THE DAILY DIARY

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Sunday 31st July 2022

Steven Schumacher spoke with great pleasure of Argyle's opening win to the League One season. His first thought was to praise the ever impressive green army for their contribution to the win. Schumacher enthused: "The fans were amazing. I want to mention them straightaway, because from the very first whistle, they never shut up. At the very end, when we were all getting nervous, they were singing and cheering us on. It's a really pleasing opening day. They did a lot for us last season when we were going through tough times. They came out in their numbers, it's brilliant that they got here and it does spur the players on. We spoke to the new lads about how good they are, and now they've seen it first-hand."

"We wanted to get off to a good start, and I thought it was a really good performance. I thought we deserved our lead. They had a good opportunity where they hit the bar, and we rode our luck on that one, but I thought our first half performance was really good, we just didn't manage to put chances away until Finn pulled a worldie out. In the second half they had a spell where they came into the game, which we knew they would, but we still created good chances – I just wish we could have scored one so I could relax a bit more!"

"Barnsley are a really good side. They'll be up there towards the end of the season. They've got a new gaffer and they're figuring each other out, but they'll definitely be one of the stronger sides. We've put in a good performance and beaten them. They're all happy in there. It's a positive dressing room. We managed to keep a clean sheet and created loads of great chances. There were mistakes, and things to work on for next week, but it's positive. It's important we recover, quickly put this one to bed and focus on Fleetwood next week, which is always a hard place to go."

Schumacher had unfortunate news regarding new signing Mickel Miller, explaining: "He got injured yesterday in training," said the manager. "It doesn't look a good one. He's been for a scan straight away, it's a thigh strain. I'm gutted for us, because he's been brilliant in pre-season, he's been a bright spark. But it looks like he could be out for a considerable amount of weeks. He'll go to see the specialist on Monday."

Finn Azaz explained the feeling of scoring his first goal for Argyle, saying: "The most important thing is the three points, but to get a goal and the winner, it feels good. That's what I wanted, to be fair. I was disappointed not to score that one, but I'm at a stage now where I think 'that's gone'. It has nothing to do with the next chance. I didn't know the time. I didn't know how long was left. It was just instinct. It was a great ball from Bali, he just smashed it across and I let it guide off my foot. The scenes after, you can't recreate that. It's been great. The changing room is so good, I've found it easy to integrate with the boys. It was so loud, so much energy. When you get on top is so hard for the opposition to change that momentum. I thought we were very good, They had a few chances, but I thought we created loads. In hindsight, we should really have scored more, but we are still getting used to playing together as a team. That will come. It was a good overall performance."

30th

A top class finish on the verge of half-time by Finn Azaz was enough to secure a winning start to the League One season as Argyle beat Barnsley 1-0. On his competitive debut, the young attacker impressed as Argyle put a deserved win on the board. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Edwards, Randell, Butcher, Mumba, Azaz (Whittaker), Hardie (Ennis), Mayor (Jephcott). Subs: Burton, Lonwijk, Galloway, Endacott.

29th

Argyle have signed their sixth acquisition of the summer close season, with Nigel Lonwijk joining on a season-long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 19 year old can play across the back three and will wear the number 21 shirt. Steven Schumacher introduced the Dutchman, saying: "I'm very pleased to have Nigel join us on loan from Wolves. He is a versatile defender who can play in any position in our back three. He is quick and aggressive in his defending and has shown good ability in possession of the ball, most notably whilst on loan last season in the Eredivisie. Nigel will compete and add competition to our defensive options and I'm sure he will enjoy his experience with us at Plymouth Argyle."

28th

James Wilson looked back on a successful first season at Argyle and stated his hope that the greens can go one better this time around. He said: "It was a really good year to be involved in. We started well, we had the FA Cup thing, and we were in and around it at the end of the season. Because we were doing well, the fans were really enjoying it. If we can get off to a good start, they'll be right behind us again, and that will be great for the new lads to see. We have made some great additions to the squad. Some really good lads have come in. Hopefully that gives us the boost to get us over the line this year. You've seen in all the games we have played, they have had an impact. That's a bonus, because sometimes it takes a while to get going, but everyone seems to have bedded in really quickly. Hopefully that will continue when the real stuff starts."

