having been sent off late on for two yellow cards.

Head Coach, Jamie Lowry, was delighted with his side's performance on a cold night in Carlisle, and credited all players and staff involved after the full-time whistle. "I think it just shows where the group is at," he said. "They are so together. We talked about it at the end, that there's nobody fitter than them, in terms of how hard we work and how intense training is, and it showed at the end in the last half hour. They were fantastic. They dug in, dug deep, even with a player sent off, and found a way to win a game.

"Obviously, it was emotional towards the end, getting a late equaliser, so we knew their heads would be a little bit down. We needed to make sure we were calm and focused and knew what we were doing. We set up slightly differently [in extra time] to help them all. We had Frankie up front, who's quick, to play in transition. Sometimes it's down to the quality of football played but sometimes head and heart can win a game of football.

"I'm really proud of the boys today. They were fantastic. It's also great to see Tegan [Finn] on the bench with the first team, and we had five under-16s with us that came on and played in the game.

"In terms of the Academy and where we're going, I think it's a great night for them as well and shows all the good work being done in the 16s by Head Coach James Bradley. The boys came in and were fantastic. You wouldn't even know they are in the 16s. Huge credit to everybody at the Club."

8th

Mike Phelan has joined Argyle as Assistant Head Coach until the end of the season, replacing Pete Shuttleworth who has left the Club by mutual consent and for personal reasons.

62-year-old Phelan is vastly experienced, having spent nine years as a coach at Manchester United over two spells, including under their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and when Wayne Rooney was a player there.

7th

Argyle Women's 15-year-old defender, Amii Kearley is taking part in a Lionesses' Under-17 training programme at St George's Park this weekend.

6th

Argyle's home tie against Oxford United scheduled for 3pm kick off tomorrow has been postponed due to expected high winds and rain.

Argyle's Emirates FA Cup third round tie away against Brentford has now been confirmed for Saturday, 11 January 2025. The match will kick off at 3pm and take place at the Gtech Community Stadium.

5th

Charlotte Whitmore has been voted Argyle Women's Player of the Month for November.

The forward wins her second award of the season after scoring in both of Argyle's victories against Poole Town in the Adobe Women's FA Cup and Gwalia United in FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division action. She also scored Argyle's goal against Exeter City in the second round of the FA Cup.

Charlotte won the supporters' vote with 61% of the poll, ahead of Ellie Sara (16%), Ella Stephens (16%) and Ava Kuyken (6%).

3rd

Argyle's Under-18s Professional Development League Cup campaign ended, despite drawing 2-2 against Bristol City at Millennium Fields.

Although the youthful Greens were 2-0 down just after the second-half restart, goals from James Sharpe and Billy Devlin secured a hard-earned point for Argyle. Five under-16s were in Argyle's starting 11, but that did not seem to be a problem for Head Coach Jamie Lowry's side.

The Greens end their Under-18s PDL Cup with one point, sitting fourth in the group, behind Cheltenham Town, who progress into the next stage of the competition, Swansea City and Bristol City.

Head Coach, Jamie Lowry, said: "Today was a fantastic result. The boys were really competitive. With the state of the pitch, it wasn't going to be the prettiest game and Bristol City are unique. They play forward very quickly and are quite direct with first and second balls as well, so I thought the boys did well, competed, and ran hard. Then, when we got the opportunity in and around their box, we played some excellent stuff.

"We had two under-15s (James Sharpe and Joel Tolcher) that came on today from the bench and did really well, so it's a great experience for them to play against lads that are three or four years older than them.

"Overall, I thought every single one of them was great. Again, like on Saturday at the Newport game, our two second years that started were fantastic.

"They led by example, and the scholars that played as well. We were youthful today and started with five under-16s, but they all did really well. It's pleasing to see that hunger and that fight in the boys, as the bare minimum that we need to go and produce results and performances."

2nd

Argyle have been drawn away to Premier League side Brentford in the FA Cup third round. Ties will be played in the weekend of 11 January.

Argyle's Under-18s moved into second place in the South Youth Alliance League table with a comfortable 5-1 win over Newport County.

