THE DAILY DIARY

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Wednesday 30th August 2023

Steven Schumacher may be frustrated at Argyle's departure from the League Cup but the manager tried to take a philosohpical stance. He admitted that the resources that Palace had, bringing England star Eberichi Eze off the bench, were too much for Argyle to handle. Schumacher said: "Roy spoke to us before the game, about how one time, when he was at Liverpool, he went to a team and he didn't have enough seniors on the bench to change the game when it wasn't going well for them. He's obviously learned from that and he's thrown his top players on against us because he could see we were value for our lead, and we looked like we were only the team who are going to go and win it at that time. Unfortunately for us, we just felt we didn't do as well as we had been doing and what's got us to that point. We just came off it for five minutes, and once you do that against that quality of player, then you're in trouble. Roy came in and spoke to us with Trevor East before the game and I had a good chat with him. Just going up against him on the sideline was a brilliant experience and also a reminder of there's a long way to go for me.

"I've obviously got to try to get better and figure out ways to win games. I think the way our team are playing at the moment is really good, but we haven't won enough games or taken enough points. The last two league games have been gut wrenching to lose in the way we have. But we're not far away, I don't think, from being a really good team. Everyone's just got to stick together, keep believing in what we're doing, and learn from these types of nights. I have mixed emotions because I wanted to get through this game. I wanted to put on a good performance. I wanted to pit my wits against a legend like Roy Hodgson. I felt we did that. We did really well but, ultimately, we've lost the game and that's never good. We're obviously not happy to be out of the cup. It's another game that we feel we've played really well in. I'm pleased with what we've done, it was just for a five-minute spell in the second half, where their quality players have turned up and produced moments, and we've lost concentration and got punished. The three substitutes that they bring on were Ayew, Schlupp and Eze – and, wow, what a player he's going to be. I think their three subs made them realise that we were a better team and deservedly 2-0 up. I just felt if we could have maintained that initial five minutes after they made their substitutes, if we could have still carried on doing what we were doing and not let them get gain that momentum, we would have been alright. It was three moments quality from them, three little bits of a lack of concentration from us, and we get punished by a top team. Everybody in this squad is capable of playing. That's what we recruit them for. We can't have a starting 11, and then 'the rest'. We just we can't afford to do that. At the end of the game, I said to the lads 'well done'. Everyone who played is going to give me a few selection headaches for the weekend. Yes, I'm disappointed to be out of the cup, but there's another more important game on Saturday now."

Luke Cundle opened his goalscoring account for Argyle and he too tried to take the positives from the gloom of the loss. The Wolves loanee added: "The lads have not got their heads down or anything, just because we've been beaten a few times in a row. We've conceded late twice, when we shouldn't have. We should've got a couple of points out of those games. There's belief in the changing room that we can go on and have a really good season, so we've got to keep going. The fans got behind us tonight. It was a brilliant crowd. For the first hour, even 10 minutes after we scored the second goal, I thought we could have went on to get the third, maybe finish the game off. With the lads they brought on, that just shows the level where they're at and that's something for myself and the players in there to look up to really. I thought for the best part of the game there, we had a better team and were deservedly 2-0 up. They played a strong team and we played well, so there's plenty of positives to take from it. I'm not fully fit yet. I didn't have the best of pre-seasons, minutes wise. For the first couple of games, I felt like I needed to get fitter, but I felt really good today. The manager wants me to go forward, get the ball in the pockets, and try to hurt defences with passes. I'm really enjoying it, hopefully it can carry on."

29th

A three-goal blitz of Premier League precision ultimately cost Argyle a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup as Crystal Palace ran out 4-2 winners in a pulsating tie at Home Park.

For almost an hour, the Greens were superb, and fully deserved the lead given to them by an early strike from Ben Waine and Luke Cundle's worldy at the start of the second period. Crystal Palace were forced to freshen their troops in a bid for a response and the Eagles got one, as Odsonne Edouard pulled one back on 58 minutes and then Jean-Phillipe Mateta banged in two in the space of seconds. Palace went from 2-0 down to 3-2 up in just five minutes, sealing the win with a hat-trick strike from Mateta in the closing stages.

Argyle: Burton, Pleguezuelo, Scarr, Butcher, C Wright, Miller (Mumba), Warrington (Issaka), T Wright (Azaz), Waine (Hardie), Cundle (Whittaker), Kesler-Hayden. Substitutes: Hazard, Gillesphey, Edwards, Randell.

