THE DAILY DIARY

Argyle News Sites:

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

Plymouth Argyle FC

The Herald

Western Morning News

News Now

On This Day:

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

Thursday 26th January 2023

Argyle defender Macaulay Gillesphey has put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his contract at Home Park. Gillesphey, who joined at the start of the 2020/21 season, has established himself as a key member of the side and will remain at Home Park until the end of the 2024/25 season. During his time at the club, Macaulay has racked up 69 appearances, scoring twice. His first coming in our narrow 2-1 defeat to European Champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup last February. A month later, Gillesphey headed in his second goal for the club, just before half-time in a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. Macaulay joined the Greens after a successful couple of years playing in Australia for Brisbane Roar. His time in the A-League saw him score four goals in 60 appearances and win the Player of the Year award. He is the third senior player to sign an extension to their contracts so far this season, following captain, Joe Edwards and goalkeeper Callum Burton.

On signing his new deal, Macaulay said, "I think the club itself is a good forward thinking club and is definitely going in the right direction. The coaching staff have been brilliant with me, and my teammates have been brilliant too. I don't see why I would want to be anywhere else."

Steven Schumacher said, "I'm delighted Macaulay has agreed to extend his contract with us at Argyle. Since he arrived at the club just over 18 months ago, he has been a really consistent performer. The quality that he has on the ball is outstanding and he is a huge part of how we like to attack. His defending has also been really good. He is reliable, a good competitor and he has played a vital part in our success over the last season and a half. I'm sure Macca will continue to improve individually, and help us to achieve our goals as a team over the next few years."

While Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip added, "I am delighted for him personsally and for the club. Macaulay is a great role model to all at the club. He gives his all in training and match play and is desperate to support Argyle in its ambitions to reach the Championship."

25th

Adam Parkes has extended his loan with Plymouth Parkway until the end of the season. The goalkeeper, who joined Argyle in October having been released by Watford in the summer, quickly headed to Bolitho Park to join the Southern League Premier Division South side. Adam has played 12 times for Parkway, keeping three clean sheets, against Bracknell, Hendon and Harrow. He also saved two penalties when Parkway beat Oxford City in a shoot-out in the FA Trophy.

22nd

Following following Argyle's victory over Cheltenham Town on Saturday, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Parkinson has penned a message of thanks to the Green Army.

"Dear supporters,

With the schedule enforcing a two-week break, and having enjoyed a fantastic win in front of another sell-out crowd on Saturday, now is an appropriate opportunity for me to express how grateful everyone at the club is for your magnificent support. With a little under half of the season remaining, we find ourselves in an enviable position, with a thrilling race for promotion and a Papa Johns Trophy semi-final to look forward to. This is a remarkable achievement, and much credit must go to everyone at the club for their efforts so far. Every person I speak to at the moment seems to remark on the buzz around Argyle, and there is a tremendous feeling of excitement in the city. We are very proud of that, but there is a long way to go – and everyone at the club is focused on pushing on to achieve our ambition.

We have spoken over a number of years about our aspiration to become a sustainable Championship club – that target runs through every department at Home Park. For many of our supporters, the main indicator of our progress against that objective is our fortunes on the field, but that is just one piece of the overall outlook for the club. You will note from our most recently published accounts that 21/22 was a record revenue year for Argyle, and, midway through this season, we are in a position where there is the potential to surpass that in 22/23. This is vital for a club like us, because financial (and environmental) sustainability is the aim. We know from our relatively recent past what can happen when a club is financially mismanaged, and we won't go there again. Increased revenues, a clear plan and additional external investment have allowed us to make strong progress against our target of building a successful and sustainable operation, with infrastructure to match. The recent acquisition of the Goals site allows us to expand our Argyle footprint to include the new facility and Home Park and provide much-needed facilities for both football and administrative staff. The increase in revenues - driven in large part by the dedication of our supporters – has also allowed us to provide substantial support to our football staff in the January transfer window. It has been noted by fans and media alike that we have spent fees in the transfer market in a concerted manner not seen at Argyle since the club was last in the Championship. While this is an evolution of our approach, it is not a deviation from our long-held values and philosophy as a club - and has only been possible as a result of incredible support from the Green Army. Across the board, the club's revenues have allowed us to be in a position to spend fees. Record sales of replica kits and merchandise, incredible attendance figures (nine sell-outs in 14 home league games in 22/23), the highest number of season-ticket holders on club record, Argyle TV subscriptions, and sign-ups to our new membership scheme, Evergreen, have all contributed significantly to our ability to compete in the market.

On the commercial and hospitality side of the club, we are fully booked week-to-week within Club Argyle and have begun regularly offering off-site hospitality to meet demand. Meanwhile, our conferencing and events offering is ensuring the Home Park facilities are utilised throughout the week, and partnership interest has never been higher.

Argyle has also become an attractive proposition for players, thanks to the vibrancy and culture of the club, the quality of the coaching, and the philosophy of our football. The commitment of supporters to back the project at Argyle and drive revenues to unprecedented levels has allowed us to make measured and sustainable increases to the playing budget, just as we had promised we would when we took the difficult decision to raise season-ticket prices in the summer. The recruitment team have identified and secured their targets early in the window, using data to acquire a profile of players who we feel will not only contribute to the run-in but, crucially, grow alongside the club. We have strength in depth, and, whatever happens between now and May, we have left no stone unturned in the pursuit of our ambitions. There are, of course, huge on-field benefits to your support, not just financial. The vocal and passionate support of the Green Army has played a big part in our home form – with Home Park once again becoming as difficult an environment for away teams to visit as any other at this level. Away from home, the dramatic result at Ipswich Town last weekend saw us draw equal to a club record 12 league games unbeaten on the road. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that we would not be where we are without you. Together – and I firmly include the supporters in this effort – we are building Argyle into a club, and organisation, that proudly represents the people of Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, and the South West.

Thanks to the support of the Argyle Community Trust and our long-standing partner, Ginsters, we have launched Project 35, and the generosity of the wider community has seen thousands of meals provided to those who need a hand in these challenging times. Alongside our activity in the community, our ongoing work to make Home Park and Argyle in general more environmentally sustainable has not gone unnoticed, and winning sustainability and corporate social responsibility awards in these fields over the past 12 months is testament to our commitment to living our values.