"We're starting the season knowing how each other plays, which is a good thing. Hopefully that group can get stronger as well. We have the boys to come back from injury; Brendan's not far away, and Bolts is getting there as well, so hopefully all together we will be a really strong unit. They're obviously going to be a good side," he said. "They've got a new manager as well. That's another boost for them. I know a few of their players, I've played against them over the years, but most are a bit of an unknown. It will be a good test; two teams that will try to play football. It will probably be a good one to watch, but will be a tough game."

Steven Schumacher admitted his sleep has been impacted as the season draws nearer but still spoke with healthy anticipation of the campaign ahead. He mused: "I know the first game is coming because my sleep has got a lot worse the last few days! Every pass, every press and every scenario is in my head. I woke up at 5.20am again, which is now normal. I'm super excited. I can't wait for the real stuff to kick off. It's been a good pre-season, but there is nothing better than the first game of the season, in front of your home crowd, cheering us on. Hopefully we get a good performance – and an even better result. The onus is on us to take the game to Barnsley and try to create a tempo. We're the home team, that's exactly what we'll do. We know that we are going to be in for a tough test against Barnsley, who have got loads of players who were there last season. I'm sure they have a point to prove. They are coming down a division into League One and will want to show that they are one of the strongest teams in the division, which I'm sure they will be. They've got a new manager that they are all going to want to impress. It's not going to be an easy game, but not many in the first few months are that easy. We'll give it our best and hopefully come out on the right side of the result. I know Michael Duff quite well, we get on well. He's a great lad. He did a brilliant job and Cheltenham and is probably ready for the next step in his managerial career. He's got an opportunity at a very big club in Barnsley. It'll take him a bit of time to get his own stamp on things, but I know the way he works. He will have his team very well organised and difficult to beat."

"In the first part of the season, we're looking to see if everyone has gelled. Do the new players coming in understand how we work? Have they taken the messages on board? The overall message is to keep progressing as a club. We massively overachieved compared to where our budget said we should finish. This year we will have to overachieve again to challenge those top six places. We've highlighted areas where we feel we can improve, on and off the pitch. We want to get off to the best start possible. It's always a sunny day on the first day of the season. It feels a long time ago, the last game of last season. We can't wait to get out there, hear The Janner Song again, and get the adrenaline going."

27th

Alfie Lewis has joined Dundalk of the League of Ireland for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder joined Argyle in January, from another Irish club, St Patrick's Athletic, but only played twice for The Pilgrims. Neil Dewsnip explained: "We wish Alfie well in his venture. He was a real success at St Pat's, where we observed his progress. It has been difficult at for him at Argyle with injury and lack of first team opportunity. We wish him well in a very competitive Dundalk team."

25th

Brandon Pursall has joined Plymouth Parkway on loan, initially until the end of August in order to get some valuable first team experience. Steven Schumacher said of the move: "Brandon will enjoy his experience at Plymouth Parkway, as we saw with Finley Craske last season. We hope that he will develop and improve his game, playing regular senior football."

24th

Steven Schumacher has reacted to Argyle's friendly win against Yeovil. He spoke about the encouraging performance and explained the incident of Bali Mumba's red card. Schumacher said: "The first half was quite difficult because the game was quite slow. The pitch was quite slow. The way they defended was quite deep so there wasn't much space for us to get in and penetrate. They were hard to break down, and we resorted to long shots, which happens sometimes. We spoke at half-time about to try to work on certain movements, just to try to be a bit more positive and try to get behind them a little bit quicker. Within a couple of minutes of the second half we did that, and we score a goal. The game then opened up, and I thought our second goal was a good goal, well worked. After that, the substitutions and sendings off killed it as a contest. It was good, really pleasing to come out of it with some good goals. There's some little things for us to think about and improve on. It's also another clean sheet.

"Their number 7 tried to leave a couple on Danny Mayor, and Danny had a bit of a word with him. Maybe he was getting frustrated. When Bali nicked the ball off him, he put in a really reckless challenge, he swiped him round the knee. It wasn't good to see. Bali's reaction also wasn't great. He needs to learn from that. When you are the type of player he is, and you go past people, people are going to kick you. He shouldn't have reacted the way he did. A lot of their players ran in, and then a load of our players ran in to protect one of their own. I asked the referee could he just take both players off and substitute them. Chris Hargreaves did the same. The referee said he has to go by the letter and send them off. Thankfully it doesn't affect next season.

"That is pre-season done. Next week is the real work. From Monday onwards, we're preparing for the season. I'm delighted pre-season is over. I'm really pleased with how it's gone. We got a lot out of it. We've worked on a few different things that we want to do. We're ready to rock into the season."