27th

Steven Schumacher was left with bitter feelings following Argyle's heartbreaking 2-1 loss at Birmingham City. He acknowleded that positives were there to be taken from the game but did not want Argyle to constantly get a reputation as valliant losers. The manager mused: "I don't think we deserved that from the game, but I'm conscious that I don't want to stand here every week and say we played really well and got beaten. It's doing my head in. We probably made two mistakes throughout the whole of the game and we got punished both times. That shows the level that we're at. It's something I'm going to have to learn from quickly. I was disappointed with their first goal. I felt it was a foul. Hogan's pushed Scarrsy with his full forearm in the back. There's enough contact to send Scarrsy off balance. We can argue maybe Dan's got to be a bit stronger, but I still think it's a foul. It's given most times. There's a few things that went against us. The first goal was a blow, but again, we responded really well to it and felt we were the best team going into the second half at the end of the first half. At half-time, we said to continue to do what we're doing because we're going to cause them problems. You'll get a chance - and we did. Ryan gets another goal and we're back in the game. I think they responded quite well themselves, they had a little spell for five minutes after our goal, but I felt we look like the most like a team to win it. We felt we had control of the game. We said that we wanted that a little bit more this week. Watford and Southampton had a lot of possession and made us work really hard, and we wanted to do the same to Birmingham today. I thought we did that; I thought we controlled the ball. We moved the ball really well, got into really good areas on the pitch and created some great chances. I think we had more shots than them, more shots on target and I thought we were a better team. But it's no good being a better team and getting beaten. It's not a good trait to have."

"That's what we have got to keep working on the training ground for, and we keep stressing to the lads we are going to create chances the way we play. We are definitely going to create chances. We will make mistakes and we will give up opportunities as well because the way we like to pass the ball out from the back, but that's our best way to win games. If If we keep believing in that then we will be fine, but I don't want to keep coming in saying 'Lads, well done, you played really well, I'm really proud of you but you have got nothing to show for your efforts'. The effort and the quality they are showing deserves more than the four points we have got."

"Bali Mumba was outstanding today, Morgan Whittaker was a threat every time he got it, Ryan has got three goals in four games. I'm really positive with how the whole team is looking. I think defensively we have looked solid enough but the higher you step up any mistakes you make you can get punished for it, and that's what has happened in the last couple of games. It's something for us to work on. I think this time last year we hadn't clicked into full gear, there was still a few things to iron out, but I know with the group we have got they are great lads. They will respond and try and come back from this. I haven't recruited for the team to be organised and defensive and solid. We haven't got the same strengths as what Birmingham City have got, who are physical and no-nonsense. We haven't really got that type of player. We are not going to do it that way, we are going to try and do it our way. We will do well some games and there will be games where we will make mistakes and get punished, but today there is not a lot wrong with the performance apart from the two goals we have conceded. It's really disappointing, gutted, but I'm still positive we can compete at this level if we stick to our principles."

"Again, we have played really well. I think everybody would probably agree with that. We have more than matched a good Birmingham City team who are flying this season. They have got 10 points now and I felt we were a game for them. We need to just get better on the small details. I felt the first goal we could have done better with that. We spoke about Hogan and how he uses his body and knocks you off balance. I actually felt it was a foul. The referee didn't so I was disappointed with that, and a couple of other things that went against us from the referee's point of view, but I'm not going to moan about it. It's our responsibility to try and get points from the game and unfortunately we didn't. I want us to be expressive and try and be positive as much as we can even if in tough places like this if you go a goal behind keep believing in what we have worked on through the week and eventually it will come off for us. So loads of positives but I don't want to keep saying that and have nothing to show for it."

26th

Argyle lost their away fixture 2-1 at Birmingham City today, and for the second week in a row, Argyle slipped to a last-gasp defeat. Birmingham City led through an early goal from Scott Hogan but the Greens then controlled the next 82 minutes, moving the ball around with pace and precision. The equaliser arrived on the hour, Ryan Hardie pouncing on a rebound, and Argyle were the side looking more likely to win it until Stansfield lashed in a debut winner for the hosts.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Miller), Houghton, Scarr, Edwards, Hardie, Whittaker, Gibson, Azaz (C Wright), Randell (Butcher), Kesler-Hayden (Pleguezuelo). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Warrington, T Wright, Waine, Cundle.

25th

Dan Scarr was a Birmingham fan born and bred, and looked ahead to the game in England's second city, his second since joining the greens after the 1-0 cup match in 2022. Scarr said: "To be with Argyle playing Birmingham, it's a nice feeling that it's a regular game and not a cup game. To be going back as a league game, it's a nice feeling to know we're on par. I'm expecting a different team to the 2022 cup game. Since the takeover they've had a lot of new players. I still look out for their results, watch their highlights and stuff. I know they're a better team than they were then. The takeover's happened, they've got a good few players in that they've actually wanted, and the fans have been buzzing about them. They've gone back to the home games, whereas before they were boycotting them slightly. There's a lot of buzz about the place, but it's the same with us. There's a lot of buzz about our place. We've got promoted. We're doing well. The fans sell out home and away. They are only on a par with where we are at.