The next few months are going to be a huge challenge, but the club is as prepared as it can possibly be for what lies ahead. We are going to need your support, not only in the promotion fight, but also in the Papa Johns Trophy, where we are just one game away from what would be the club's third trip to Wembley Stadium. Thank you for everything you have given to the club this season. Let's look forward to the run-in with excitement and anticipation.

With best wishes, Andrew"

21st

Argyle consolidated their place at the top of League One with a rousing 4-2 victory over a dangerous Cheltenham Town at Home Park. The Greens were seemingly in cruise mode when Dan Scarr and Ryan Hardie scored two quickfire goals just before the half-hour but Tyler Perry gave the visitors hope at the half-time break. Callum Wright notched his first in Green, only for Alfie May to once again keep the Robins in a game that was finally settled by a super goal finished off by substitute Sam Cosgrove with seven minutes left on the clock.

Argyle: Cooper, Gillepshey, Houghton, Wilson, Scarr, Hardie (Cosgrove), Mumba (Lonwijk), Azaz (Waine), C Wright (Butcher), Matete, T Wright (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Mayor.

The win over Cheltenham kept Argyle three points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday and ten in front of Ipswich, both of whom have a game in hand, and manager Steven Schumacher said the Robins victory was vital to enhance the spoils of the previous week. "We worked so hard last week," he said. "We had two really hard away games in the league, at Bolton and Ipswich, and got into a semi-final, travelling so many miles. We knew how much it took out of everybody, so it was important that we had a good clean week this week. We got everybody on the training pitch; we had loads of players out there, which I was made up with. We said that last week was really good, but we had to back it up with three points. That sets us up and puts us in a great position."

Saturday's win was far from straightforward though. While Argyle were good value for their 2-0 lead, Cheltenham continued to fight back, and while the Pilgrims played some sparkling attacking football at times, their visitors always looked a threat. "It definitely wasn't easy," said Schumacher. "It didn't feel easy, especially conceding the goals we did when we felt comfortable in the game at 2-0 and 3-1. The next minute, it's panic stations because with one goal in it it could go either way. We highlighted, when the played Cheltenham last time, about how close all their games are and how honest they are as a team. They work hard for each other and for their manager. You never get an easy game off Cheltenham, they force you into mistakes they are always trying to press, they are organised and have good players. Credit to them, they gave us a good game, but we showed enough quality in the end to win the game."

Schumacher gave a full debut to Tyreik Wright, who played as a left wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation, as well as home bows for Jay Matete and Callum Wright. Ben Waine also got his first Home Park action as a second-half substitute, coming on along with Matt Butcher, Sam Cosgrove and Joe Edwards, as Argyle saw out the game. "I felt 'let's go super-attacking today'," said Schumacher. "We played Tyreik on one wing and Bali on the other. There's some pace there. In the first minute, Tyreik put the after burners on and went past Broomy, who we know is no slouch. I thought everyone did well. All the substitutes come on and were brilliant. Joe Edwards settled us down; Sam Cosgrove came on and was good, won a few free kicks. It was another brilliant finish from him. He's the best finisher at the club. We were positive, and we thought if we go that way and we try to get an early goal the game opens up, which we need it to do. We managed to get two early goals, which were very good goals. A brilliant ball from Jordan and a brilliant finish from Scarrsy. Finn Azaz with a lovely pass and a great finish from Ryan. It felt like the game plan was working, and then we switched off a little bit after the second goal and got a bit sloppy. It allowed them back into the game which I wasn't pleased about at half-time. It wasn't a grind, where we just found a way to win. We could have scored a few more goals, and we caused ourselves a few problems being sloppy, but we played some really good football. Some of our attacking moves in particular were brilliant."

According to Finn Azaz, we might be a little while away from seeing the best of the returning midfielder. If that is true, we are in for a bit of a treat, because after returning from a three-month absence because of an ankle injury, he is already making telling contributions in a green shirt. In his return game last week, he came on as a second-half substitute and laid on Bali Mumba's dramatic equaliser at Ipswich Town. Fast forward a week, and Azaz was in the starting line-up against a former loan side of his, Cheltenham Town, and claim two assists in Argyle 4-2 victory. Azaz played the final pass for Ryan Hardie, who scored to make it 2-0 following Dan Scarr's opener, and in the second half, after Cheltenham had halved the gap, Azaz sent through a defence-splitter to put Callum Wright in to score his first Argyle goal. After Azaz had gone off, and Cheltenham had narrowed the deficit again, Sam Cosgrove's goal put the game beyond the battling Robins. A fit Finn is a good thing for Argyle, and the man himself says he expects to become stronger and sharper as he plays more football. He told Argyle TV, after the game: "I've worked really, really hard, and it felt great, especially being at home. It felt amazing. It was a special moment. It's the longest I've been out, so to come back and to feel that atmosphere again, not sitting in the stand, felt great. It takes about five games. After pre-season, it probably takes first five games to get fully into your flow. I felt strong today. I know it takes five games to be at your sharpest point."

It was not all plain sailing, for Argyle or for Finn personally. His linkage with Callum Wright in particular caught the eye, in a partnership first forged when the pair were both together, coincidentally at Cheltenham, two seasons ago. Azaz tried a series of killer passes that did not find their mark, but persistence paid off, as in the end the duo linked to provide Wright's important goal. "I tried to execute the game plan that the gaffer set out for me, and the team," said Azaz. "There was a lot of space for me at times. Sometimes you get [the ball], sometimes you don't. I just tried to make an impact when I did get it, and with my movement as well. There were two or three before that that got intercepted, and you hear the crowd go 'urrgh', but it's my third year in the league now, and I don't let that affect me. I try to do the same things. Some coaches might tell you 'stop doing it, keep the ball, keep it simple' but if the chance is there to go and score, and you give it away, that's just part of the game. In the end, we got in. Because we get the ball into that area so many times, you shouldn't be disappointed when it doesn't come off because you know you are going to get another chance. I got the ball in that area maybe five, six times, and made it count twice. I'm happy with that contribution. Even if it happened six times and it didn't work, you still have to keep doing it, because in the next game you might get three assists. That's just how it goes."