"We've got some good fitness work in. Elliot Turner, it's his first pre-season, he's been brilliant. The lads have enjoyed it. We had a great trip to Spain. We've had good fixtures against two Championship teams, in which we were really tested. Then two National League teams where we've been quite ruthless. As pre-season goes, we haven't had too many niggly injuries. We've managed to work on a different shape, which is another string to our bow. I feel as though we are in good shape. The new players we've recruited in the off-season have settled in perfectly. All of the recruits we went for, we got, which I'm buzzing about. Having conversations with them, they seem as though they are enjoying it. Straightaway they were in with the group, a few of them have been out for meals around the city and mixed in with the players who were already here, which is what you want. I'm asking them if they understand the messages of what we want them to do, and they're saying yes. Morgan Whittaker only trained with us on Friday for the first time. Thursday doesn't count – you can't do tactical work in the sea! He's going to get better. Bali Mumba looks a real threat in the two games he has played, against Torquay and Yeovil. Mikkel Miller has been great. Butch has settled in; he looks like he has been here for ages. Finn Azaz has got two goals in two games. That's what we needed, someone scoring goals from midfield. I'm really pleased with all of the new recruits. We knew they were going to be good players, and they're great lads. I couldn't ask for much more really."

Back-up goalkeeper Callum Burton spoke similarly warmly about a successful pre-season campaign, saying: "From start to finish we've been at it. It's been solid. There's been a lot of goals, and a lot of wins, which is pleasing, because you always have sticky games in pre-season, where you're not quite at the races. Every game so far, we've excelled in, so it's been a really good pre-season. You always dread pre-season, coming back, but when you get into that last week, you just want that first game to come. Once the games are coming thick and fast, that's where every player thrives. You go into every game not wanting to concede. It's good to test yourself against different opposition. We played two Championship sides, and didn't look out of place against them. When you are competing against them, then going to teams that are below you, you want to beat them convincingly. I think we've done that. We showed that edge, that ruthlessness that we need going into the league games. That will stand our attacking players in good stead. Everyone wants them firing. We want that confidence going in to Barnsley. After the performances that everyone has done, throughout pre-season, we'll have that confidence."

"With the additions that have been made, they've strengthened us. We're the same core from last year. We had a good season last season, so all the additions have made us stronger. We have more squad depth, and with five subs it's going to be important this year. They've all integrated really well. A few have only recently joined, so for them to have fit in like they have done, in just two weeks, is a credit to them, and a credit to the dressing room we've got. Anybody who comes in is made to feel welcome straight away, and that's across the whole club. That's fans, staff, players: everyone. It shows on the pitch. You hear some players saying 'we need a few months to get into it' but all of ours have hit the ground running. It's exciting for the new season."

23rd

Argyle signed off their pre-season schedule with a routine 2-0 win over National League side Yeovil Town. The sides went in level at half-time but two goals from Ryan Hardie and Finn Azaz helped secure a happy ending to the procession of warm-up games. The match was marred by a late incident in which Bali Mumba and Washington of Yeovil were both shown red cards. Argyle: Burton, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey (Endacott), Edwards (Craske_), Butcher (Lewis), Randell (Houghton), Mumba, Azaz (Whittaker), Mayor (Jephcott), Hardie (Ennis). Subs: Baker, Galloway, Pursall.

21st

Argyle have signed Morgan Whittaker from Swansea City on a season-long loan deal. The 21-year-old attacker can cover the wings and up front and notably scored a hat trick against Argyle in the League Cup last season. Schumacher said of the addition: "I am delighted that we have signed Morgan on loan from Swansea," said Argyle manager Steven Schumacher. "Morgan is a very talented young player, who can play either in a front three, or as a striker in a front two. He is left-footed and will bring another quality option to our attacking line this season. I'm sure our fans are going to be excited to watch him play, as much as we are excited to work with and coach him every day."

Whittaker said of the hat-trick, and the decision to come here on loan: "It was a very memorable day. I think it all happened in 11 minutes. It was a good moment in my career, although maybe not for you guys! As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew. He was very clear in where he wants me to play, the role I will have this season. I think this season is vital for me, getting a good season under my belt. It's something I've not had before, a full season of playing. I think Plymouth is the perfect place to do that. My strengths are getting on the ball, creating things and being exciting to watch. Hopefully scoring goals and assisting. Playing in this team, I think I'll be able to do that.