"Watford and Southampton's styles probably suit us a little bit. They're looking to play total football. They're expansive, so it does give us opportunities to attack. I think Birmingham will be a tough game. That'll be one of the tougher tests we've had lately, just because of their style of football, probably. It'll be like Huddersfield, but probably better. A bit more direct, but they've also got good footballers. I don't think Birmingham give up many opportunities altogether, probably because they don't play as much football. They're probably a bit more solid behind the ball and then they try and use their attackers just to attack. I think it'll be a different task, but if we move the ball how we've been moving it, I don't think a lot of teams in the Championship will live with us, at times."

"On the change of formation, I always played in a back four anyway, before I came to Argyle, so it wasn't something I was new to. I played a three a couple of times in the centre, but I quite like being involved in a four. I feel you're in the action a little bit more when you're on the ball. You've probably got a lot more passing lanes to choose from. It's been good. I think the whole of the back four, and the lads in front, we've defended really well. I think we can take positives from it and take that into every game. I think we'll be alright and we'll limit chances. We just need to concentrate and keep working hard.

"I think Lewis Gibson's been excellent. He's a solid defender. He talks, which now we're in the Championship, there's runners coming from all angles, midfielders, wingers. There's a lot more people in the box. It's nice to have people around you that talk. He does talk, he's vocal; he's aggressive; he's good on the ball. I think he has started really well."

24th

Steven Schumacher is hoping for Argyle to ensure they do not fall to back to back defeats for only the second time underh is tenure, but he warned it will not be an easy task against a Birmingham City side who are looking increasingly well organised on and off the pitch. Schumacher said: "Birmingham City are obviously in a good place at the moment. They've had a brilliant start to the season. They've got a lot of positivity going on with the takeover that's happened and new investors that have come in. Their fans are getting right behind it, it's sold out this weekend. It's going to be a really hard game. Not only are the team playing extremely well, they've recruited brilliantly over the summer. I'm not surprised at their start because when you see the squad that they were recruiting. Everyone that they signed I was thinking: 'that's a good signing' - Ethan Laird's a brilliant player, Dembele, they got Bielik on a permanent, Dion Sanderson - you see those players going through the door, you think they might have a chance. It was tough financially for them last year where they were at. The new investors have come in and sorted that out by the looks of things. They've been able to go and spend big money on really good, top-quality players. I'm not surprised that since the season's kicked off their performances have been brilliant. We know Keith Downing really well. I know Keith is brilliant out of possession. They're a really well organised, well drilled team. I know John Eustace as well, the manager, who plays brilliant football, has got a really good philosophy. They're good on both sides of the ball at the moment. They're compact and then they've got a plan when they get it. They might have a couple of injuries out, but if they're all available then they've got threats. When an organised team have got threats on the counter attack and threats when they're a big physical team as well, then we have to be at it.

"We analysed the game, we went over it with the players on Monday and spoke about it. There were loads of positives, but there's things that we felt that we could do better in certain instances. With the ball and without the ball, we could have done things slightly differently. We speak about it, get on the same page and then try and put it right on Saturday. If that means we don't lose the game on Saturday: brilliant. It'd be fantastic to get a point, but if we can go there and win, even better."

21st

Steven Schumacher explained that Argyle had done their homework on full-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden before deciding to bring the young full-back to the club. He spoke of the long game Argyle played to secure his signature, saying: "We knew he was a good player, that's why we wanted to bring him here. We have watched him over the last couple of years. For MK Dons he was outstanding, going forward his data was brilliant. For Huddersfield his data was really good defensively, so he can do both sides of the game. He's playing on not his natural side at the moment as well, playing left-back, he deputised for Saxon against Southampton. He's doing really well. I think the more games he plays the more robust he gets, he's going to grow and get better as a player. We are really proud to have him here.

"We wanted to try and freshen it up. Finn Azaz hasn't played loads of football. I thought he looked really sharp at times, so did Luke Cundle. Some of their little movements that they made and the passages of play were brilliant but then they just ran out of gas a little bit. We were expecting that. I thought Rands and Callum did really well when they came on, like Luke and Finn did last week when they played as substitutes against Watford. That's what we have got a squad for, we are going to need everyone because these games are intense. Jordan Houghton had to cover a lot of ground so we got Lewis in there to give us a bit more fresh legs because Southampton were getting on top. Unfortunately, we just didn't manage to get a point from the game."

20th

It is not often that Steven Schumacher's Argyle side fail to get anything from a home game, and the club's manager remained stoic about the matter, despite the agony of the late loss. Schumacher said: "To concede a goal like that late on in the game, obviously we're gutted. We don't like losing any game of football, especially here at Home Park, but I thought we played really well. I can't be too disappointed. I thought the lads gave us absolutely everything that they've got. We showed some real moments of quality, made some nice passages of play and caused Southampton loads of problems. We just didn't have enough quality in the final third to make the most of the opportunities that we did get. It's all a learning curve and we'll get better."

