A Round-up of Argyle News
Argyle News Sites: Greens on Screen's Daily Diary is a compilation of Argyle news, with help from these and other Argyle-related sites. On This Day: Also included on the three most recent days, facts from Argyle's history. |
Wednesday 31st January 2024 Matt Butcher has left Argyle to sign for Wycombe Wanderers. The Club and Matt have mutually agreed to the cancellation of his contract to enable him to leave on a free. The 26-year-old midfielder played 66 times for the Pilgrims, after joining in the summer of 2022 from Accrington Stanley, with 31 starts coming in the title-winning season of 2022-23. 30th Rumours that Italian club, Lazio, had made a bid for Morgan Whittaker were confirmed by Argyle's Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip. "Last night we received an official offer for Morgan from Lazio," said Dewsnip. "Having discussed this internally and with the player's representatives, the offer was immediately rejected. Morgan is very happy at Argyle and we maintain our position that he is not for sale." Whittaker is Argyle's top scorer this season with a total of 16 goals--15 in the league. He has worn the captain's armband for the last two games against Cardiff in the league and Leeds in the FA Cup. 28th Argyle's 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road yesterday in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup was a classic game of two halves. Leeds dominated the first period and scored just after the half hour, but Argyle stepped up after the break and earned a replay with a wonderfully worked goal involving superb passes from substitutes Butcher and Bundu and an excellent finish by man of the match, Adam Randell. Head Coach, Ian Foster reacted after the game: [It was]"A really difficult first half. We knew we would have to come to Elland Road and suffer. "We gave ourselves a mountain to climb in terms of our pressing strategy in the first half, but we addressed it at half time and spoke to the players about getting up to people and being a little bit more aggressive. "I thought our second half performance was outstanding. The message at half time was to win the second half and we have managed to do that, but the bigger challenge is to go on and win the game. "But, I am immensely proud of them again, they are really starting to implement the ideas we have given them over the first couple of weeks I have been at the club." Once again, Foster praised the travelling Green Army: "They were outstanding, again. They really got behind us. I said it at Huddersfield that they recognise the moments they need to come alive and get behind the team. "But, it works both ways and we need to give them something to shout about as well which in the second half I believe we did. I am delighted that we got the goal at that end of the pitch so we could celebrate with them. I just want to thank them for their continued incredible support." Argyle have been drawn away to either Chelsea or Aston Villa in the fifth round of the FA Cup, should they beat Leeds United in the replay at Home Park on Tuesday 6 February. Argyle Women fell to a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Coach Road against Oxford United in the FA Women's National League. Manager, Ryan Perks reflected on his side's performance: "I don't really think we deserved to lose 4-0. I think we matched them in and out of possession for long periods. We just got caught out with a couple of long balls over the top and a couple of individual errors at the back and they've got a prolific goal scorer in Zoe Barratt that punished us. "In spells we played some excellent stuff and caused Oxford some problems as well, we just struggled with the final ball today and lacked a bit of composure and quality decision-making. There are lots of positives to take from this game though, we just have to dust ourselves off and go again next weekend and learn from it." 27th A tremendous second-half display from Argyle ensured a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup remains a possibility, as they earned a Home Park replay from a breathless 1-1 draw at Leeds United. The home side were excellent in the first period and deserved the lead given to them by Jaidon Anthony but, crucially, the Pilgrims stayed in the game. After the break, it was a completely different encounter, as Argyle grew in belief and swept forward in search of a leveller. Adam Randell delivered the draw and a replay at the Theatre of Greens with a fine finish on 73 minutes. Argyle: Hazard, Mumba, Hardie, Whittaker, Wright (Bundu), Miller (Sorinola), Gibson, Randell, Galloway, Phillips (Pleguezuelo), Roberts (Butcher). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Scarr, Edwards, Waine, Issaka Argyle's Under-18s suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Portsmouth in Saturday afternoon's Youth Alliance Cup area final. Joel Sullivan gave the Greens the lead midway through the first half after a set play, but the visitors fought back and equalised late in the second half when Kevin Bosaka volleyed in from a corner. Pompey would go on to win the game, scoring the winner in the first minute of second-half stoppage time through Sam Folarin. 