"I know Bali Mumba from being with England Under-16, Under-17. I know, from watching the game against Swansea last week, about the style of football, it's really good, always looking forward. That's how I want to play football. I want to help the team to get promoted or get in the play-offs," he said. "I think this team can do that, and I want to score goals and make assists. It's quite clear what I need to do. Going to Lincoln was really good for my career. It was the first time I've played a significant amount of games in a row. It's helped me massively. I enjoyed my time at Lincoln, I just wish I could have had a full season doing that. Now I've had a taste of playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, I can't go back to not playing. I need to be out there playing."

After a successful pre-season, Ryan Hardie looked ahead to Argyle's final warm-up game at Yeovil, expecting a tricky encounter. The striker said: "This pre-season has been similar. I got a few goals last year in pre-season, and I've managed to do the same this pre-season so far. If I can get another couple at the weekend, that would set me in good stead for the season, certainly. We feel like pre-season's gone fast this year. It's been a tough one, but it's been enjoyable. The games have been enjoyable. Swansea went quite well; we got a pleasing result in the end. It was a test for us defensively, trying out a new shape, setting up to stop Swansea playing. Against Bristol City, we were able to go and express ourselves more. Against Torquay things came to fruition a bit, the way we want to play, with counter-attacks and breaking forward. The first game of the season is just around the corner, it's just over a week away now, and we're just looking forward to getting started, getting the final preparations done, and getting the season up and running. No two games are ever the same. They might set up in a different formation, a different style of play. For us, it's about fine-tuning the details. Fitness-wise, we've had five or six weeks now to get that nailed down. It's more about getting first touches right, getting passing right and making sure the finishing is right."

20th

Steven Schumacher declared himself delighted with Argyle's penultimate pre-season friendly and the win that resulted from it. He raved: "I felt on Saturday against Bristol City that we created some really good chances and didn't hit the target enough," Schumacher told Argyle TV after the game. "That was the message yesterday in training. The way we are going to go about things this season, we feel we are going to create, so when we create opportunities we need to make the most of them and be ruthless. Tonight, I felt we did that, which was really pleasing. It is still only a friendly, and only pre-season, but the message is that there is 11 days to go before the start of the season starts, so we want a mentality of going into games and wanting to win. Two performances against Championship teams were okay, but we didn't win the games, and that's what football is all about. I wanted to win. No matter how we did it, we needed to win, and that'll be the same on Saturday because it becomes a habit."

Of Jack Endacott's goal and performance, Schumacher added: It was brilliant," said Schumacher, of Jack's goal and performance. "His first goal for the first team. He's been really good, Jack. He's been training with us since day one of pre-season; him, Oscar Halls, Brandon Pursall and Finley Craske have stepped into the first team and not looked out of place. For Jack to notch his first goal in front of the travelling Green Army, I'm sure he'll be made up. I'm also pleased for young Zak Baker to get on, a promising young goalkeeper, to come on for ten minutes and do really well. I haven't made my mind up yet. I still need to see one more performance against Yeovil, as well as the training in the week leading up to Barnsley. I'll have to decide what system we are going with. I've got plenty of options; it's a good headache to have. Everyone is getting to grips with the system. The tweak that gives us a variation is looking good. We managed to play Danny and Finn today in the same system, and the pair of them caused all sorts of problems and were a massive threat, Niall Ennis led the line really well. I think whoever we pick, it's a strong team. There's plenty of competition. People are going to need to be on the top of their game because the squad is getting stronger."

Danny Mayor was also delighted but spoke of the need to take his good goalscoring form into the season, explaining: "It's not just about tonight, I need to do it all season," said Mayor, speaking to Argyle TV. "It's common knowledge that I need to score more, and assist more. In this formation, I'm a bit higher up the pitch. It's been very encouraging for me to get in the box, and that is what my second goal was. It was a tap-in because I'm not going to score goals like that standing on the edge. I don't think he just means in terms of goals. I think it is in terms of everywhere. Ruthless with each other, even getting a clean sheet – that's ruthless in its way. I thought we moved it well. You know that Gary Johnson's teams are always going to come out and press, and we've been working on patterns of play which I thought came to fruition tonight. Not just the goals, but the overall play was really good. It's nice to get five goals. It shows we're able to put a team to the sword. We go again Saturday and try to do the same. It is a nice confidence booster."