20th

Argyle's League One clash with fellow promotion chasers Derby County has been selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports. The fixture is due to be played on Tuesday, 7 March, with a 7.45pm kick off, having been rescheduled due to the Rams' progress in the FA Cup. It will be the third league fixture at Home Park this season to have been selected for Sky Sports coverage, following the victories over Ipswich Town and Exeter City, and the fourth in total, occurring after the Pilgrims' Papa Johns Trophy semi-final against Cheltenham Town, which will also be live on Sky. As a result, domestic supporters will not be able to access video streaming of the game on Argyle TV, though audio commentary will be available. Overseas subscribers to Argyle TV will be unaffected.

19th

It is not terribly long since Argyle and Cheltenham Town last met. The two sides met on Boxing Day, when the visiting Pilgrims won 1-0, and just 26 days later, the rematch is on, at Home Park. Argyle have signed five players since the teams met, all of whom could be in contention to make their Home Park debuts, if selected. What has not changed is Argyle's position, on top of League One, and their imperious home record. The Greens have won 12 out of 13 home fixtures, losing the other to Port Vale. "The level of performance we have put in at Home Park this season has been outstanding," said manager Steven Schumacher. "We've fallen below our standard once, against Port Vale. Apart from that we have played really well, with good energy. We've been exciting to watch at home. We've had some really tough games, where we have had to dig in and come from behind, but to have 12 wins out of 13 is an outstanding record. It's one we are proud of and will do our very best to keep going on Saturday. The new players are going to experience a Home Park atmosphere when it is full, hopefully bouncing and lively, and I'm sure they will enjoy it. They are working with us and getting to know us a bit better, and we're getting to know them. It's been good having a clear week, getting to train with the new players. Hopefully they perform well and enjoy the experience."

Last weekend, when Argyle travelled to promotion rivals Ipswich Town, 21 players travelled to the game, with three being left out of the match-day squad. This weekend, captain Joe Edwards is available from suspension, so Schumacher will once again have to disappoint some of his players, but his decision is the cliched 'nice problem to have'. It is certainly preferable for the manager compared to have a threadbare squad. "It was a nice problem to have at Ipswich, leaving three players out of the squad," he said. "It wasn't an easy call, it wasn't an easy conversation with any of them, but the players are understanding that is going to be difficult for me at times, and I am going to have to make tough decisions. I have promised them it will always come from the right place and there will be evidence behind why I am doing something. We wouldn't have brought in the five players in January if we didn't think they added something to the squad. The players who have been here all season have been working incredibly well, so the new players understand they are not guaranteed to come in and start. It's a good place to be. It's a better conundrum to have than having no players available."

Schumacher has had a chance to watch back the Boxing Day win, and feels that perhaps Argyle's performance was not as strong as he felt at the time. Bringing into focus all of the above, though – Argyle's home form, the changes to both sides, and the nature of the squad – Schumacher is focused solely on the best way to best the Robins this time round, in front of another sold-out Home Park crowd. "After the game, I felt it was a great win and we did well, but I watched the game back yesterday and I feel like we could have played better," he said. "We haven't got the same squad, so we won't have just the same team that played against them last time. All games are different. I always pick a team based on what we think is best to win that game on it's own. Cheltenham is always a difficult place to go. The pitch is so small, and we didn't pass the ball well enough. We didn't use the space available on the pitch properly. That has come into my thinking this week. We're at home, on our pitch, which is a bigger and better surface than at Cheltenham, so we'll try to stamp our authority on the game as much as we can."

17th

Argyle's Papa Johns Trophy semi final against Cheltenham Town at Home Park will be played on Tuesday, 21 February, with an 8pm kick off. The tie will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The run to the semi finals is already Argyle's all-time best EFL Trophy effort. One more win would send the Greens to the final in early April and, with it, secure a trip to Wembley Stadium for only the third time in the club's history.

Argyle's League One trip to Accrington Stanley has been rearranged, and will now take place on Tuesday, 21 March, with a 7.45pm kick off. The match had been scheduled next Tuesday, 24 January, However, the postponement of Stanley's FA Cup third round replay against Boreham Wood has seen that fixture moved into its place.

16th

Argyle have confirmed that work to renovate the Higher Home Park car park area is now complete. Work began in the summer to level and resurface the terrain adjacent to the Mayflower Grandstand in order to provide nearly double the amount of parking spaces for players, staff, and match-day officials, as well as reducing pressure on the Park and Ride car park used for supporters. In addition, the works saw the installation of 10 electric vehicle charging points, and significant improvement to the look and feel of the entire approach to the stadium from the Central Park direction with club branding installed around the perimeter of Home Park.

14th

Norwich City loanee Bali Mumba made it a double of delightful goals against his parent club's rivals this season, curling in a stoppage-time stunner to secure a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town. An even and high-quality game seemed to have its pivotal moments just after the hour mark. Shortly after Ryan Hardie spurned a close-range chance for the Greens, the Tractor Boys took the lead on 63 minutes, via a vicious strike from Wes Burns. A fractious and disjointed remainder of the game looked set to fizzle out, but in the third of nine additional minutes, the returning Finn Azaz found a pass to Mumba, who whipped a left-footed shot into the far corner, earning an important point and maintaining a seven-point gap to third-placed Ipswich.

Argyle: Cooper, Gillesphey, Wilson(Azaz), Scarr, Hardie (Waine), Mayor (Wright), Ennis (Cosgrove), Mumba, Randell, Lonwijk, Matete (Houghton). Substitutes: Burton, Earley.

Cheltenham Town stand between Argyle and a trip to Wembley Stadium for the Papa Johns Trophy final in April. The Greens' reward for a 2-0 triumph at Bristol Rovers earlier this week is a home tie against the Robins, to be played the week commencing 20 February. The winner will face the victor of Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, in the other semi final.