"We say to the players all the time: 'Give us 100% effort and the fans appreciate it.' You can see what we're trying to do. The result didn't go our way today, but they've seen that their team played well, created loads of opportunities and pushed a top Southampton team all the way. I'm really pleased that everyone stayed behind, clapping the players off. They deserve that applause because they work so hard. I'm really proud of the lads again. The effort was there, the quality was definitely there. I don't think Southampton will get many harder games than they faced today. We were gutted to go behind, but the response was brilliant. It was a lovely move, a lovely bit of football. Every time our lads were positive and passed it forwards today, I think we were a threat. It was a really great goal from Ryan. I'm pleased for him again to get another goal here. They hit the crossbar, Conor made a good save, we hit the post. It could have gone either way, at the end of the day. Unfortunately we're on the wrong end of it."

"There's no point in putting all our effort in and getting beat. We felt we got the plan right, we felt we were organised. We pressed and caused problems in the right areas. There's no point doing all that if you don't finish opportunities off. It's something that we need to just keep getting better, keep trying to improve. I felt we were the better team in the first half. They probably edged the possession stats, but we expected that. I think we created the clearer opportunities, we looked more dangerous, and we started the game very well. We just lost that momentum, Southampton got a couple of corners then we lose the ball on a transition moment. We got punished. They picked the right pass out, and it was a lovely finish from Tella. It's been a good start. Today, we've played well. We've got no points from it, but we felt on another day we could have got points out of it. Watford and Southampton will definitely be up there. We've pushed them all the way in both games. If we can keep our energy levels up throughout the season, we'll be fine."

"I think just our attitude is to go into every game believing we can get something from them, not being afraid of anything. I think we have been positive in all the games we have played, we have made mistakes along the way - as you do - but I think the opposition teams have as well. We have forced them into errors. I'm pleased with how we have settled in. I want us to keep trying to get better. The quality of our play has got to improve but if we keep putting the effort in then I'm sure we will be fine. If you can get the right players with the right attitude, you can coach them and try and get the right information to them, then you have got a chance to win games. I think we have shown already in this Championship that we can compete, we are ready to go with a fraction of the budget of everybody else."

Jordan Houghton spoke similarly, talking of lessons to learn from the match. He added: "It's been a very positive start in terms of points on the board, and performances as well. It's been a tough start, but there aren't any easy games in this league. Every week's going to be a tough game. I don't think many teams will give them that tough a game for the rest of the season. We've got to take a lot of positives. Those types of games aren't going to define our season. We need to take confidence from it. We'd like to have had a bit more of the ball, but I think you have to respect the opponent and the way they play. They are going to control the ball in probably every single game, but I think our tactics were spot on. We allowed them to come with the play and then build it up, and we won a lot of balls in and around the middle of park, especially in the first half. With a bit more care in the final third, I think we had some real good opportunities to score. That's the difference in this level. Those opportunities aren't taken and they've gone. We've lost it to a set piece in the last few minutes. Maybe can we kill the game a little bit more? We've got a lot of young players who show some brilliant bits of play in the game, so we can let those things go, but as the season goes on there are little details that we need to just tidy up on. That's going to be the difference between getting three points. They are going to be up there with probably the top two or three teams in the league. To put on a performance like that and really give them a tough game; a few of their players were walking off saying that game was toughest in the season so far for them, there won't be many as tough as that for them.

On the abscence of Saxon Earley, Schumacher explained/: "He twisted his ankle, unfortunately for him. He waited to get in the team after a shoulder injury and then he has rolled his ankle in training, which is gutting for him, and he wasn't available. I don't think it's anything too serious. He has got an MRI scan this evening now the swelling has gone down. There was no fracture or whatever on his X-ray so hopefully it's not too bad."

"It's really disappointing, but I think if we take a look, scope out a bit and look at the bigger picture, I think it's really positive.

"We've had a good start and we need to build on that because we're only at the start. We need to keep on improving, keep going forward and confidence should be taken from the first few games."

19th

A late, late goal from Che Adams inflicted a first defeat of the Championship season on Argyle, as Southampton ran out 2-1 winners today.

The Greens matched Premier League 'regulars' Southampton for 94 minutes, recovering from a goal by Nathan Tella early in the second period to equalise withing 60 seconds, Ryan Hardie finishing neatly at the near post. A draw was almost secured but Adams won it for the Saints following a stoppage time corner, poking home from close range.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba, Houghton (Warrington), Scarr, Edwards, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Gibson, Azaz (Randell), Cundle (C Wright), Kesler-Hayden (Miller). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Pleguezuelo, Butcher, T Wright.