19th

On a glorious sunny evening in Torquay, Argyle humbled their Devon neighbours with a 5-0 rout. Midfield trio of Finn Azaz, Danny Mayor and Adam Randell put us comfortably 3-0 into the lead at half-time. Youngster Jack Endacott came off the bench at half-time and almost immediately made it four before Danny Mayor added his second and Argyle's fifth of the game. Argyle: Cooper (Baker), Craske (Halls), Scarr (Pursall) Gillesphey (Galloway), Mumba (Edwards), Butcher, Randell (Houghton), Mayor (Jephcott), Azaz (Camara), Miller (Endacott), Ennis (Hardie).

18th

Ryan Law has signed on loan for Gillingham. The 22-year-old left-back has joined the Kent side for the rest of the 2022/23 season, just after extending his deal for the greens. Steven Schumacher explained the move: "This is a really good opportunity for Ryan to go away and play some regular first-team football. Gillingham will be a very competitive team in League Two next season, and under the guidance of Neil Harris and Dave Livermore, Ryan will hopefully gain some valuable experience that will help him progress to the next stage of his career."

16th

Argyle lost their second of two home pre-season friendlies at Home Park, with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bristol City. Argyle dominated much of the match but lost out to a late goal after a lot of substitutions had been made. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson(Craske), Scarr(Galloway), Gillesphey (Pursall), Butcher (Halls), Edwards (Mumba), Randell (Lewis), Azaz (Mayor), Miller (Law), Hardie (Ennis), Jephcott (Camara). Subs: Baker, Endacott.

Brendan Galloway made a long awaited return to fitness in the game, and spoke of the moment of relief at coming back onto the field of play: "Any time you step on the pitch and put the green shirt on to represent the club it's a special feeling. It's a big club, a great fanbase; a fanbase that gets behind the players all the time., To step back on the pitch, especially at home, is a great feeling. I'm just happy to be back amongst the lads, back on the pitch in front of the fans. I've enjoyed pre-season so far. It's been tough, but there's no better feeling. It feels like it has been ages, but we've got a good team, good staff, good players that helped me get through it, especially at the start when I couldn't do much. It's been a journey that I thank my team-mates and I thank the staff for helping me on. I think I need to just ease my way back into it," he said. "I don't want to go full throttle straight away, just ease myself into it, get back into the swing of things and hopefully keep taking the right steps forward. I was frustrated last season, watching in the stands, but it's part of football. Injuries happen, you have to deal with it. I just had to support the lads last season and make sure they did the best that they could. I'm proud of what they did last season – this season we are ready to go again. The staff have put together a really good squad, a tight group. Good people, good players, that can compete in different positions. In training we compete all the time. It's very competitive and that's the way the squad needs to be. Everyone works hard, everyone gives 100% always, that's the minimum the staff and the fans ask for. We play the way the gaffer wants, and if we take on board what he says, I think we'll do great."

Steven Schumacher assessed: "I thought it went quite well. For at least three-quarters of the game we played really well and caused Bristol City loads of problems. We created chances and arguably were the better team for 75 minutes. Unfortunately, we got punished for a mistake that we made by a top-quality Championship striker. Overall, loads of positives to take from it. I thought we controlled the turnovers better today, so when we won the ball back we weren't as careless as we were on Tuesday. We created more chances and had a lovely little turnover on the edge of our box that Adam Randell set Finn Azaz off, that was probably our best chance, a 3-v-2 with Mickel Miller.

"We looked a little bit sharper than them going forward, especially in the first half, and created some really good opportunities. We just didn't have that ruthless edge that we would like, to make one of those chances count. Panutche Camara got his first 30 minutes, which is very good. Brendan Galloway coming back is a massive positive. We got an hour into Finn Azaz, and Danny played 30 minutes, so they've both played 90 minutes this week. The wing-backs played 45 minutes each because we didn't want to give them too much work because they played an hour on Tuesday. That's what pre-season is about. It's about giving your squad minutes, getting the rustiness out, and looking at some things you want to work on, which I'm really pleased with how it is going. We'll need to sharpen up in the next two weeks before we get going for real. Everyone can see, the squad is strong. We've got two lads to come back from injury who make us more competitive. Hopefully we'll bring in one, maybe two more signings before the kick-off."