26th Argyle Women forward Mia Endacott has been selected to join up with the England Lionesses Under-17s for the 2024 MIMA Cup to be held in Spain next month. Since signing for the Pilgrims in September 2023, 16-year-old Mia has gone on to make 10 appearances for Ryan Perks' side, scoring three goals in total. 25th Former Argyle striker, Luke Jephcott, has signed for Newport County, where former Argyle man, Graham Coughlan is manager. 23rd Argyle Community Trust have announced a partnership with City College Plymouth to to get the city's people moving. The agreement, signed on 18 January, will reach out to the local community and create a range of educational programmes designed to improve overall health, life expectancy and employability through sport, health, and wellbeing support. This comes after the latest public health report placed Plymouth below the national average for all four key healthy lifestyle indicators, including physical inactivity. Mark Lovell, the Trust's CEO, said: "Between our two organisations, we have unmatched expertise in improving lives through fitness, health and wellbeing engagement and support. We plan to bring all of that knowledge to our innovative new programming to inspire and raise aspirations for the people of Plymouth." Jackie Grubb, Principal and CEO of City College, added: "We believe our joint efforts with Plymouth Argyle can provide real opportunities for people in our community to upskill, as well as improving both their physical and mental health." And Councillor Sue Dann, Council Cabinet member with responsibility for sport and leisure, said: "We're really pleased to see this partnership working between Plymouth Argyle Football Club, their community trust, and City College Plymouth. "They will be sharing expertise, providing invaluable training opportunities, supporting apprenticeships in the health and fitness sector, and developing activity programmes that will benefit whole communities in Plymouth. Joint initiatives like this are crucial in helping to meet the city's health and wellbeing priorities." 21st Ian Foster, Argyle's Head Coach pronounced himself pleased with the team's performance and win over Cardiff City at Home Park yesterday. Argyle went behind after 10 minutes but two strikes from Ryan Hardie and one from the match captain, Morgan Whittaker, sealed the victory. "We're absolutely delighted," Foster said, after the game. "I felt for the boys in the first half. I didn't think that they should have been 1-0 down on the balance of play, but they showed some resilience and character to get themselves back in it. I thought it was only fair that we went in level - at least level. "It's an unfortunate one, [conceding from] a set play, but we have to do better. We have to be better in those moments. Other than that, in the first half, they didn't particularly cause us too many problems, if any. "I thought in the second half we really played how we wanted them to. I spoke to the players afterwards and said that's the benchmark in terms of the non-negotiables. "I thought they worked incredibly hard. While we're at home we need to make this a fortress and make it uncomfortable for teams; I thought we made it very uncomfortable for Cardiff second half. "Sometimes you can't wait for the game to end, but I was quite happy for it to keep going. I felt we got stronger. I thought we had a really good shape to press from and break from. I thought perhaps we ought to have had one or two more." Foster also praised the new recruits who had only joined day's before and were in the starting line-up. "They've been excellent because they've only had two days," Foster said. "Alfie's had two days with us, Adam's had one, [and they've taken in] an awful lot of information. "It may be easier for Alfie in that he's played for me previously, but Adam hasn't. Adam and I had a couple of hours together yesterday afternoon, just going through how we want to play. To put in the performance that they both did is really pleasing." Argyle Women produced a superb second-half performance to claim a precious 3-2 victory in the FA Women's National League against Cheltenham Town in atrocious conditions at Kayte Lane. "The performance was superb," said manager Ryan Perks. "The game plan worked. "We know how important this is. We probably haven't got the results we deserved against Chatham and Cardiff in the last two league games, so to come to a difficult place, Cheltenham are a very good side; to come away with three points isn't a given. Fair play to the girls, they've dug in, worked really hard and scored some excellent goals as well." Perks is optimistic about what lies ahead for the Argyle Women's team. "I'm just really pleased