18th

Up and coming midfielder Caleb Roberts has signed an extension to his professional contract at Home Park. Roberts is clearly highly rated by the greens, evidenced by the fact that he signed his first professional deal the moment he turned 17. Now 18, Roberts has played six times for Argyle, one of which came in the league. As head of player development, Kevin Nancekevill had his say on the signing: "We have been very pleased with Caleb's development, and therefore it is excellent news that he has extended his contract with us. He has shown maturity in his game, playing senior football throughout pre-season and has always looked like he belongs, playing in a particularly tough position to play in. Hopefully he will continue to develop and become an important player for the club."

Steven Schumacher added"His biggest strength is that he has got no fear. He takes the ball under pressure, he has got good vision. Technically he's very good and he has got a little bit of devilment in him as well, where he doesn't mind putting a tackle in and leaving something on someone."

Steven Schumacher looked ahead to the next day's game against Southampton, warning that Argyle will need to be at their best to beat a team of such quality. The manager said: "We know how important it is for us to be organised and defend really well. We know it's going to be important that we have the ball as well, and try to be a threat for them like we were last week for Watford. We'll go into the game with confidence again and give it our best shot. In their first game against Sheffield Wednesday, they dominated the game. Credit to Sheffield Wednesday, they stuck in there, stuck in the game. They got a goal back from a set piece and then Southampton, with a lovely bit of quality, scored late on. Last week's game against Norwich was an exciting one. Again, they dominated possession. Southampton scored some good goals, but also proved that they're not bulletproof. Norwich had their plan right; if we can get our plan right, then hopefully we can create some chances.

"This game on Saturday is a whole new game. It's two teams who are going to try and figure each other out. It's on Sky, so it'll be exciting. I'm looking forward to it. As long as we're organised and committed, then we'll have a good chance.

"Our shape's got to be good. We know that the way Russell always has his team set up, they like to make loads of passes and they try and suck you in to play around your press. We know that when we are going to press, we've got to press as a unit, not go off individually, otherwise you get picked off. When we have the ball, we have to try to play. I think if we just accept that they're going to have the ball, it becomes a long day. We need to try and play, and work our patterns where we can, and have a plan when we transition and turn the ball over, to see if we can counter-attack and hit them. We know we've got speed at the top end of the pitch, as they will be aware. If we're on our day, then we've proved before we can score goals. The Sky games always bring a little bit of added atmosphere. I think everyone's looking forward to it. These are the games our fans wanted to watch; they wanted to see us play against the likes of Southampton, Leeds, Leicester to see where we're at.

"Our message to the players will be to play the way our fans like to see us play; play at a good tempo, be aggressive with the ball and without the ball, and see if we can get off to a good start. Hopefully their support will see us through."

Adam Randell re-iterated the fact that the Southampton game would be difficult but the homegrown midfielder said that he is relishing the prospect of playing against the very best. He anticipated: "It'll be a good test for us. I really want to test myself against the best. That's what you want to do as a footballer; you want to see how you compare to the best teams and the best players. To have them coming down here and giving us a challenge is exactly what we want. They're obviously expected to do well this season. They've got a good squad, but that's not to take anything away from us. I think we can go out and compete - and get a result. There's nothing stopping us, if we're on our game, from being a real threat to them. Realistically, everyone's eyes are on us staying up, myself included. That's the number one goal. We want to look further and look higher, when the time comes, but everyone's original target is to stay in the league for next season. Then, hopefully, we can push on from there and start pushing up the table come the end of the season. Who knows? We might be pushing for the playoffs or even a bit higher than that. The teams that we've played, especially Watford, were good at keeping the ball. We knew that going into the game and they made us work hard off the ball. Both games were battles at times and they were tough, but we managed to grind our way through them. It's been a brilliant start. We've had a couple of good results. Personally, I've really enjoyed feeling the level of the games rather than expecting it and waiting to see what it's going to be like. It's been a challenge for us already and it's going to continue being that way."