"I'm really pleased with how the pre-season has gone. We've played two Championship teams here, and more than matched both of them. That's a good sign. Now we've got to go into next week against Torquay and Yeovil and show that we are better than them, move the ball really quickly and hopefully be more ruthless. I can't wait for it to come back for real, to get the atmosphere going, get the butterflies in your stomach and get the adrenaline going. Pre-season is what it is, but when all the fans are back against Barnsley, it's going to be something special."

14th

Bali Mumba has joined Argyle on a season-long loan from Norwich City. The 20-year-old full-back, who can play on either side, becomes Argyle's fourth signing of the summer. Steven Schumacher said of the signing: "I am delighted once again that we have been able to add another very good player to our squad, that is going to make us stronger and more competitive as a team next season. Bali Mumba will add pace, directness and excitement to our right wing back department this season. The physical demands required in that area of the pitch for us is immense, so having real competition now on both sides will improve our chances. Bali, I am sure, will enjoy his experience down here playing for Argyle and hopefully he will improve and develop as the season goes on."

Mumba played in the England youth set-up with Neil Dewsnip, who added: "It is great to see Bali at Home Park. He is a young player who I have had the privilege to work with over a number of years. He is a fantastic personality and has loads of energy and I have no doubt will settle into our squad very well and will make an immediate impact."

Mumba himself spoke of the passion of the fans when deciding where to go out on loan, enthusing: "I've done my research, spoke to the gaffer. It looks like the right club for me to look to develop and push on. It's a step that I need. I saw in the previous games, the fans, how passionate they are. That's something I am used to. I like passionate fans, people who care. That motivates me and gives me the love for the game. I used to be a fan myself, so I know what it is like. When I'm playing, I get motivated by that, and look to give my all and do well. I'm full of energy. I like to be creative. I like to find a solution to a difficult situation. You'll get nothing but 100%. I'm happy to be here, and happy to put on that shirt and play for Argyle. I can envisage the fans, and myself on that pitch. I'm really excited and looking forward to getting started. The experience with both teams has been very good for me. At a young age, that is what it is all about: playing for the club, playing for the badge, playing for the fans. Peterborough was a good learning curve. I took something that is going to help me in the long run. I'm grateful for the experience I got. Hopefully it plays a part and helps me in my development. I'm blessed to be able to do all this. There's still work to be done, I'm still hungry. I see a vision where I go on to do bigger and better things. I'm working hard to reach that."

13th

Steven Schumacher declared himself impressed with a good performance in the 1-1 draw against Swansea, with his Argyle charges equipting themselves well against Championship opponents. Schumacher said: "I thought the defensive shape was good. Everyone was organised. It wasn't perfect, and we probably could have got a bit more pressure on the ball from midfield. There's plenty of stuff to work on, but overall I'm pleased they didn't have that many shots on goal, everything was from long distance. The goal was from a mistake; a poor clearance from us. That happens; it's the rustiness of pre-season. It was a tough test, as we knew it was going to be. They are one of the best teams in the Championship in possession of the ball and they showed it at times tonight. I felt that we were organised, we looked okay and then when we did force them into errors, we didn't make the most of the opportunities. We had a nice turnover, a good transition and Ryan Hardie goes and slots one away. There's no-one else in our team that can score that type of goal, running from the halfway line and going away from defenders. It's what he's got; it's why he is such a good player, and such a threat. It was a great ball from Luke Jephcott, too. It was a good night all round. A good test; I'm really pleased."

"We get another tough test on Saturday against Championship opposition which will again be a good marker of where we are at. We'll recover from this game; physically it has taken a lot of out of them. Most of the players played 60 minutes – can they go again on Saturday? We'll have to do that in the league season. It's moving along nicely in the direction we want to go. I think we're in decent shape. The pitch looks great. It's not quite at the height we need it, the grass is a bit longer, but it will get there. The work they have done is brilliant. I spoke to the new players before the game and said: 'go and enjoy your first experience of playing in front of the Green Army at Home Park, and enjoy the pitch'. I thought all the new lads were great. Mickel Miller was fantastic, some real glimpses of quality. Matt Butcher put in a great shift for us, getting to know that role. Finn Azaz, when he came on, showed why we were keen to bring him in. I'm sure they all enjoyed it."