A brace from Jensen Ireland and goals from Harry Shield, Jared Rendle and Seb Campbell propelled the Greens to another victory, extending their unbeaten run in league play to eight games.

Head Coach Jamie Lowry said: "This was a really good win, especially given the team we had was a very young squad.

"All the under-16s that started did well and worked hard, gave everything and competed, so again, I'm pleased for them. Starting five under-16s is a big thing and all the scholars supported them well.

"We made a slow start in the game and conceded through an individual error but got on top of the game and found our feet. We scored from set-pieces and managed the game until the end."

1st

Wayne Rooney described himself as 'embarrassed' by the 4-0 defeat at Bristol City that capped off a week in which his Argyle side were heavily beaten, twice.

The loss at Ashton Gate came four days after a 6-1 reverse at Norwich City, with Argyle's away form still a serious concern to the Head Coach. The Greens have gained just two points, and scored three goals, from nine games on their travels so far this season.

"Embarrassed really. I think that's probably the right word to use," said Rooney, after the game.

"I think after what happened on Tuesday at Norwich, we came here with a game plan to be in the game going into the last 20 minutes, and I thought for 50 minutes we were. "Then we conceded the first goal, and we collapsed. It's exactly what happened at Norwich, exactly what happened at Leeds away. As soon as we conceded the goal, the players out there collapsed, and we looked very fragile.

"I've said this to players - I could see them shrinking, I could see it happening in front of me, and that's very difficult because to make changes and adjust and adapt to that, was difficult for us to do, to put players into that occasion.

I wanted the players out there to try to show some character and some strength, to help us get back in it. Unfortunately, they never did that.

"It's just something that's just very frustrating, very disappointing. When we're going through this run we're going through, in other away games, you need to dig deep and find something within you. It's something which you have to do throughout your career. Players, if they want to have the career which you'd hope they want to have, then they need to do that very quickly because they're not representing this club in the right way.

"We've tried different things. I've gone at them. I've tried to do it with the right balance. I've tried to encourage them. Figuring it out and finding that way, that's my job and ultimately, it's my responsibility. I take responsibility, of course, for the results. I'm the one picking the team, putting the team out there, but I think for the players now, they need to realise that they have to do a lot better in what they're doing.

"From the start the season, away from home, we haven't been good enough. Today's result, and Tuesday result, is far from anything I want to see."

Argyle Women are into the semi-finals of the FAWNL Cup following a hugely spirited 1-0 win over Watford at Home Park. Despite coming under pressure for much of the game, Argyle scored through Lulu Jarvis on 30 minutes, and showed tremendous organisation and work-rate to see the game out and advance to the final four.

Watford, in the same division as Argyle, are sixth in that league, with 17 points from their ten games. The Greens showed respect to their higher-in-the-table visitors, and sat in a defensive shape as the Hornets dominated early possession. Argyle looked organised, sharp and dogged as, while they accepted Watford would have most of the ball, the Greens made sure it was never easy. Indeed, save for a few long-range efforts that sailed wide, Watford seldom troubled the Argyle goal in the first half.

After the break, Watford started with purpose, having a free-kick blocked and a couple more long-range potshots, an effort dragged wide and a long shot hitting the crossbar, followed by a corner which Argyle managed to block.

The Hornets upped their intensity and were by now, encamped in Argyle territory, but the Greens continued to show indomitable spirit, repelling what came their way at all costs, even into the 11 minutes of added time.

"I'm really pleased," Head Coach, Ryan Perks, told Argyle TV. "I think the players were superb from start to finish. We worked on ourselves this week. We said that was going to be the focal point and that it was important to bounce back after a disappointing result and second-half performance against Exeter. I couldn't be more pleased for the girls.

"They listened to the detail we gave them, executed it superbly for 90 minutes and got a clean sheet. It was a super defensive display, and we were clinical on the break.

"Every player today, even the subs who came on, was superb and put in a shift. We thoroughly deserve the win and, hopefully, we can take it into the league as well."

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