14th

Despite the fact that Argyle's game at Watford ended goalless, Steven Scumacher was enthralled by an entertaining game of end to end football, in which both sides had chances. He also had positive things to say about the voice of the green army behind the goal in the match. Schumacher said: "I thought it was a good game. There was a good flow to it. It was exciting to watch for a 0-0, loads of chances for both teams. I'm so pleased with our performance. I thought defensively we were really good, really well organised. I thought we got the tactics spot on. We watched what happened here last week and we obviously had to do something different. We caused a few problems for them as well on the counter attack. I thought we were always a threat; I'm so pleased and proud of the lads' performance. Some of our last-ditch defending was excellent. We got blocks in in front of the goal, and when you come to a place like this, you know that that's going to have to be the case. Also, you've got to cause them one or two problems. You can't just sit back and soak up all the pressure. I thought we did that well; thought we were a threat. The amount of chances that we created gives us confidence. When we're organised behind the ball, we're disciplined and we're committed to defending, then we know that with the players that we've got, we'll create chances. I was pleased with the openings that we did make. We just need to take them, show a little bit more quality, be a bit more clinical in these huge games – and we'll be alright. The clean sheet is brilliant and everybody as a team can be proud of that. It's not just the back four or the goalkeeper. Everybody worked hard because it was a tough shift. As I said in the week, Watford are going to be a top team. They're going to be right up there this season. They've got some real good players. We've matched them, we've competed with them, which is what we needed to do - and we've come away with a deserved point. If we keep performing like that, keep being a team, then we've got a chance.

"Probably the most pleasing part of it is that they've seen their team put a right shift in. We've performed, we've given everything that we've got. To see them singing everyone's name there at the end, in what was a brilliant game was great. Just pulling in here today, there was just the realisation that we're at a proper stadium, it's going to be a proper atmosphere. As first weeks of the Championship season go, it couldn't have gone much better."

Dan Scarr echoed the words of his manager and further stated that the defenders had the better of the game at both ends of the park. The big centre-back added: "They've got quality players, they've got good rotation, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. I thought we were disciplined, and I thought we stood up to the challenge, which is what we're going to have to do a lot of times this season. Our defending was good; not just from defenders, from the whole team. We had some good chances too. We set a press, we set traps and they worked. It was just that our end product wasn't at its best. I think on another day I think we could hurt a team like this. It was just one of those days probably for both sets of strikers really. It's a solid away point; to come away and play at a place like this and get a point is good. We obviously won't get too carried away with it. At the end of the day, chances could have gone either way. You need a bit of luck and I thought we did well, but we just need to keep working hard. There's going to be ups and downs, but if we can have days like that where we all chip in and everyone works for each other, I think we'll be in a good position. That's what we're defenders for. When everyone makes a block or when everyone makes a tackle, header, clearance. It gees everyone up and you believe that you're not going to concede. We had a good belief amongst us today. The Green Army definitely helped. In some of these grounds, they're bigger, there's a lot more home fans, but our fans come and they're as loud as ever. We need that to drive us on and they played a big part in that today, so thank you for the travelling."

Finally, Saxon Earley looked back on his first start in the Championship. He stated the value of patience, finally getting his chance in this game after a lot of waiting last season. He explained: "I have learned a lot along the way. I learned a lot at Stevenage, coming to Plymouth I had to be patient and bide my time but I'm learning more each day. The gaffer has been great, the players are great and I'm really looking forward to step on the a ccelerator and go forward. It was tough at times, times I felt I deserved to play and I didn't, but I had to respect the gaffer's decision. The players around me were brilliant, just look at last season - the results, the momentum. It was very hard to come into. I was disappointed but that just fuelled me to learn from the boys around me and try and better my game, stay patient and keep working, and hopefully that pays off. I think it's crucial as a young player to not just play but also learn a lot. I learned a lot with Norwich, and coming here the boys have been great role models.

"I knew Bali a bit at Norwich, we played together before he went out on loan. He's loved by the fans here, loved by the club and you can see why. He's always energetic, always smiling, he comes in and has a laugh with the boys every single day. He's great to be around. As a defender that's your role and I think sometimes, especially in this modern game, that can be lost. Personally, and as a back four, that's what we have got to do. We have got to stay concentrated, especially in this league. I think it's a really high quality league and we have just got to keep switched on."

13th

After beating Orient 2-0, Argyle have been rewarded with a home game against Premier League opponents Crystal Palace in round two. Former England manager Roy Hodgson will appear in the away dugout on the game which will take place on the 29th August.

Following his impressive brace in the cup win, Ben Waine hopes the victory can act as a springboard to future success. He also spoke of the friendly relationship with fellow striker Ryan Hardie as the two vied for a starting spot in Argyle's championship line-up. Waine said: : "One thing I will say is I have never had another striker that I have got on so well with. I think sometimes it can be a little bit awkward between strikers because obviously you are trying to take each other's spot. Me and him, I think we just seem to get along really well, and we try and help each other. He's always encouraging me. That's the whole point of it, we are going to be good to each other but we are going to push each other as well. You can see that competitiveness and we are always trying to beat each other in training, and I think that's healthy to be honest. At the end of the day, the changing room has to get along. Everyone is here for the same reason, I think that's so important. That goes back to the recruitment work the club does. It's amazing. It's not by chance they are bringing in good people consistently."