Dan Scarr echoed his manager's words, adding: "It was good to test ourselves against good Championship players," said Scarr. "They've got good rotation, a lot of players who know what they are doing. They are probably better than what we are going to come up against this season. To do well against that, and limit them to not many chances, I thought we did well. These are the games you look forward to in pre-season, because you want to see how you shape up against a team like that that is going to keep the ball, predominantly. We have a lot of the ball in the league, so it is good to come up against teams where you are not going to have so much of the ball, and it's all about your shape, being disciplined and resolute. They had a couple of long-range shots. They have quality players and we limited them to those sorts of chances. The shape was good. Everyone talked and dug in. It's been one of the tougher pre-seasons that I've had.

"Everyone seems to be doing well, everyone seems to be fit and strong. Everyone drags each other along. We look a lot fitter as a group. You can't afford to fall behind. Now the games are coming we start to look at the tactical side of things. A lot of the hard running yards is done, everything is now shorter and sharper, and about tuning your mind. You want to pick up a rhythm. As soon as you get into a Saturday-Tuesday routine, getting the tiredness out of your legs, doing that sort of schedule, the better. It was nice to walk out in front of the fans. We haven't had that feeling for a while, with the off-season. It was a good turnout. It still gave me goosebumps, walking out tonight. I can't wait for that first game of the season at home. I'm really looking forward to it."

12th

In the first of two home pre-season friendlies, Argyle drew 1-1 with Championship side Swansea City. An early volley put the visitors ahead but Argyle plugged away and late substitute Ryan Hardie levelled up the game in the dying moments. Argyle: Burton, Wilson (Pursall), Scarr (Halls), Gillesphey (Endacott), Houghton (Roberts), Edwards (Craske), Butcher (Randell), Mayor (Azaz), Lewis (Hardie), Miller (Law), Ennis (Jephcott). Subs: Baker

11th

Upon the return from their pre-season tour of Spain, Argyle have announced their third signing of the summer, in the shape of Finn Azaz from Aston Villa on a season long loan deal. The 21 year old spent last season on loan with Newport County, becoming one of two County players to be selected in the League Two Team of the Season. Steven Schumacher said: "I am thrilled that Finn has decided to come and join us on loan from Aston Villa. He is a creative and exciting midfield player that will add quality to our team. He has an eye for a goal, and his composure in attacking situations is what really stood out to us. Finn had options to go to other Sky Bet League One teams, but I believe he was impressed with our vision as a club. He also knows that we as the coaching staff, will take the time to help him develop and improve his own game, preparing him for the next step in his career."

Azaz himself spoke of the step up to the next level, saying: "Last season, I got more goals that the season before. You get an appetite for it, that feeling of scoring and people celebrating. When I was having the initial conversation, a video got sent to me of some of the goals here, and some of the celebrations. That's part of the reason why I am here. I'm ready for that next step; that bigger stadium, that bigger noise. I'm really excited for it.

"After speaking to the manager, speaking to people like Dom Telford who played here, I like the project as a whole. I watched Argyle a few times last season, and the way that they play, the entire project feels a good fit for me. I didn't have the start to the season I wanted, but pushing through that and to have the season I had, I feel like I developed a lot. I was disappointed with where we finished; from a personal point-of-view it was a good season, but I am always concerned with 'are we winning?' That's the most important thing. I want to develop to become a Premier League player at my club," he said. "That's the ultimate goal. In terms of this season, I'm focused on trying to win every single game, getting that next step to where we want to be. Everyone's journey is different. I've got people who I played with as a kid – we had a successful youth team – who are no longer playing. I was one of those players that wasn't the main guy, the main name on the tip of people's tongue when they spoke about my age group, but I slowly built through the ranks, carried on working hard, and growing as a player. When I was 17, I developed physically, I bulked up in the gym a bit. That helped progress me into men's football. Over the last two seasons, playing in men's football, I've continued to develop physically, tactically and psychologically. As a player, the two things I like most are winning football matches and developing; the two go hand-in-hand."

7th

Argyle recorded a convincing win in the searing heat of Estepona with a 15-1 victory over Europa Point FC on Wednesday night, as part of their pre-season tour of Spain. In what was effectively a training match, the Greens were 7-1 up at the break thanks to four goals from Ryan Hardie and one each from Joe Edwards Jordan Houghton and Matt Butcher. Niall Ennis added four more in the second half with Luke Jephcott grabbing a brace and Adam Randell and Alfie Lewis also on the scoresheet.