with how they're all developing and how we're progressing as a club. "We've had belief in this squad all the way through the season. We're in the most comfortable position we've ever been in at this time - the future's bright here." 20th Argyle recovered from a sluggish start to overpower Cardiff City 3-1 with an excellent overall display in front of a rapturous Green Army. Perry Ng threatened to pop the balloon with a stabbed opener on 12 minutes but the outstanding Ryan Hardie levelled matters before the break, and the Pilgrims were full of poise and penetration in the second period. Hardie doubled his tally six minutes after the restart and a welcome victory was given the Morgan Whittaker seal when he finished off a fabulous move eight minutes from time. Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Edwards), Scarr, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Miller, Devine (Randell), Gyabi, Galloway, Phillips, Forshaw (Houghton). Substitutes (not used): Pleguezuelo, Wright, Bundu, Burton, Sorinola. Ryan Hardie's brace brought him to double figures and equal seventh in the Championship highest scorers: Morgan Whittaker remains second on 15 league goals, one behind Szmodics of Blackburn Rovers. And Argyle are top of the Championship for home goals scored - one ahead of Ipswich. Although he was an unused substitute, new signing, Matthew Sorinola, quickly endeared himself to the Argyle faithful with an enthusiastic display of celebration in front of the home crowd a the end of the game. Half time in the Cardiff game saw the introduction of the first batch of Forever Green icons, voted for by the Green Army. The initial winners in each category (spread over various eras in Argyle's history) were Jack Leslie, Mike Bickle, Tommy Tynan, David Friio and Gary Sawyer. Forever Green is the successor to Argyle Legends and, among the legends parading around the pitch were Tommy Tynan, Ronnie Mauge and Romain Larrieu. They were joined by Jack Leslie's granddaughters, Lyn, Lesley and Gill. Seven new Argyle EFL Community Champions were also unveiled at the Cardiff game as part of a new EFL initiative aimed at honouring people that make a difference in the community. Senior figures at the Club and Argyle Community Trust have nominated seven special individuals who have made a significant impact on the community. They are Steve Aspinall, Alec Brenton, Colin Bunney, Scott Cooksley, Rob Cowsill, Pete May and Debbie Moss. The seven were given a framed shirt in recognition of their significant contribution to Argyle's community outreach. 19th Argyle have made their fifth signing of this transfer window with the acquisition of Adam Forshaw from Norwich on a free. The 32-year old midfielder started his career with Everton, and was part of the Toffees' Under-18 side under current Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip. After leaving Merseyside, Adam played for Brentford, Wigan, Middlesbrough and Leeds, before moving to Norwich last summer. 18th Argyle have appointed Darryl Flahavan as first team Goalkeeping Coach. The 45-year-old has previously worked in the role at Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic. He is the first appointment to Ian Foster's backroom staff since Foster became Head Coach. At the same time, Elliot Turner, Head of Fitness and Conditioning, has left Argyle. 17th Argyle have signed Alfie Devine from Tottenham Hotspur on loan till the end of the season. He was previously on loan at League One side, Port Vale. Alfie becomes the third young signing in this transfer window - all of whom have played under Ian Foster in the England youth set-up - and the second from Spurs, joining team-mate Ashley Phillips. In a busy day on the transfer front, a second signing was secured - wingback Matthew (Matty) Sorinola. Matty, 22, joins as a free agent on a permanent deal, having recently been released by Belgian side, Union SG. He came up through the ranks at Milton Keynes Dons and also played on loan for Swansea City. 15th Winger Tyreik Wright has joined Bradford City on loan until the end of the season. 14th Argyle Head Coach Ian Foster described the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town, in his first Sky Bet Championship game in charge, as a 'good foundation'. Morgan Whittaker's 15th goal of the season was cancelled out seven minutes before the break. "We're disappointed with the goal [we conceded] - we think it's a foul on Darko Gyabi - but I'm pleased with the character of the boys and the resilience of the players. "The big thing is, we knew we'd come here and have to suffer at times. The big message to the players was 'we suffer together'. In those moments, make sure there's that togetherness, that resilience and they battled hard for the point. We've got plenty of work to do, and we will do it, but it's a good start for us." Foster gave debuts to Ashley Phillips and Darko Gyabi, both of whom joined Argyle on loan last week. They each started