"Whether you are on the bench or you are starting you have to contribute, more so if you are on the bench you have to be ready to make a change, that's what you are there to do. They have put a trust in the younger players and that's awesome to see because we have all got heaps of different attributes but the main one is the energy and the hunger to do well. I think you will see that throughout the season."

"It's my first goals at Home Park and an amazing feeling. I have been waiting for that for a long time. I have been trying to chase it, to be honest, so I'm glad it has come at a good time. That's what you are here to do, score goals, and when you are not necessarily doing that of course you chase it, but it's just about being patient and I think I have done that."

12th

Argyle held Watford to an impressive 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road this afternoon. If this is a sign of things to come in the second tier, it is going to be a huge test of fitness and discipline, a test Argyle passed with flying colours. Watford boasted a side packed with Championship, and some Premier League, experience, and the game was played at an explosive pace from start to finish, with the Greens defending their box brilliantly. However, It wasn't just a rear-guard action, as the Greens also had plenty of attacking moments.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Miller), Houghton, Scarr, Edwards, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, C Wright (Azaz), Gibson, Randell (Cundle), Earley. Substitutes (not used): Burton, Pleguezuelo, Butcher, Warrington, T Wright.

11th

Lewis Gibson hoped for a perfect end to a perfect week as Argyle travel to Watford after two wins from two games at home against Huddersfield and Orient. Gibson said the greens did not need to fear the trip to Hertfordshire, as there are no easy games in this league: "We couldn't ask for much more with the two results. Saturday was a nice one to get going with, against Huddersfield at home. It was the first one back at Home Park and then we carried that momentum into Tuesday. I was delighted, especially with the result. The fans were bouncing, they made it quite special for the first game in the Championship for 13 years. It was a really special occasion; to get the win for the fans and to get that momentum going was really important. It'll be a tough game but we're eager to get going," he said. "We're in the Championship now, so there's no easy games. I can't wait to get going. I think we'll both be on the front foot, be aggressive. We're not going to give teams too much respect; we're going to go after teams and hopefully we'll get the win. The videos come through, and you try and have a look at who you come up against, to see what to expect, to give you a little bit of a step up on what's coming next. You've got to believe in your own ability to go out there and perform."

8th

A Ben Waine brace in a dominant first half proved enough for Argyle to overcome Leyton Orient 2-0 in the opening round of the Carabao Cup at Home Park. The New Zealand international opened the scoring on 26 minutes after a defensive error from the visitors and his second was forced over the line from close-range. The Pilgrims' intensity dropped down a couple of notches after the break but there was never any huge danger of the lead being relinquished.

Argyle: Burton, Pleguezuelo, Butcher, Warrington, Azaz (Roberts), T Wright, Waine (Houghton), Earley, Cundle (C Wright), Kesler-Hayden (Randell), Issaka (Hardie). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Mumba, Whittaker, Gibson.

7th

Argyle have announced the signing of Luke Cundle from Wolves on loan until the end of the season. The attacking midfielder played for Swansea in this league last season, finishing the season strongly. He will wear the number 28 during his time at Home Park. Steven Schumacher said of the signing: "I'm delighted to bring Luke on board here at Home Park. He is a technically very gifted player, who can play in a variety of midfield positions, adding to our strength in that department. He has huge potential, and importantly he has a full season of Championship experience under his belt with Swansea last season. I'm very pleased he has agreed to join us"

Neil Dewsnip added: "Luke looked at home last season while on loan at Swansea City, and I am sure he will perfectly fit the style that we are trying to play at Argyle. He once again fits the profile of the type of player we have been successful in recruiting on loan. He comes from a very good Premier League Academy; he has experience under his belt; and he is a very talented young footballer."

6th

Ryan Hardie gave his reaction to getting his long awaited 50th goal with Argyle with a lovely placed finish as Argyle countered in the second half. The scotsman said of the milestone: "Credit to our goalie coach, Darren Behcet. He said, yesterday in the meeting, that when you do get through on goal, you might have a bit more time than you think because the keeper makes it hard for you by staying on his line. I had that in my mind when I looked up, he was on his line and I had a bit of space to the far corner. I just pulled back a bit. My first thought was to take it round him. I thought he must be on top of it. It reminded me a bit of the Exeter goal, where Morgan slid me through the middle. To score 50 goals is unbelievable. I would never have thought that when I first signed here on loan. That's one that I'm extremely proud of, and hopefully there's many more to come. It really annoyed me last season, at Accrington away when I hit both posts. I've been desperate to get it and thankfully I've got it the first game of the season, and it's a milestone ticked off. It's a ladder I want to keep climbing. I've signed a three-year deal here, so there's going to be plenty of time to try and keep going. Let's see how high I can get. The most important thing of the day was the three points, and to get the third goal in the game I think it kills it off a bit, and it saves a bit of nerves towards the end.