5th

Argyle's League One fixture with Port Vale at Home Park has been moved forward a day to the Friday night. The Greens will entertain Vale on Friday 2nd December for a 7.45pm kick off. Both sides agreed to change the date of the game as the original time of 3pm on Saturday, 3 December was a potential clash with an England knockout round game at the World Cup 2022 Qatar. If England were to finish as runners up in Group B, their round of 16 match will be played on the Saturday.

Both of the Greens' Devon Derby fixtures against Exeter City in the coming season have been moved forward to 12pm kick-offs. The fixture dates remain unchanged, with Argyle hosting the Grecians for the first time in league action since the 2016/17 season on Saturday 29th October, before the return fixture at St James Park on Saturday 15th April.

3rd

Steven Schumacher declared himself pleased with a tough test against Plymouth Parkway in the pre-season opener, saying: "It was a tough game really, they were hard to break down and set their stall out early to defend deep. They really made it difficult for us to play and we weren't able to move the ball as quickly as we would have liked. The two goals they scored were great bits of quality from them and we were really up against it. Thankfully we kept going, the fresh legs in the second half helped us and we were able to get two goals at the end. There are a lot of positives to take, and the young lads would have gained so much from that. Oscar Halls was in the middle of two experienced centre backs which will do him the world of good. The other young lads who came on in the second half did really well as well, they looked calm and confident. Today isn't about tactics," he said, "it's about getting back out there and getting the distances and minutes in the legs. We've been working on the high-speed intensity and covering long distances all week. Some of the lads have done 6,500 metres, Joe Edwards covered 7,000 in one half of football, which is massive and a real positive. We also managed to come away from it with no injuries, which is great, you don't want any niggles and knocks this early in pre-season.

"The game went as we thought, we saw a lot of the ball, kept possession and I lost count of the number of balls we put into the box - it was a bit rusty overall, but it's the first one out of the way.. It's great to see the familiar faces and the die-hard fans again. We know they travel such long distances to watch us so luckily this was only a couple of minutes away today. It's great for Parkway as well, they make a lot of money out of this fixture every year and it's just great to come out and play them. It's going to be great to get away, we haven't really done any tactical work yet, so having the lads in for three sessions a day gives us time to work on what we're going to do and how we're going to play. The new lads will get a chance to integrate and get to know the other lads – it'll do us the world of good."

Joe Edwards echoed: "It's a good runout; everyone got their minutes in and that's what these games are for. We've been doing a lot of running in training, doing 10-minute blocks that replicate half a game of football and we've been trying to replicate the intensity. We're here to get fit, it's always part of the pre-season plan but it's nice to get out and play. It's been a tough pre-season. It's obviously our first one with Elliot Turner so is a little bit different from what we are used to, but there has been some really good stuff. Pre-season is always about putting in the hard work and getting fit and that's what we will continue to try and do."

"It was tough, it's always a tough game when you play Parkway, they're always up for it and they always make it difficult. It was nice to see everyone, it's great to see all of the fans here. It's always nice to score, it would have been nice to win the game obviously, but we're here to get fit and try to play well and hopefully that one will be the first of many. These trips away are always really good, we're going to be worked hard but it's great to do it in the sun. Going away has always been one of my favourite parts of the season really. It's great to spend some time with the boys and get to know the new lads a bit better. It'll be great to have a laugh, work hard and just get to know each other even better."

It was an extra special occasion for 17 year old second year scholar Jeffery Forkuo who played the second half along with the first team and assisted the second goal for Joe Edwards. The youngster reflected on his big day: "It was good, obviously we wanted the win, but it is good to get a runout for the first-team and I thought It was a good game. I mean the intensity is a lot higher than under-18s, but you get used to it over time and the players, they help you get used to it as well, so it has been good so far. The message was to just run as much as possible and get forward. I've been the club since around under 14s, so it is what you look forward to, it's what you play and train for everyday for. It's good to get on the pitch, in front of all the fans and yeah put in a good performance. Yeah, I thought there wasn't long left in the game I might as well get forwards and try get a couple crosses in. I did and managed to get an assist - it was a great header."

2nd

Argyle came out of the pre-season opener at Plymouth Parkway with a 2-2 draw, having been 2-0 down to their city neighbours at half-time. Late goals from Ryan Hardie and Joe Edwards levelled it up for the greens. Argyle: Burton (Cooper), Wilson (Forkou), Halls (Scarr), Gillesphey (Pursall), Craske (Edwards), Lewis (Houghton), Randell (Craske), Mayor (Butcher), Law (Endacott), Jephcott, Ennis (Hardie).

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