13th

Steven Schumacher is hoping for a repeat performance of one of the best games of the season so far when Argyle meet Ipswich Town at Portman Road this Saturday. "I'm excited about it," sad Schumacher. "I think it'll be a great occasion. If the game's anywhere near the standard of the game that it was when we played them at Home Park, then it should be exciting. The first game was excellent. It was played in a good spirit. Two teams went at it and we came out on top. We managed to get score two great goals in a game that could have gone either way. I watched that back this week and yet the quality on show from both sides was really good for League One, and we're expecting something similar. Ipswich are one of the most dangerous teams in the division. They've got so many good players. Defensively they're organised and solid as well as you would expect. It's going to be a hard game, but hopefully it's an exciting one. We'll go there with the same mindset of trying to be aggressive and try and go ahead and get a good result."

Ipswich, managed by Kieran McKenna, have added to their squad during the January window, as have Argyle. Town's recruits include striker Nathan Broadhead, signed from Everton having been on loan at Wigan Athletic; George Hurst, on loan from Leicester City; and experienced midfielder Massimo Luongo, who was released from Middlesbrough. It means McKenna's side have a deeper squad, filled with quality – but then again, Argyle have made five signings of their own to bolster Schumacher's options. In addition, Finn Azaz will travel with the Pilgrims for the first time after 11 weeks out injured, adding another choice for the manager. He admits that picking a starting 11 and a bench of seven from the players he has available is going to be a different kind of challenge for him. "Our squad is looking good, looking strong," he said. "He's a quality player, Finn. He's had a full week of training and looks sharp. He looks as though he's moving well. It's going to take him a bit of time to get up to full match speed, we understand that, so picking and choosing the right games to put him in and, and how many minutes he plays, is going to be important. Just having him available gives everybody a bit of a boost because he's so important to us. It also gives me a bit of a headache because I think I've got 21 fit players, for the first time. This is new for me, to have a full squad to choose from. I haven't got to use any real young players in the squad, that's something I'm going to have to learn, to make good decisions even for the bench, which is a real good problem to have. It's a challenge, going up against one of the best managers and best coaches in the country. It's what you want, it's the games you want to be involved in. I'm sure it won't be all straightforward. I'm sure Kieran's watched us as well and knows that we've got our strengths and we can be a threat to them. I don't think they're making those types of signings if they're not going to be part of Kieran's plans. The team is third in the league at the moment, flying and doing well. There isn't a need to come in and make wholesale changes, it's not as though Ipswich have been struggling. Maybe their new lads, a bit like ours, have to wait for their opportunity. Their squad is strong in all areas, so whatever team they pick, we're going to be up against it. I don't think they'll change too much about what they do. They've got a clear style and identity of how they like to play and how they'd like to pass the ball. We'll have to figure out a way of trying to stop that. I don't think it'll be too dissimilar to what we've seen early on in the season. It's trying to figure out how to nullify the opposition and then where you feel you can get the better of them."

Portman Road is likely to be filled to the brim, and those numbers will include more than 2,000 members of the Green Army. Schumacher wants them to make their voices heard, and knows the home crowd are likely to be vociferous too. He said: "We have to think about that because their crowd is similar to our crowd: they play a huge part and can influence things. We need to try and manage that, especially early on in the game. We know we're going to come under spells of pressure, that's understandable. It's how we manage those spells. We're going to need all the experience that we've got on the pitch to calm everyone down. We're going to need some energy on the pitch as well, because you can't go to Portman Road and just defend for 90 minutes. We're going to have to take the ball, be brave, and give them something to worry about too."

Former Ipswich Town defender James Wilson is heading to his old club with Argyle this weekend, and knows as well as anyone the magnitude of the game. Argyle come into the game in good form, having won four in a row before a creditable 0-0 draw at Bolton Wanderers last Saturday was followed by a 2-0 win at fellow League One side Bristol Rovers in the Papa Johns Trophy quarter-final. Wilson sat out the game at Rovers, but says the victory has helped boost confidence ahead of the trip to Portman Road. "It's a big game," said Wilson. "I think all the boys are really looking forward to it. We've had a good week's preparation, with a good game Tuesday - the boys did brilliant. We're coming off a good couple of good results. We've brought in some really good players. I think it shows the recruitment. We've got a really strong squad now and that's what we're going to need now heading into the final few months. We seem to have done our business really early. We've got players in positions that we've needed. The game here was brilliant. The atmosphere was amazing. We've sold out, so it's going to be a great atmosphere as it was last year when we played there. It's a tough place to go, but we are going to go there and try and get a result. They are a different Ipswich to the previous few years. They play really good football. They've got really fast movement. It's going to be a really tough game. We beat them here, so there's no reason why we can't beat them again."

Argyle have not lost on their travels in the league since losing the first two away matches of the season. That unbeaten run includes five draws in the last six, with Wilson saying that grinding out results on the road, gaining any point possible, is going to be beneficial. "The most important thing, especially this season, is going to be to grind out results now, towards the end," he said. "It might not be as pretty as it was the first half of the season, but if we can keep getting results, keep getting points on the board, that's, that's the main thing."

11th

Argyle duo Steven Schumacher and Dan Scarr have been nominated for League One Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards for December. Schumacher's nomination sees him in contention for his third Manager of the Month award of the season, following consecutive wins in September and October. The Greens bounced back from a disappointing loss to Port Vale at the start of the month to secure three wins and a draw to end 2022 top of the division.

Meanwhile, defender Scarr's contribution has been telling. Having missed the opening two fixtures of the month due to injury, the centre-back returned to the starting XI for the 2-1 victory over Morecambe, and he followed that up with successive Man of the Match performances. First, he starred at the back as Argyle earned a tough 1-0 away victory over Cheltenham Town, before netting the winner over former side Wycombe Wanderers in another 1-0 win.

The award winners will be announced on the morning of Friday, 13 January.

10th

A 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers, which included a pulsating first-half display, booked Argyle a place in the semi-finals of the Papa Johns Trophy. The Greens overwhelmed Rovers with waves of attacking football and the reward came with a first goal in Green for Ben Waine, followed by a decisive second from Ryan Hardie on the half-hour. The Pilgrims continued to create chances throughout the evening but the initial two-goal burst was ultimately enough for victory.