"I think it's going to be an exciting three. Everybody's going to chip in from all sorts of areas on the pitch. Morgan and Bali are a delight to play in front of. Bali's goal epitomises it. He just drives and drives and drives. I tried and make a run to give him an option, and it drags the defender away which lets him get through on goal. He just jinks, jinks, keeps jinking and he scores. I know the boys that are behind me are going to feed me with chances, so if I can keep getting in the right position, keep making the runs, I'm going to get those chances."

5th

Argyle announced their return to the Championship with a 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town. Morgan Whittaker bundled in an early opener for the Greens but they then had to recover from conceding an equaliser to Michal Helik on the stroke of half-time. The game was won in the space of three second-half minutes. Bali Mumba weaved his way to a fabulous goal on 74 minutes and he was backed up by a Ryan Hardie to condemn former boss Neil Warnock to an opening-day defeat.

Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (T Wright), Houghton, Scarr, Edwards, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, C Wright (Azaz), Gibson, Randell (Butcher), Kesler-Hayden. Substitutes (not used): Burton, Warrington, Earley, Roberts, Issaka.

4th

Jack Endacott has become the third young Plymouth Argyle professional to be loaned out to a non-league club for the start of the new season. The left-back, who will be 19 in October, has joined Southern League Premier South side Tiverton Town on a three-month loan. Kevin Nancekevill added: "This is a great opportunity for Jack to head out and play some more football at a good level, and gain valuable experience. Like Will Jenkins Davies and Oscar Halls, Jack is taking the next step in the pathway we have defined, where he can gain skills to stand him in good stead for the future. We will keep a close eye on his progress, and wish him well."

Looking ahead to the ultimate anticipation of leading the greens out for their first game in the championship, Joe Edwards said: "The summer was good. You come back to pre-season and you just want to get to the start of the season, really. It's here now. We've had a good couple of weeks. We've worked hard and now the fun begins. It's a nice feeling. I loved that season at Yeovil. We went to the Championship and the experiences I've got from that will hopefully leave me in good stead this year. To come back to the Championship now, ten years later, is amazing and something I'm really looking forward to. It's something that we want people to be excited about. We achieved what we achieved last year and we're here on merit. We want the fans to be excited. We know it's going to be tough, but we know we need that self-belief. We're going to go into the season believing that we can we can do well in this league. We want the fans to be buzzing because we want to hear that noise. We want that excitement because, believe me, on Saturday morning, I'll be just as excited as them. No matter how old you are or how many games you play, the first game of the season is massive. To do it again, back in the Championship, is going to be even more special. I think it will help in certain areas and certain games. You need ability to play at this level, first and foremost, and we've got that amongst the squad, whether younger or older. Experience helps in in every aspect of football at times. And you need that energy, youthfulness and enthusiasm that comes with the young lads. We've got a good mix. If I can help on and off the pitch with my experience, and I will do, we'll need everyone to come together to perform because it is such a tough physical league."

3rd

Argyle's hopes have been bosted going into the season with the exciting news that Finn Azaz has rejoined the club after a successful spell last season. The Irish youth midfielder will take the number 18 shirt again. Steven Schumacher said: "It is great to have Finn back on board. He was another player who was so influential for us last season and was a huge part of the team that won the league. He scored some big goals and provided some assists at important times last season. His creativity and quick thinking will benefit us greatly in the Championship. I believe Finn is another player who is capable of stepping up a division and having an equally big impact on the team. Welcome back!"

Neil Dewsnip added: Neil Dewsnip said: "It is so good to have another player back at Argyle who performed so well for us last season. It means we add another really talented player to our ranks, and it also says to us that these players believe in what we are trying to achieve. They have found an environment they enjoy playing in, and we are very pleased that Finn will be with us for another year."

1st

Steven Schumacher confirmed that Argyle will continue to be represented by Joe Edwards as their team and club captain for the coming season. He would not confirm the identity of the vice captain, but went over severall potential candidates who have been given the armband at times in pre-season. He said: "Joe Edwards will be the captain because he's a brilliant captain. Nothing will change there. Obviously it was James Wilson who was vice captain last season and I have got decisions to make. Adam Randell would be a good choice because he's a lad who has come through the academy but he has got to get himself going as well, to his high standards of what he always sets. I know I have got leaders in the team - Dan Scarr is a leader, Jordan Houghton is a brilliant example to everyone. He leads on the pitch. So whoever I choose as vice captain will be worthy of it."

Of potential new incomings, Schumacher added: "We need one or two more players. If we can do that this week then great, if we can't then we go with what we have got. There is obviously a long time until the transfer window shuts and it's a long season so there is no panic. I think we need a forward player and probably need another attacking midfield player, and maybe one or two others as well in different areas. I think everyone understands where we are short. It's easy enough to see."

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