the game and completed 90 minutes, with 18-year-old Phillips and Gyabi, 19, pleasing their manager not just with their performance, but how they have settled in. "They were excellent, both of them," said Foster. "They fit in the group incredibly well, and that's credit to the other boys. We've welcomed them. "I don't look at birth certificates when I pick teams. They're both teenagers coming into what is a very, very difficult game and I thought they both handled it really, really well." Foster also paid tribute to the 1,400 travelling Green Army: "...we speak about the players sticking together, but we need the supporters as well, and they were excellent and played their part today." Kaine Kesler-Hayden has been recalled by his parent club, Aston Villa, allegedly to give competition in the full-back positions. Kaine played 21 times for Argyle during his loan spell, most recently in yesterday's 1-1 draw at Huddersfield. On the same day, it was announced that Lewis Warrington's loan has been terminated, due to injury. Warrington will return to Everton. Four loan places are now available to be filled at Home Park. Argyle Women exited the fourth round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup in rather spectacular fashion, losing 6-1 to Nottingham Forest Women at Home Park. Forest sit third in the northern division of the third tier, with Argyle 10th in the southern section. Forest, with several professionals in their side, won their division and lost a play-off last season, just failing to reach the second level of English women's football. On the afternoon, their experience told, and they ran out strong winners, scoring twice in the first half and four times after the break. It was an achievement for Argyle to reach this round. A crowd of just short of 2,000 inside Home Park saw a gutsy display from the Pilgrims: Jade Berrow giving them something to smile about with a goal at the end of the 90 minutes. 13th The first Championship encounter of the Ian Foster era was a classic game of two halves, as Argyle shared the spoils with Huddersfield Town, the game ending 1-1. The Pilgrims were excellent in the first period and deservedly grabbed the lead with another accomplished finish from Morgan Whittaker, adding a further page to his glossy Green scrapbook. Huddersfield drew level through Josh Koroma on 38 minutes and the hosts enjoyed more of the play after the break but the stalemate was probably a fair outcome. Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Miller), Houghton (Butcher), Scarr, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, C Wright (Randell), Gyabi, Galloway, Phillips, Kesler-Hayden (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Pleguezuelo, Bundu, T Wright. Argyle's Under-18s suffered a late Devon derby defeat against Exeter City in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday morning. The Grecians took the lead midway through the first half from a corner. Argyle levelled the game minutes after the interval, but the visitors made the most of their chances and took all three points when they scored five minutes from time. The late heartbreak will have been an unfamiliar feeling to Lowry's side who have scored late goals themselves throughout the current campaign. 12th Defender, Macaulay Gillesphey, has joined Charlton Athletic. The 28-year-old played 91 times for the Pilgrims, and scored four goals. His memorable first was an eighth minute header at Stamford Bridge which put Argyle ahead in the FA Cup 2022 fourth round against Chelsea: the game ultimately ending 2-1 to the Blues. Macca was also a member of the 2022-23 promotion side. 11th Argyle have signed central midfielder, Darko Gyabi, on loan until the end of the season. The 6'5" 19-year-old Gyabi joins from Sky Bet Championship high-flyers, Leeds United, for whom he signed in 2022 for a reported £5 million fee from Manchester City. He has worked with Argyle Head Coach, Ian Foster, in the England U-20 set up. 9th Argyle's Under-18s scored three on the road as they saw off Swindon Town in a top-of-the-table clash in the Youth Alliance League on Tuesday afternoon. Goals from Joe Hatch, two minutes later from Josh Bernard and a second-half strike from Tegan Finn sealed the victory, after Swindon had hit back on the stroke of half time. Argyle will now play Exeter in the Devon Derby on Saturday, as they aim to top the Youth Alliance League. 