Argyle: Burton, Bolton (Halls), Gillesphey, Butcher, Edwards, Hardie (Ennis), Lonwijk, Waine (Issaka), Wright, Matete, Endacott. Substitutes (not used): Cooper, Mumba, Randell, Roberts.

A first goal in English football for Ben Waine and one from his strike partner Ryan Hardie gave the Pilgrims a two-goal cushion by half-time at Bristol Rovers, and it was a lead they never looked like giving up. Steven Schumacher was pleased not only with the all-round performance on the night, but also how the side have progressed through the rounds to this point. "We're one step closer to Wembley, which is great," said Schumacher. "Being in the semi-final of a cup competition is brilliant. The way we've gone about this competition this season has been excellent. From the performances of the young players, to tonight, when we were a bit stronger: everyone, to a man, has performed exceptionally. We fully deserved to win the game. I thought we showed more quality. When we got the ball down the sides, we produced some lovely moves. The two centre forwards were a big threat all game. We showed some really nice composure. Waine's goal, in his first Argyle start, was a superb header from a floated Matt Butcher cross, steered into the corner of the net. In truth, it was not his easiest chance. After scoring, he had two attempts on goal from good positions from which he missed the target, but the mere fact that he was getting into those positions was pleasing for Schumacher. It was a brilliant header, right in the top corner," said the boss. "He showed strength to get rid of the centre back that was marking him, and guide it onto the corner. It was a brilliant goal. He actually missed two easier chances! He'll get chances because he works so hard. His attitude to the game, how he wants to learn and get better. He's going to be a good player, because we'll spend time with him, put in the effort and keep working on his weaknesses. What a fantastic start to his career at Argyle!"

James Bolton played 82 minutes of the game, having started a match for Argyle for the first time since the end of March. He played in the centre of a defensive unit that were commanding and kept a comfortable clean sheet, but that was, in some ways, secondary to his successful return from injury. "He was starting to feel a bit of cramp so we took him off, but he was a rock," said Schumacher, of Bolton. "James can do that, he just needs to put the games together. He had about ten games in the team last season and I think he kept eight clean sheets. We know he is a top defender, we've just got to keep him on the pitch. I thought he was excellent. Fair play; getting through your first game after eight months out isn't easy, especially on that pitch."

Generally, Schumacher picked a side containing senior professionals, but 18-year-old Jack Endacott was given the nod at left wing-back, and caught the eye with a hard-working and mature performance that pleased his manager no end. "He was outstanding, Schumacher said. "He's a good player. He's got loads to learn, loads of improvement to come, but he played really well, he crossed some nice balls in. But the thing I loved most about the game was right in the corner, up against John Marquis who is a senior pro, Jack bought a foul off him, fell on the ball and got us a free-kick in the last minute. I'm really pleased with how all the young boys are developing and enjoying the experience of the competition."

Argyle will find out on Saturday which of fellow League One sides Bolton Wanderers, Cheltenham Town or Accrington Stanley they will face in the final four. Whichever it is, Schumacher is keen to give it everything possible to take the Green Army to Wembley for a cup final for the first time. "It feels great, but let's go one more," he said. "We've worked so hard, so it's important that we get back, and recover - we've got a huge game this weekend. We'll see what the draw brings us. I want to go for it. We're one game from Wembley and a great day out for everybody, to try to win a trophy."

Argyle youngster Finley Craske has joined Southern League Premier promotion hopefuls Truro City on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old, who can play in a number of positions across defence and midfield, links up with Argyle great Paul Wotton, who manages the White Tigers. It is Craske's second loan of the season, with the Academy graduate having returned from a short loan at National League side Yeovil Town earlier this season. He has featured in five fixtures for the Greens this season, including three starts in the run to the Papa Johns Trophy quarter final. First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell, whose role also includes overseeing loan opportunities for young prospects like Craske, said: "This is a really good opportunity for Fin to get games under his belt in the second half of the season. Truro are going really well, playing at a good standard, and Fin has a chance to go and show everyone what he can do over the coming months. I am sure he will become a better player for the opportunity."

9th

Tyreik Wright has become Argyle's fifth signing of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old has been on loan at Bradford City from Aston Villa, but now leaves Villa Park in order to join Argyle on a permanent basis. Tyreik is a versatile attacking player, who has typically played wide on the left for the Bantams this season, and has also played as a striker. Steven Schumacher said: "Tyreik is another very talented youngster that we are delighted has signed for Argyle. He is an exciting player who enjoys taking people on and will get the Green Army off their seats. He has explosive power, really good ability, and hopefully is going to be a very good player for us. He will offer an option for us in various different positions, as he is very versatile. Credit once again to our hard-working recruitment and data teams who have identified several players that will benefit Argyle now, and going forward." Neil Dewsnip, Argyle Director of Football, added: "I'm delighted we have signed Tyreik, a very promising, attacking young player. We have watched his progress at Bradford City, his progress with the Ireland Under-21 team and we think he is an excellent addition both in the short and longer term at Argyle."

Tyreik Wright's career so far has seen him always looking for the next step, and it says a lot for Argyle that he has chosen to take his next one with Argyle. Wright, from County Cork in Ireland, joined Aston Villa as a 15-year-old, and having played youth football with the Villans, has spent time on various loans to get EFL experience. By his own admission, initial spells with Walsall, Salford City and Colchester City could have gone better, but things seemed to click for the attacker at Bradford City in the first half of the season, as he scored four times and earned plaudits from the Bantams faithful. Ty was clearly enjoying his time at Valley Parade, but on hearing the interest from Argyle, who have signed the 21-year-old for an undisclosed fee, he decided it was time to take his latest step forward. "I'm absolutely buzzing with the move," Ty said in am interview with Argyle TV. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the lads, to play in front of the fans, and show them what I've got. At Villa, I was playing with great players, training with the first team. It's Premier League standard, and it makes you a better player. They gave me a platform to go on in my career. My first few loans didn't go the way I wanted them to, but that is all part of developing and learning. My most recent loan, at Bradford, has been my best one, and I was ready to take the next step in my career. I absolutely loved it at Bradford. They welcomed with open arms straight away. I got to know the lads and got to play in front of 17,000 fans every week. I loved my time there, but when Argyle came knocking on the door, I couldn't turn it down. It's a step to the next level, and I'm looking forward to it. It's a great club with great history. I want to take the next step in my career. I want to play at the highest level possible. It was a no-brainer really."