8th Argyle have signed Ashley Phillips, an 18-year-old 6'5" central defender from Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan. Ashley is currently England U-19 captain. The Greens have been drawn away to Leeds United in the fourth round of the FA Cup. 7th Argyle Women shared a thrilling, back and forth 3-3 draw with Chatham Town at Coach Road, Ellie Sara scoring the Greens' first goal in 41 seconds. However, the half-time lead was cancelled out and overcome by two Chatham goals before Sara netted her second five minutes later. Chatham went ahead again on 79, but Argyle salvaged the point with an 88th minute equaliser. Either side could have won it in the time remaining but, despite pressure, both sides saw the game out for the draw. Argyle will next play Nottingham Forest at Home Park on Sunday 14 January in the fourth round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup. Luke Cundle returned to his parent Club, Wolves, ahead of an expected loan move to Stoke City. 6th Less than 24 hours after the arrival of Ian Foster as new Head Coach at Home Park, Argyle barged their way into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a competent 3-1 win over Sutton United. Luke Cundle broke the deadlock for the Greens and it was seemingly all under control until Lee Angol levelled for the visitors early in the second period. The Pilgrims regrouped, won a penalty midway through the second half and Ryan Hardie restored the lead. Victory was confirmed by a stoppage-time strike from Morgan Whittaker. Argyle: Hazard, Scarr, Edwards (Kesler-Hayden), Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Wright (Houghton), Miller (Gibson), Randell, Galloway, Cundle, Issaka (Mumba). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Pleguezuelo, Butcher, Bundu. Despite only being in post since Friday night, Ian Foster decided to be in the dugout for Argyle's Cup clash with Sutton United. From the moment he was introduced by Chairman, Simon Hallett, to a rapturous reception from the 15,000+ inside Home Park, Foster was a visible presence on the touchline. "I loved it," said a smiling Foster. "I want to thank the fans for a fabulous reception. I really appreciate it. "I think it was important for me, for the players and for everybody, really, that I was on the side of the pitch from the get-go. "I'm pleased that I made the decision to be in the technical area, because I've learned so much today about the players. "I thought it was too big an opportunity to miss in terms of seeing the players up close and personal, getting around them in the changing room, seeing what they're like at half-time. I don't think you quite get the sense when you're not around them." Things were not entirely smooth for the Pilgrims. Sutton showed great fight and were frequently a threat from set-pieces and direct forward balls. Argyle had to dig deep to assert their superiority, but eventually came through to take their place in round four. "I thought we deserved to win the game," said Foster. "I thought it was a very difficult game. Credit to Sutton. They have a way of playing, and it's not easy to play against. "I said to the players before the game: 'there'll be times in the game where we'll have to suffer, and make sure we suffer together.' "The game offered me an opportunity to see other players from the bench, see how they could impact the game and perhaps give us a little bit more quality at times, give us some more energy. There's parts of the game today that we can do much better. We've spoken to the players briefly afterwards about that, particularly around keeping the ball in certain times of the game. I thought we gave it away a little bit cheaply at times. "The big thing for me was getting to see them, getting to know them a little bit. We'll put some ideas towards them this week ahead of game at the weekend." Argyle's Under-18s ran out 4-3 winners when they faced Forest Green Rovers in a free-scoring affair in the Youth Alliance League on Saturday morning. Joe Hatch stole the show, scoring all four of the Greens' goals, including a first-half hat-trick. The half-time score was 3-1 to Argyle, with Hatch adding his fourth soon after the restart. However, complacency then crept in, allowing Forest Green to score two more. It was only a late, memorable save from Dan Holman, Argyle's 'keeper, that assured the win. Jamie Lowry's side now have three wins on the bounce and sit top of the table as they enter the business end of the season in the Youth Alliance League. 5th Ian Foster has been confirmed as Argyle's new Head Coach. The announcement was made this evening on the official Club website. Kevin Nancekivell will continue in his coaching role, with details of the other backroom staff to come. Argyle Chairman, Simon Hallett, said: "Ian showed a passion and knowledge for the club throughout the interview process, and showcased in some detail how he sees the best way to take forward our exciting and dynamic young squad. "Having worked with some of the best players this country has produced, he has a passion for developing young footballers, as well as playing expansive, attacking football which fits perfectly with how we want the club to progress. I am excited to see how he takes the team forward and very much welcome him to Plymouth Argyle." Chief Executive, Andrew Parkinson, added: "It was important when going through the recruitment process that the successful person showed the key qualities required to be the Head Coach of Plymouth Argyle. "The interest in this role was incredible, with applicants from all over the world, and in Ian, we feel that we have found the perfect person to lead the team forward and continue the success we have seen over the past four years." Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, said he believed that Argyle had found the right person for the job. "He has incredible pedigree as a coach and working with young players and we feel he is the perfect person to take forward this incredible group of players we have. "Now is the time to look to the future and I am excited to see Ian get to work on the training pitch immediately and to help us achieve our aims, both this season and beyond." Finn Azaz has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with Middlesbrough for a fee reported to be in the region of £2.5 million. 4th As their search for a new manager nears its conclusion, Argyle are reported to be in 'advanced talks' with Ian Foster, currently second in command to Steven Gerrard at Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ettifaq. The 47-year-old was formerly coach to England under-18, under-19 and under 20 sides, as well as senior coach to the England Women's team. Finn Azaz's £2m move to Middlesbrough was confirmed. 3rd Finn Azaz has been recalled by his parent Club, Aston Villa, amid rumours of a £2m+ move to Championship side, Middlesbrough. Across his two loan spells with Argyle, Finn played 65 times, scoring 15 goals and creating numerous assists. Whilst a Pilgrim, Finn was also called up for Ireland Under-21s. His amazing, side-foot volley goal in the 3-3 draw with Watford on Saturday turns out to have been his swansong. Writing on social media, Finn said: "The past 18 months really have been special. Thank you to everyone involved at Argyle. I leave the Club with nothing but fond memories. "It has been a true honour and a privilege to be a part of and play for this football club. I've formed some amazing relationships and met some great people along the way, and wish you all the best for the future." 2nd Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, was thrilled and frustrated in equal measure by Argyle's dynamic performance in the 3-3 home draw with Watford on New Year's Day. "It must be one of the most exciting games I've ever coached, that's for sure," he said. "Emotions all over the place. I thought we were going to win, thought we were going to lose, thought we were going to draw – which I guess we did." Indeed, Argyle drew a game in which they trailed and then led, as Edo Kayembe's opener for the visitors was turned around by goals from Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker. Ismael Kone's spectacular strike drew Watford level, before Ryan Hardie put Argyle back in front - and all before half time. After the interval, Watford started brightly and equalised through Ryan Andrews. The Pilgrims finished the stronger of the sides, forcing several brilliant saves out of Watford goalkeeper Ben Hamer, who earned his side a point with his performances. "He made two absolutely top-class saves at the end," said Dewsnip. "Morgan said to me: 'I can't hit the ball any harder than that, and he's managed to tip it over the bar'. "When it was 3-3, the momentum was then with Watford. The game changers who came on the pitch really helped us, and we regained the momentum. I thought we were going to win at the end. There are no dull moments following Argyle at the moment. "We've kind of gone about creating our DNA as being an attacking, footballing team," Dewsnip said. "We've got some fantastic attacking players, so the chances are you're going to see that most weeks, I would hope. "Where we need to improve as a team, is we need to get a little bit cuter, a little bit more mature with our defending all over the pitch. "We're a work in progress still, but it's a really exciting time. Our goal all season has been to stay in this league, and I think we're heading in a good direction." Morgan Whittaker and Finn Azaz have both made the EFL Championship Team of the Week. 1st Argyle and Watford welcomed 2024 with a wonderful display of finishing in brutal conditions at Home Park as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Edo Kayembe opened the scoring for the visitors but the Greens struck back with a brace of brilliant goals from Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker. The Hornets replied with a beauty of their own, curled in by Ismael Kone. An amazing first half ended with yet another fabulous strike from Ryan Hardie but Watford snatched their draw when Ryan Andrews executed a sublime effort to complete a special game. Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Miller), Houghton (Cundle), Pleguezuelo, Scarr, Hardie (Issaka), Whittaker, Gibson, Azaz, Randell, Kesler-Hayden (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Burton, Butcher, Bundu, T Wright, Galloway. |
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