Tyreik has played for Ireland at numerous age group levels, including several appearances for the Under-21s, where he has linked up with Finn Azaz, who coincidentally is on loan at Argyle, from Aston Villa. Now that Wright is set to wear another shade of green, he has told the Green Army to expect attacking flair and directness, something that will no doubt warm their hearts. "I've loved putting on the green jersey," said Tyreik. "Representing your country is a massive privilege and honour. Hopefully the next step is senior level. I think I am an exciting player. I like to get the fans off their seats. I love one-v-ones, taking my man on and I'm quite quick as well."

Ryan Law has been recalled from his loan spell at Gillingham with immediate effect. The 23-year-old left back played 24 times in his time with the Gills, starting 17 times for the League Two side. Law, who came through Argyle's academy, has played 31 times for the Pilgrims, scoring twice, including a sensational winner in the Emirates FA Cup against Birmingham City, a year ago yesterday.

7th

Argyle battled and scrapped their way to a hard-fought goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers, extending their lead in the League One table and handing debuts to four new players. One of those debutants, Ben Waine, came closest for the Greens, as his second-half header was cleared off the line by former Pilgrim Will Aimson. At the other end, Bolton created numerous chances for Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Dion Charles, who were denied by either brave defensive blocks, or excellent stops from Michael Cooper. Argyle resisted heavy pressure as the game ticked into added time and although they did not concede a goal, Edwards was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Argyle: Cooper, Houghton, Wilson, Scarr, Edwards, Mayor, (Matete), (Hardie), Mumba (Earley), Randell, Lonwijk (Gillesphey), Wright (Waine). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Butcher.

6th

Argyle have bolstered their midfield ranks with the signing of dynamic midfielder Jay Matete from Championship side Sunderland, on loan until the end of the season. Matete becomes the fourth addition to the Argyle squad in just the sixth day of the January transfer window.

The midfielder began his career in the academy at Reading, before departing the Royals to sign scholarship terms at Fleetwood Town, where he would spend three-and-a-half years, in 2018. Having shown glimpses of his immense potential in EFL Trophy fixtures, Matete began to feature with regularity in the Lancashire side's match-day squad at League One level, and in January 2021 he swapped the Fylde coast for Humberside to expedite his development, joining Grimsby Town on loan until the end of the season. Jay made 20 appearances for the Mariners in the second half of the 20/21 League Two campaign, netting three times – including opening the scoring after 32 seconds against Argyle's weekend opponents, Bolton Wanderers, a screamer in a 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic, and a goal against the Pilgrims' Devon neighbours, Exeter City. The following season, all-action midfielder Matete established himself as a firm regular at Fleetwood. Jay's impressive displays in a struggling side attracted the reported attention of a number of the division's biggest sides, including Ipswich Town.

It was Sunderland, though, who would swoop to sign the midfielder on deadline day, just 11 days before his 21st birthday, adding power and tenacity to a Black Cats side which would earn a long-awaited promotion via the play-offs a few months later. Steven Schumacher said: "I am delighted that Jay Matete has agreed to join us at Plymouth Argyle. He is another young, talented and hungry player added to the squad that will strengthen our chances to stay at the top end of this division. Jay's performance data from last season was outstanding, which led Sunderland to pay a big fee and take him from Fleetwood Town. He then gained invaluable experience of competing at the top of end of League One to eventually gain a promotion to the Championship. We hope that Jay can bring his quality to Argyle and add some extra bite and aggressiveness to our midfield area."

Head of Recruitment Jimmy Dickinson said: "We are very pleased to secure the signing of Jay. He's a player that we have tracked and admired for some time.

It was quite the unorthodox arrival for Jay Matete as an Argyle player. Instead of the journey to Plymouth, Matete left Sunderland early on a Friday afternoon, crossing the north of England to arrive at Argyle's overnight halt in Greater Manchester, ahead of Saturday's game against Bolton Wanderers. "I'm delighted to be here," he said in an interview with Argyle TV. "When the interest came about, it was something that grabbed my attention. It's a quick turnaround, meeting at the hotel and a game tomorrow, but it's a big game and I'm looking forward to it."

Matete assisted Sunderland's promotion via the play-offs, and played nine games this season before becoming a Pilgrim. "I've had a loan before; I went to Grimsby," he said. "That really helped, I played a lot of games. The transition from Under-23s football to men's football is totally different. It has gone quick, going from League Two to League One to the Championship. You can feel the different levels, but it's all good experiences. The gametime I have got [in the Championship] I have enjoyed it. It's different, it's quicker."

Three of Jay's 41 games last season were against Argyle, and all were draws. Fleetwood drew 1-1 at Home Park before a 3-3 draw at Highbury Stadium, before Jay returned to Home Park with Sunderland, and 0-0 draw near the end of the season. It is clear that in those games, Argyle's style of football made an impression, as did the club's fantastic following. "Argyle are always a tough team to play against, play good football," said Jay. "I remember playing at Home Park the atmosphere was really, really good. I enjoyed it. It was one of the reasons I came because you've got a good fanbase. You have had a really good season so far, and it is something I wanted to be a part of. Hopefully I can help a real promotion push and help you to the Championship. I know what a great feeling it is to get promoted, doing it last year. It is something the fans will remember forever. Hopefully we can give them this memory."

5th

The freedom to express himself has been a major factor in Bali Mumba's enjoyment during his loan with Argyle so far. The 21-year-old credits manager Steven Schumacher with getting the best out of him, and giving him license to play the kind of football he enjoys. "That's something I've always wanted," said Bali. "To get it here is something I'm glad has happened this season. That's what's helping me put a performance in and show what I can do. I've had conversations with the gaffer; it's just a freedom, when I'm in the other half to go and express myself, to play without fear. It's a massive boost to my confidence because I know then I've got the licence to make mistakes in the attacking half, knowing that the gaffer wants me to get on it again and try it again. Every time I get the ball there's only one thing on my mind, which is to drive, be positive and try to create stuff. This season was a big season for me. I wanted it to be big for the situation I was in and for the season I had last season. I felt like this season I wanted to make a statement and I wanted to put myself out there. I'm grateful that it went this way and that I'm doing it here."

This Saturday, Bali and his team-mates head to Bolton Wanderers, where leaders Argyle take on the side fifth in League One. Bolton average nearly 19,000 at home and have a good record this season on their own patch. With over 1,000 of the Green Army making the journey, the stage is set for a big occasion, which Bali is understandably highly anticipating. After the trip to Bolton comes a game at Bristol Rovers in the quarter-final of the Papas Johns Trophy and a game away to fellow promotion candidates Ipswich Town. The remainder of the season will include numerous huge games, and Bali emphasised the need for everyone to keep their feet on the ground. "I look forward to those big games like Bolton," he said, "like the one we've got coming up Ipswich. I look forward to those big games are where you need to come out and you can't hide. You need to show resilience and have the right attitude. It adds pressure but it's something that I thrive on and looking forward to. "There's still a long way to go. That's one thing we need to remember; we need to stay humble. The most important thing is to stay consistent with how we are training, how we are playing. I think that if we are consistent with all of that - fingers crossed - by the end of the season it should be all smiles along the pitch."

4th

Argyle have swooped to sign highly rated attacking midfielder Callum Wright for an undisclosed fee from Championship side Blackpool. Although we are only four days into the January transfer window, Callum is the third player to join table-topping Argyle, following Kiwi international Ben Waine and promising wing-back Saxon Earley's arrivals already this year. Amid strong interest from Argyle and others, parent club Leicester exercised an option to extend Wright's contract at the King Power Stadium, and Callum took an active part in the Premier League club's pre-season programme. He would then make another deadline day switch, leaving Leicester to make a permanent move to Blackpool in the second tier.

Steven Schumacher said of Callum's arrival: "We are delighted to have signed Callum Wright. Callum is another very talented young player who we tried to sign in the summer transfer window. He is someone that we wanted to add to the squad who has a huge potential to develop and improve our team. He will bring good energy and quality to our attacking positions. He really impressed us last season where he scored nine goals from midfield on loan to Cheltenham from Leicester City in League One." Neil Dewsnip added: "We're really excited that Callum has decided to join us. We nearly got him in the summer, and we are delighted that we have managed to do so at this stage of the season. Callum is a very creative player and will help us score and create goals – which is just what we need. He's a really honest and hardworking individual and I'm certain he will fit in to Steven's squad very nicely."

Callum Wright came to Plymouth in the summer of 2022 and liked what he saw. However, the stars did not align, and the attacking midfielder ended up not signing for Argyle. The Pilgrims sought other targets, and Wright ended up leaving Leicester City to join Blackpool. However, the appeal of Home Park never left him, and Steven Schumacher's desire to sign Callum continued to burn brightly enough that now, four days into the transfer window, Callum has become Argyle's third signing of the year.

"Early in the summer, the gaffer got in touch," said Callum, in an interview with Argyle TV, "and I came down to see the place. I loved it. It was just too early in the summer. I had had a good season at Cheltenham, and I needed to have a go at Leicester. I loved every bit of Plymouth, and wanted to come here, but it came too early. Later in the window it wasn't really an option, because of other signings. I had a good pre-season at Leicester, and later on in the window Blackpool came about, and it was an opportunity to go to the Championship. It came about on Deadline Day, I didn't have much else. I had a go at it, but now that Argyle has come back about, I am buzzing to get it done. It was a no-brainer, as soon as it came back about. When the window opened, I knew it could happen. I said to my agent and my family: 'I just need to get it done. I want to go there and become one of them. I got a real feel for the place from the gaffer when I came down, seeing what he wants to do and what the club are trying to achieve. I came here last year with Cheltenham, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. The fans were great. It felt proper. I wanted to get down here and play. The start of the season that the team have had makes it even more appealing."

Wright's time with Cheltenham Town was a positive experience for the 22-year-old, who served his scholarship at Leicester having been on the books of Tranmere Rovers, Everton and Blackburn Rovers beforehand. "It was a whirlwind few years," he said. "I went to Leicester, cracked on and had a good go there and I started playing for England youth teams. I got older and needed to go out on loan because I wasn't getting senior football at Leicester. Cheltenham came around; I went there and won League Two with them. It was a crazy year, and I loved every minute of it. It was sensible to go back there the next year and have a go at League One. I knew the place, trusted it, had a really good season, played a lot and got numbers. I learned from the League Two experience. At Cheltenham, we were the best team in the league. I learned that side of the game, going into games dominant. The season after, it was the opposite. We were down there, scrapping for our lives, but we had a really good team, and did well. We survived, and it was Cheltenham's highest-ever finish. That was learning the other side of the game, being the underdog. I developed massively as a player over the two years. I turned into a man and got 50 games under my belt, which is valuable. Off the pitch, as a person, I grew and developed there. It was an unbelievable experience."

During his first spell at Cheltenham, Wright played alongside Finn Azaz, who has impressed during his time as a Pilgrim, on loan from Aston Villa, and is looking forward to renewing that partnership. "I played with Finn in my first year," said Callum. "He's doing well here; I've spoken to him a few times. I'm looking forward to linking up with him again. I've experienced the taste of winning the league and getting promoted – and I want to do it again. I want to achieve: I think this is the place to do it."

3rd

Morgan Whittaker has been recalled by parent club Swansea City. Whittaker had been enjoying a career best season at Home Park, and remained committed to seeing out his loan with the League One leaders to the end of the campaign as initially agreed. However, Argyle officials received formal confirmation late Tuesday afternoon that the Swans would recall him to play a part in their Championship campaign. Keen to ensure every avenue was explored in retaining an integral member of the Greens' high-flying squad, Argyle made several proposals to Swansea City, including amending the financial terms of the loan deal, as well as enquiring about a permanent transfer.

Neil Dewsnip, said: "We are obviously disappointed that Morgan's loan has been cut short. He was enjoying his football tremendously, and we felt we were providing the best possible environment for him to develop and contribute. We did everything we could to retain Morgan for the duration of the loan as initially agreed, but it was not to be. Morgan loved his football here, which is a testament to Steven Schumacher and the club as a whole for our approach to player care, and we hope he can continue to build on the promise he has shown here. The recruitment department at the club plans for any eventuality, and we are already well underway with our January operations, as is clear by the additions of Ben Waine and Saxon Earley. Argyle is an exciting club to play for right now, and a brilliant place for talented young players to come and improve, as Morgan has evidenced. We are confident that, thanks to the backing of the Board, our additions in January will ensure that we are not knocked off course by the disappointing loss of Morgan."

2nd

Argyle have moved swiftly to add a second player to the ranks just two days into the New Year. After the early acquisition of Ben Waine comes the addition of Saxon Earley. Saxon is a 20-year-old left-sided wing-back, who is signing on a permanent deal, from Norwich City, for an undisclosed fee. Earley spent the first part of this season on loan at Stevenage, for whom he played 27 times, scoring one goal, in a Carabao Cup win away at Reading. Steven Schumacher said of the signing: "We are really pleased that Saxon has joined us at Plymouth Argyle. He is another exciting young player that we have added to our squad that will improve our strength in depth. He is a player with huge potential. He is eager to learn and to develop his game, and hopefully he will enjoy working with us all at Argyle. Saxon has enjoyed a really successful loan spell at the top of League Two with Stevenage in the first half of this season, and we think he is ready for the step up to show what he can do in League One." Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: "We're absolutely delighted that Saxon has agreed to join us, to help our promotion push for the rest of this season, and also to add value to the football club over the next few seasons as a minimum."

The lure of the Green Army was a major factor in attracting Saxon Earley to Argyle. "I'm really excited to play for Argyle," Saxon said. "I'm buzzing, I can't wait to start, to get out there and meet the fans. When a club like Argyle come in for you, doing so well, it's hard to turn down such a good club. To me, there wasn't much doubt at all. I was delighted when they showed interest, and here I am, and really looking forward to it. I was attracted by the style of play, the position in the league and the fanbase, seeing the sell-outs at home and away, it doesn't matter where it is, there is always a big following. That was a big draw. I'm really looking forward to playing in front of the Argyle fans, and soaking up the atmosphere."

Argyle have an in-form player in Earley. In his 27 games for Stevenage he earned strong reviews for his energetic performances on the left side, and he says that his experience at the Lamex Stadium was a very positive one. Prior to that, having progressed through the Norwich City academy system, he crossed paths with another Canary who has been a revelation on loan to Argyle this season: Bali Mumba. "I know Bali," said Saxon, "He was on loan most of last season, but he came back and I played in the Under-23s with him for a while. He's a really nice guy, and he has come in and done brilliantly for himself. I'm really happy for him, and looking forward to training with him again. I came through Norwich youth and went on loan to Stevenage for this season. I did really well, really enjoyed my time there. I learned a lot at Stevenage. It was my first professional men's [experience]. The boys there were great, we did really well. We've done much better than anyone expected. There were a few ups and downs, but luckily more ups than downs."

Asked for a message for the Green Army, Saxon outlined the kind of attitude they can expect from their newest acquisition. "I've come here to do my best to keep it going in the right direction, hopefully, for the rest of the season and onwards," he said. "Every time I put on the shirt – whether that is training or the match – I'll give everything I've got. I like to think I am a hard-working, 100% sort of player – I hope the fans agree! I'll tackle, I'll run, I'll try my best for them."

1st

Argyle welcomed 2023 with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Milton Keynes Dons. Morgan Whittaker found the first of two assists with a free-kick for James Wilson to open his Argyle account on four minutes. Nathan Holland levelled for MK Dons before a fabulous Whittaker pass teed up Niall Ennis to score on 37 minutes. Whittaker swapped his provider role for a scoring contribution early in the second period, finishing in style to confirm yet another terrific victory on home soil.

Argyle: Cooper, Houghton (Butcher), Wilson, Scarr, Edwards, Mayor (Endacott), Ennis (Hardie), Mumba, Whittaker (Cosgrove), Randell, Lonwijk. Substitutes (not used): Burton, Bolton, Jenkins Davies.

Argyle extended their winning run in League One to four games with a 3-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons, with manager Steven Schumacher declaring it the perfect end to the Christmas and New Year period. "We've had a good Christmas period," Schumacher said. "We've had four wins now on the spin, which is really important. It's always a really tough time in the season. I thought we played well, especially in the first half. We started the game really well. They managed to peg us back, but I just felt there were always going to be chances in the game, with the style of game that it was. Thankfully, we managed to stick two of them away, and we get another big three points here. It wasn't dissimilar to the game at their place (when Argyle won 4-1). They had one or two chances where, with the way we set up, if you don't get the press right, or there is a ricochet of the ball, it goes in their favour and is a one-on-one counter-attacking game. I thought we defended really well. Michael made a really good save from one opportunity. When they scored, it came from them losing the ball in our half, but that's the style of the game you get when you play MK Dons. We knew that, and we felt we would have enough attacking players on the pitch to create enough chances and thankfully we did that and scored another three goals at home. In the last 15 minutes we changed our shape to stop their threats on the counter-attack, which meant they had the ball a bit more, but our lads were knackered by then so we were ok defending in our shape."

Wilson's goal was his first for Argyle and came from Whittaker's left-wing free-kick. Whittaker was also the provider for Ennis's goal, with a sweet throughball, before the Swansea loanee got his ninth of the campaign. Wilson was singled out not only for his goal, but his performance in Argyle's back three. "I thought he was brilliant today, not only for his goal," said Schumacher. "It's not easy playing against them, because their strikes drop into pockets all the time, and our centre backs have got to run a lot of distance to go with them. James is brilliant at that, and he was excellent today. I'm really pleased for him to score a goal, and it was another set play goal, which keeps the tally going. Niall's finish came from a lovely little reverse ball from Morgan and brilliant finish. Then Morgan does what he does again, gets into good areas on the pitch, had a lovely first touch and a brilliant strike that hits the target and goes in. Three well-worked goals in a good performance."

Diary Archive: