THE DAILY DIARY

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Sunday 30th July 2023

Steven Schumacher admitted that the 3-1 defeat at Swindon was not an ideal way to end pre-season but tried to turn a negative into a positive as the greens prepared for the opening day visit of Neil Warnock's Huddersfield. The manager mused: "I'd rather lose like that today than next week," he said. "We've got seven days to think about it, work on a few things and do the basics better. It was not the way we wanted to end the pre-season. We've been pretty good in pre-season so far. We've been quite consistent and have got better each game that we've played. Today wasn't that type of day. We didn't play very well. We didn't get to grips with the game from early on. There's a few lessons to be learned from today. We said to the lads at half-time that we defended quite well, our shape was pretty good. Swindon didn't create too many chances in the first half so it didn't cause us too many problems. We didn't cause them enough problems as well. We had one or two good bits of play, but the lads were saying it was tough to play on the pitch. It was quite dry, and the wind was really against us in the first half, but we said, okay, second half, it's going to be the opposite way around. Let's see if we can be a bit more positive, but they've scored from a set play and then we've made mistakes then for the other two goals. It was disappointing on the goals we conceded, but I just didn't think we played as well as we needed to today with the ball either. I'm not bothered about the results; that's not what pre-season's about. Pre-season's about looking at a few things, trying to figure out what your players are capable of, what we need to do and what areas we need to strengthen and improve. From that point of view, today is something that we can learn from. If you go and win every single game and don't get asked any questions, then you can go into the season not knowing."

Of Warrington, Schumacher said: "I thought he did okay. He's only been here a couple of days, so he needs to get to know everyone, get to know how we're going to work and what's needed from him. I thought he was composed enough on the ball. Defensively, he did okay, that's a positive. Getting Tyreik right back on the pitch was a real positive too. I thought he looked bright when he came on and Morgan scored another brilliant goal. There were some good signs early on in the game. We made a few nice little patterns of play and caused them one or two problems. In general, just probably wasn't good enough."

Looking to the Huddersfield game, he added: "I can't wait. It's going to be a good occasion. First game back in the championship for a long time, and we need to make sure that we're ready. We will try to put on a good performance and try to get three points that we're going to need. If we can get off to a good start at home, then perfect. We know it's not going to be easy. Huddersfield are going to come and make it difficult for us. They've been a Championship team for a long time now. We know we're going to have to be at our best and perform better than we did today."

29th

Argyle's final game of pre-season was their first defeat, with a wobbly two minutes setting the platform for a 2-0 defeat at Swindon Town. The Robins went 2-0 up with goals in minutes 57 and 59 ans whilst Morgan Whittaker got one back with a typically fine finish, the home side had the final say with four minutes left. Argyle: Hazard, Mumba (Issaka), Scarr (Matthews), Gibson (Pleguezuelo), Warrington (Houghton), Randell (Butcher), C Wright (Roberts), Whittaker (T Wright), Miller (Edwards), Waine (Hardie). Subs: Burton, Baker, Edworthy.

28th

Having agreed a pre-contract agreement many months ago, Freddie Issaka has finally signed the deal that sees him become a professional for Argyle on his 17th birthday. The welsh forward wrote his name into the Argyle record books almost two years ago, when he came on as a substitute at Newport County in the EFL Trophy aged a remarkable 15 years and 34 days. Kevin Nancekevil said of the latest green to go pro: "It is fantastic news that Freddie has signed a pro deal. Freddie has done great since he has been here as an under-12. This pre-season he has flourished even more with the first team, and thoroughly deserved his pro contract. He really deserves his contract, and we look forward to working with him for many years to come. It's testament to all the hard work that goes on in the Academy. The Academy coaches work endless hours for not a lot of praise, so credit to them for producing yet another good player that hopefully we can help develop further."

Lewis Warrington has revealed that Steven Schumacher was the driving force behind his decision to join Argyle on loan this summer. The midfielder said: "It was a really good moment. Probably one of the best of my career, to be fair. I enjoyed every minute of it. I was sitting on the bench, dead nervous, but I kind of knew I was coming on a little bit. I first went at six and signed my first contract when I was nine. I've been there ever since. been there all my life. I'm familiar with some of the Argyle staff. Schumacher was a massive driving force for me coming here, really. His career was kind of like mine at Everton. He was a central midfielder, so we have a bit in common. I've spoken to him a few times. I know how he wants me to improve. Hopefully we work together well, and it'll be a good season."

"Tranmere was my first loan. I was still a boy, really, and I learned so much. I was only there half a season; I played 17 games. Fleetwood was a different experience to Tranmere. It was more full-on. I was playing every week, Saturday-Tuesday, and I was just getting used to it, really. I was still making some mistakes, because I'm young, but it was overridden at the end of the season. I did quite well. I think I'm a tenacious midfielder. I work hard all the time. I like getting on the ball and playing forward as much as I can. I always want the ball. I'll never shy away from getting on it. I like little balls in behind and making big tackles. I thought League Two to League One would be a good step. I've done well in League One and I feel like I'm ready to push on again now. I'm excited for it, I just want to keep playing and keep improving. I enjoyed playing against all the big teams away from home in League One last year. Home Park was one of them. We did quite well, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. It was good to play there. I know the fans are different class home and away, so it'll be good to play in front of them. It's a club that's firmly on the up. It's a young team and a really good manager who's pushing them all the way. I'm excited to be coming in and to be a part of that. Hopefully we have a good season."

26th

Argyle's 7th signing of the summer has come through the door, with midfielder Lewis Warrington joining on a season long loan from Everton. Warrington has had loan spells at Tranmere and (most recently) Fleetwood Town, playing 39 times for them last season and scoring one goal. Steven Schumacher declared himself pleased to finally have the 20 year old join the ranks of the green army. He said: "I'm very pleased to welcome Lewis to Argyle for this season," said Schumacher. "He had a very good season in League One with Fleetwood last year, and I am very confident he will replicate that in the Championship with us. He is a very energetic midfielder, full of running, who will complement our style of play perfectly, and add to our options in that area of the pitch."

Neil Dewsnip added: "Lewis is a highly-rated product of the Everton Academy, and should be a perfect fit for what we are trying to achieve at Argyle this season. I've known Lewis since he was an under-9 at Everton and have kept an eye on his progression throughout his career. I know what he is capable of and am pleased we have to have been able to bring him to Argyle. We have had great success in recent seasons with young, hungry, talented loan players joining us, and we look forward to Lewis adding to that list."

As one loanee comes in, another young Argyle player went out on loan with Oscar Halls joining City neighbours Plymouth Parkway. Kevin Nancekevill said: "For all of our first-year pros, it is part of their pathway to go out and develop their game. Oscar will go there to play regular football at a good level, where we can observe him, and he can continue to train with us every day. We wish him success at Parkway, which will enhance his chances of playing in our first team in the near future. We're delighted that he has a chance to further his development."

24th

Argyle have announced that longstanding sponsor Beacon Electrical have furthered their commitment to the club which sees them take naming rights of the Mayflower Grandstand. The Mayflower Grandstand will now become 'The Beacon Electrical Mayflower Grandstand'. Argyle's Head of Commercial James Greenacre is thrilled to see Beacon Electrical strengthen their commitment to the club and commented: "The relationship between the club and Beacon Electrical is one of incredible longevity. It really showcases the value that both entities have provided each other over the years, and I am delighted that the Mayflower Stand will now become The Beacon Electrical Mayflower Grandstand. Beacon Electrical are a family run business with the community at their heart which aligns perfectly with the values we live by every day at Argyle. It is an exciting time for the club as we head into the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 2010, and it is great that Beacon have strengthened their partnership and really bought into what we are aiming to achieve. I am looking forward to seeing the relationship flourish over the next five years and want to thank Nick and Mark for their faith and commitment to be a part of our evolving success story."

Mike Cooper has returned to Home Park from a week away at England's St George's Park in his rehabilitaiton from the knee injury that has kept him out since early February. The keeper spoke positively of the experience: "I have just come back off four days at St George's Park, which were good for a bit of clarity of mind, hearing different voices from different physios. I was back on the grass this morning, and still banging the leg weights and stuff. We are getting there slowly but surely. I think the past month or so has been difficult to get through because you feel good but there is a lot holding you back from fully training, even though you feel like you can in your head. So going to St George's, having the testing, seeing the difference in strength between the legs, it was good visually for me to see I'm not ready for training yet. I don't want to rush it and just get it right before I'm back in. It just gives me more motivation to keep hammering away in the gym and doing the right things, and not cutting corners."

"I think I can speak on behalf of the whole squad to say how good it is to have Morgs and Bali back. A big shout out should go to Jimmy Dickinson, Neil Dewsnip, everyone up top, Simon Hallett, for funding. Getting that calibre of a player on a four-year contract, both Bali and Morgs, is serious recruitment. Everyone is buzzing to have them back and have their quality back in the team. If you are getting pressed and you haven't got an out ball, you can always give it to Bali and he will wiggle his way out. Being a goalie watching it from behind, the amount of times I have seen some of Bali and Morgs' strikes is just ridiculous. I think of Exeter at home - Bali's long ranger, Ipswich at home both of them. Those sorts of goals they are more than capable of and I can't wait to see them do it again."

23rd

Steven Schumacher expressed his delight at the patterns of play in Argyle's win against Forest Green Rovers, especially in an attacking sense. He assessed the runaround accordingly: "I thought we played really well. I thought we passed the ball really well. We caused Forest Green a few problems and were clinical with the chances that we got and showed some real quality in the final third. That was really pleasing. It's stuff that we've been trying to work on. We showed the lads a presentation on Friday morning about the previous three games that we played with this system; things that we're doing really well and then not finishing chances off, like we did at Torquay. We created some really good opportunities at Torquay and just didn't put the ball away because we didn't pick the right pass out. Today, we managed to do that. We showed a little bit more quality in the final third. The way Forest Green tried to play today was different to how they played at the back end of last season. They tried to pass the ball a lot, played through the lines and caused us a few problems with their shape. It was interesting to see and to try and figure out. The difference between the sides was just how clinical we were in the top end of the pitch. The quality that we've got in our squad is probably higher at the moment. I don't think we blew them off the park. We were just clinical with the chances.

"Ryan's looked really sharp throughout the pre-season. He's come back really fit. He looks hungry to score goals. He's always desperate to score goals. He took his chances well. I think Ben Waine's been playing really well, as well. I thought he was really good on Tuesday night and then looked sharp this afternoon. He didn't manage to get a goal, but he isn't easy for anyone to play against. I'm really pleased with the number nines. I think we need to try and strengthen in that area; try to bring in another one in if we can. We're going to spend a bit of time on the training grounds. There's one or two new players in there, but we still need to get a few of the details right. That gives us an opportunity to do that, having a full training week rather than having a game. It's actually probably worked out better. We'll probably make it a similar week to what we'll have the week after, when we prepare for Huddersfield. It'll be good practice for that and I'm looking forward to it because I think the lads are enjoying what they're doing. The pre-season's gone really well so far, hopefully we can have a good week next week and then finish it off."

On Mumba in particular, he added: "I'm made up to bring him back. It was a deal that, again, I thank Simon for sanctioning and Andrew for getting it over the line with Norwich. It wasn't an easy deal to try to negotiate, but we did it. We're just delighted to have him back. Everyone knows how good a player he is, and he's a brilliant character as well. All the players were made up to see him when he came back in. None of them were aware of anything that was going on. He surprised a few people. It's been a good bit of business and a very good week. He was brilliant against Forest Green. He showed exactly what he brought to us last season: loads of positivity, hard again to play against. He's going to be a really good threat for us over on that left-hand side. It shows as well that we're doing good work with these young players, to get top quality players to the to the club. We put them into our environment and make them feel comfortable where they can go and express themselves. As a coach, it is one of the most pleasing things. For them to want to come back is brilliant. It's not just the coaching side. They had a really good relationship, both of them, with the fans. They enjoyed their time here. They got on really well with all of the teammates last season and they were both massive parts of why we won the league. It was a no-brainer. Once we knew it was an option to try and bring them back, we had to speak to both players. We showed them how we're going to do things this season and where we see them playing, and they've seen their futures here, so we're delighted."

Club and team captain Joe Edwards echoed his manager's words, sharing his own excitement at the returning loanees. The skipper said: "I thought the boys played some really good stuff. We were a lot more clinical today, some brilliant finishes. We worked on some good patterns of play, which we've been looking to do over the week. We've been improving our fitness levels, improving how we want to play and learning the different sort of things we're doing at the moment. There's a definite buzz about the place. Each day you get nearer is going to build on that. We're preparing right. We're doing everything we can. We know it's going to be a tough challenge, but it is something that we're going to step up and really grasp. Everyone's excited. I personally can't wait for it. This week, for obvious reasons, has made it even more exciting.

"It's given the boys a massive lift in the changing room. We've always had a great dressing room here. These two have come in this week will add to that and the quality they've shown, even just today is amazing.

"Morgan's a brilliant player and a lovely lad. He's happy here, he's welcome here - and he plays his best football here. He's at a place where he feels at home, which is where people perform to their maximum. If we can get the maximum out of him, then we're in for a brilliant season with a fantastic player. Bali's also brilliant on and off the pitch. He's a great lad. He's brilliant to have around the place. He's so enthusiastic and again, similar to Morgan, I think he plays his best football when he is loved and when he is enjoying himself - that's what he is here. Both players are loved by us lot as a team and obviously the fans. He's got all the ability in the world to go on and do what he needs to do. We're lucky to have both of them."

"One of my responsibilities is to make sure they are okay and they're settled in alright. Anything they need, they can always come to me and I think they know that. It's part and parcel of playing for Argyle. You join a little family which is on the road a lot but we're together a lot. It's just making sure that they are settled. We've signed some really good players, and some good people as well. They've all added to the changing room. It's a great place to be and we try and make it a good environment to walk into. You need good personalities and good people. We've got that with the lads the gaffer's brought in. If I can help them feel comfortable and welcome, then I'll do that."

22nd

Argyle's pre-season encouraged in encouraging fashion with a 5-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the pouring rain on an abandoned Harper's Park pitch. Argyle's frontline fired with a series of fantastic goals. Ryan Hardie scored too, and Bali Mumba scored a lovely angled finish in his first game back for Argyle. Morgan Whittaker and Callum Wright put the cherry on the cake with two second half long shots. The visitors got their only goal at 2-1 down after a defensive mix up following a long ball over the top. Argyle: Hazard (Burton), Kesler-Hayden (Issaka), Scarr (Halls), Gibson (Waine), Mumba (Matthews), Houghton (Wright), Randell, Butcher (Roberts), Whittaker (Edwards), Hardie (Pleguezuelo), Miller (Edworthy). Subs: Baker.

21st

To end a wonderful week for Argyle fans, Bali Mumba has returned to Home Park. Last season's League One Young Player of the Season is once again a Pilgrim, having signed a four-year contract to join the Greens on a permanent basis. He is joining from Norwich City, with Argyle paying a fee for 21-year-old Mumba that equals the club record set on Monday, with the acquisition of Morgan Whittaker. Steven Schumacher said of the big signing: "I am so thrilled to be able to bring Bali back to Argyle. His pace, directness and positivity were huge parts of our success last season, and I know he was someone that the Green Army found tremendously exciting to watch. He gets fans off their seats – and I am sure they will be delighted to get to see him in green once again. I know I am!"

In lower key news, Will Jenkins Davies is joining Torquay United on loan. Now that he is no longer eligable for under-18 football, Argyle's head of player development, Kevin Nancekevill explained: "I'm delighted that Will has an opportunity to further his development at a club like Torquay. Hopefully he can get some good game time, which will only enhance his chances of coming back getting involved with the first team at Home Park. If he can follow the example set by Adam Randell, who had a superb season with Torquay and progressed particularly well, then it will be a great experience all round."

19th

Steven Schumacher gave praise to opponents Torquay for their terrier-like approach to the pre-season friendly with Argyle, saying: "I thought Torquay were brilliant tonight. That's the best I have seen Torquay play in all the years that we've played here in pre-season. They were really aggressive and locked on to us man-to-man. They made it really hard. I said to Gary Johnson that it was the best game we've had. It was competitive and tough; they forced us into errors. It was a different test. In the other games we have played so far, we have had a lot of the ball and have been able to build slowly. This was a different challenge. It caused us a few problems. That's the most important thing: learning about the team, getting the players some more minutes in the legs. Lewis Gibson was really good tonight, he played an hour. He looks really composed and at home in that position. I'm please for Conor Hazard to make his debut, and Callum Burton got another 45 minutes which is good. Everyone just keeps ticking the minutes off. I thought we were a bit scruffy in possession. When we did get it right, we looked good and we created chances. We got loads of one-v-one opportunities. We just didn't have enough quality on the night to get more than one goal. We're going to carry on working hard and will hopefully bring in some reinforcements."

On the return of Morgan Whittaker, the gaffer added: "Morgan was brilliant for us last season. We were gutted when he left in January. We've got a good relationship, so we kept in touch with him over the summer and spoke to his agent early on saying 'is there a possibility of us signing him permanently and bringing him back to the club?' We've all worked so hard behind the scenes to make it happen and we are delighted that he is here. Morgan really enjoyed his time here. He found a place where he knew what the manager wanted from him, he knew that the system that we play and the football that we play suits him, and it gives him the confidence to go out and express himself in every game. From his side, it made sense to come back into that environment, and from our side we are getting a top, top quality player. We're going to need that, going into the Championship, and that is why we have worked so hard and spent the money that we've spent to bring him back to the club. The financial backing doesn't go unnoticed. We thank Simon Hallett and Andrew Parkinson for allowing this deal to happen. If we didn't get investment from Simon then it is just not possible. We are really grateful for that. They also know that we are going into a really tough league and we need some players who can handle that. We think Morgan can play in this division – and probably above – so it's over to him. Hopefully we get one or two others in to contribute the quality that we desperately need.

"Once again, he showed what he is all about. I thought all of his touches were really good. That's his third 45 minutes – he had two for Swansea – so he is fit, he's sharp. Getting him on the pitch for 45 minutes was important. When he received the ball in the first half, he set up two chances. Caleb Roberts should have scored from one of his passes, and he put Callum Wright through as well. We know what he is all about. He is going to enjoy it coming back into this team, and he's going to be a big part of it."

Whittaker himself spoke of a dream come true. The returning winger enthused: "As soon as this was a serious possibility, there was no other place I'd rather have been. It was a no-brainer. I'm so happy to be here. The fans are really good here. The manager, the players; everything just fits for me perfectly. I'm really happy to be back. I'm buzzing. I know everyone close to me is buzzing. My girlfriend, both of our families; we know, from previous experience, how happy we were here, both on and off the pitch. I'm just so happy to be back and carry it on. It was a dream of mine to hopefully be back, but I think at the time the recall was really hard to deal with. We were happy here and I was enjoying my football. I wanted to carry on for the season and try and get promotion - luckily, we did. I came to a home game towards the end of the season, the atmosphere was really good. I was watching from the sides wanting to be involved, but I'm just really happy we got there in the end. I've never had a manager like Schuey. He's been great with me, as have the assistants and everyone at the club. It's amazing for me to be a part of. I think that showed in the first half of last season, how I performed. When that happens, you'll always get the best out of me. I think the Championship is going to be a massive step up for everyone. We're definitely ready for it. I just want to get involved, to get started, help the team stay up - and see where that can take us."

In mixed news, Schumacher also gave an update on Argyle's injury absentees. He informed the fans: "Kaine rolled his ankle and we think he's going to be okay. He said he probably could train on Thursday, so it's nothing too serious. Saxon has a small tear in his shoulder from when he landed on Saturday. He's probably going to be out for four weeks, which is a bit of a blow because he has been doing really well in pre-season. It's going to be three or four weeks because shoulder injuries can be quite tender and sore," continued the Pilgrims' boss. No-one ever wants to be injured but it's one of them things. He went for a header and landed on his shoulder. It's unfortunate for him but we will be okay, we have got people who can play in that position so we will be fine. Tyreik Wright has got a little bit of a thigh strain so it's going to be probably another 10 days before he is back. It was just from the Parkway game."

18th

Argyle's unbeaten start to pre-season continued with a run out for the lads at Torquay, Argyle acheiving a 1-1 draw at Plainmoor. It was who else, but the one million pound man as Morgan Whittaker fired the greens into a 1-0 lead with a stunning first half volley. Argyle went on to mix things up, bringing some young apprentices into the fray. Torquay equalised late in the second half in what was a spirited performance from the non-league hosts. Argyle: Hazard (Burton), Edwards (Scarr), Pleguezuelo, Gibson (Halls), Butcher, Houghton (Matthews), Issaka (Miller), Roberts (Randell), Whittaker (Jenkins-Davies), C Wright (Donovan), Waine (Hardie). Subs: Baker.

17th

A landmark day for Argyle: the club have broken their all time record transfer fee and in all probability, have for the first time spent over £1 million on an individual player. The club delighted fans by confirming the news that had leaked across social media throughout the day. Morgan Whittaker is once again a green and this time it's permanent. The star who lit up Home Park on loan last season is here for keeps following his instrumental role in our title winning season and will wear number ten. Steven Schumacher said: "Morgan really needs no introduction to the Green Army after his contributions in our title-winning campaign last season. He scored and created crucial goals in the time he was with us, and we were all naturally disappointed when he was recalled in January. At just 22 he has so much room for growth and development, and we are thrilled he has decided that Home Park is the place he wants to do that. He gets fans off their seats and is one of the most exciting prospects in the EFL. He has been one of our main targets all summer, and it is a real coup to bring him back to the club. I know the fans will agree when I say I can't wait to see him run out in an Argyle shirt once again."

Neil Dewsnip, echoed these sentiments, and added: "We identified Morgan as a player we wanted to bring back to the club after his contributions last season and we are delighted to get this one over the line. He fits the profile of player we like to work with, young and exciting, with loads of room for growth. We saw what he could do last year in League One, and there is no doubt in our minds that he will have a similar impact for us in the Championship this season This is a club record deal for Argyle, and I want to thank Simon Hallett and the board for their continued support and faith in allowing us to bring in our top targets."

16th

Steven Schumacher declared himself happy with the way Argyle got through the tough test in Lancashire, stating the need for squad balance in the coming games. He also credited the opponents for providing a tough test. He said: "This was as close to a Championship game as we're going to get. These were a Championship team last season, and have kept the majority of their squad together. We knew it was going to be a tough test. We played really well, especially for the first hour. We made a few changes on 60 minutes and got some young lads on which was really pleasing. For the first 60 minutes we looked like a real team, gelling with what we're trying to do. It's a good win, and that's a good habit to have. We want to take momentum into this season if we can. We finished really strongly last year and winning games breeds confidence. We're trying to work on things on the training ground. We're getting the lads fit, getting them organised, working on a few things, and then when we can go and implement that in these pre-season fixtures, it's pleasing. They were two different goals; I'm really pleased. The first goal was a good move. It was a good recovery run, Scarrsy with a brilliant block in our box, then Saxon Earley was nice and calm, played a lovely ball to Ryan and then it was Mickel with a brilliant finish. It was a good move from back to front. The second goal is equally pleasing because we've set a press. The Blackpool centre back had a bad touch, Mickel intercepted it, set Ryan up and he slotted it away. I was a bit disappointed that we conceded the goal. We would have liked the clean sheet, but there were loads of good signs today, and some things we can still improve on as well. We're going in the right direction.

"The seniors who didn't play 60 minutes today, they'll play 60 minutes on Tuesday. That'll be the plan. We've got a couple of knocks from today. Saxon landed awkwardly on his shoulder, so we'll have to assess how he is. Kaine had to come for the last 10 minutes, because he rolled his ankle slightly. We'll have to assess them over the next few days. If they're not ready for Tuesday, then they don't play any minutes. That's how it is. Julio Pleguezuelo will hopefully get 60 minutes; Butch will get 60 minutes. Everyone just keeps getting fitter and stronger, as we move towards the first game of the season. If we're going to progress, going to try and improve as a team, and try to play the way we're going to try to play this season, then everyone has to be comfortable in certain roles, so having the opportunity to experiment is good. It's what pre-season games are all about. It might be something that we do on Tuesday night, to see if people can play in slightly unusual roles compared with what they might have expected."

Mickel Miller's Argyle career did not start as he might have liked it to last season. Despite the greens extraordinary promotion, Miller was a peripheral figure and was disrupted by injuries. He said of his positive game against the Tangerines: "I'm buzzing to be on the scoresheet, buzzing for another good result. It's looking positive, we've just got to keep it going. You can really see that the work that we're putting in pre-season is showing in the games. The goal starts from the back. Scarrsy pushes up, presses. Ryan went through there and played it back to me. I got it out of my foot and then just wrapped it in the corner. I've been practising. A lot of them have been going over in training, so it's nice for one to hit the back of the net! That's another thing we've been working on as well. It starts from the front. We all push up and press. I nicked the ball, played it to Ryan and it was a good finish. I'm feeling good. There's always a little chip on my shoulder because I don't want to think about last season. I've just got to stay positive and what will be, will be. It's nice out there. I used to play on the wing, so it's not like I don't know how to play there. The gaffer is introducing this formation and it's nice to be back out there. It's not easy because everyone's still trying to understand each other. It's good to see in the games and it just goes to show that the group that we have is a very good group. The players that come in have just slotted in nicely. The understandings on the pitch have still got a long way to go, but it's looking good. Everyone's on the same page."

15th

Argyle completed the next phase of their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 win at Blackpool in a friendly that was undisclosed up to the hours before kick off. Mickel Miller looked lively in the opening stages of the game and added a goal to show for his efforts. He set up Ryan Hardie for a second which gave the greens an unassailable lead. The hosts did get a goal back after Joe Edwards gave away a penalty but Argyle held on and are still yet to concede from open play in pre-season. Argyle: Burton, Edwards (Kayler-Hesden), Scarr (Halls), Gibson (Pleguezuelo), Earley(Endacott), Houghton (Matthews), Randell (Roberts), Wright (Butcher), Issaka (Donovan), Miller (Jenkins-Davies) Hardie (Waine).

14th

Argyle's first signing of the championship era spoke about the start the greens have made to pre-season, saying that the team is starting to take shape. Julian Pleguezuelo explained:"So far I'm loving every day. It was a nice time when we went in Marbella, a good training week. I thought we did pretty well against Hearts. Also against Parkway you started to see more the shape of the team and how we want to play. It's all about getting the good feeling and building up the fitness of course. I will be honest, I think the level is already quite high.Of course, we might need a couple of players in certain positions to keep raising the level. We know it's going to be a competitive season for us but the team is shaping up nicely, everybody is getting fit. We just have to keep going, we have a clear idea of what we want to achieve - we are just getting started. Everywhere we go we can feel the love so far, even when we were out in Spain. There is a very good atmosphere around the club right now and we just have to deliver. He brings a a lot of energy, he's very clear on his ideas of what he demands from the players and from the team. I love the way he treats the players, how demanding he is in training as well in terms of intensity and tempo, so it's all positive so far. I'm an intense defender," he said. "I would be quite small for a normal defender but I'm good in aerial duels, I'm good playing on the ball. It's all about keep improving and I have to adapt to a new team, new system. The fans can expect somebody who will give 100 per cent every game. Because of my size I have had to learn different ways to win my duels, and I think I'm doing pretty well so far. I just hope the Argyle fans appreciate the intensity and the passion that I bring on the pitch."

"For me, it's a completely new challenge. I was in Holland for four years - different league, different country. It's a big challenge for me and for this team, but so far I think everybody is up to it so let's give it a good go. For me it's special to be closer to my family, of course, but the main reason is because of what I liked about the club, and the ideas they have. For the ambitions I have for my future I think this was the right step for me. I stopped for a week and then that's when Plymouth came in the picture," he said. "It was a short break for me but let's have a good season and then I will have a lovely time next summer!"

Steven Schumacher spoke about the decision to bring in Peter Cavanagh as a new coach at Argyle, freeing him up to take a role that focuses on overseeing training rather than managing it. Schumacher said: "Cav is somebody I have known for a long time. He's from my area, he's an Everton fan, I worked with him at Everton in the academy when I went back there for a short spell, and we have kept in touch ever since. He has since moved onto Man City's academy and played a role in the youth development phase there. He's a really good coach. I had spoken to Neil Dewsnip before the end of last season about how we move forward and how we progress. He asked me what I would like and I said I wanted to increase the coaching staff. I feel as though you need more people on the grass, people with different ideas taking different units and then, therefore, that will free me up at times to observe and oversee a little bit more in the early parts of the week. Cav coming in was a perfect fit for that. His technical detail with the players is really good and if we are going to improve as a team it's those small details that will give us an advantage. He has done really well, he has settled in. He has got himself a place down here already and I think he's enjoying it."

13th

Argyle have announced some changes to their pre-season schedule following confirmation that the pitch will not be in a fit condition to host Salford or Forest Green Rovers as planned. The fixture against Forest Green Rovers will continue to take place but will now occur behind-closed-doors at Harper's Park, while the Salford City game has been cancelled completely. Neil Dewsnip, commented: "Although it is disappointing that we will no longer have two fixtures in front of the Green Army ahead of the season, it is important to ensure the pitch is in a good place ahead of the Championship campaign. Argyle fans recognise the style of football we try to play, for which the pitch is so important, and we want to ensure it is in an outstanding place for the opening game against Huddersfield in August. We are confident in the pre-season schedule we have put in place and the players are currently showing excellent fitness levels and form. Although we will have to wait a little longer, we all can't wait to be back in front of the Green Army again at Home Park and are relishing that first league game on 5 August. We look forward to seeing you then and can't wait for you to be loud and proud, as ever."

Argyle also confirmed that a behind closed doors game at an unnamed League One side will take place this Saturday behind closed doors.

Steven Schumacher spoke with pride at the performance in the 2-0 midweek win over Parkway, before giving fans the lowdown on the recent new additions to the squad, reflecting: "It's always a tough game. Lee sets his team up really well organised and hard to break down. It's a good run out for our lads and an important part of the pre-season schedule. I'm pleased that we've got through it and everyone got 45 minutes pretty much, so it was a pleasing night. The young lads have been with us for the majority of the pre-season. We're a little bit short in the squad at the moment, as we all know. They're getting an opportunity to come in and stake a claim which they are doing. Freddie and Caleb are obviously catching the eye; Will JD we are forgetting is only a first year and is doing really well; Oscar Halls, Jack Endacott and Zak Baker as well. Henry Donovan only came with us today, didn't even train with us yesterday and just turned up today for the game and I thought he played really well. I'm sure he's enjoyed his night. It's really good to have them all in and around the first team; they're only going to learn from this experience and grow. This is obviously their first little taste of the Green Army so I'm sure they enjoyed it. Lewis was with us last week in Spain but only trained three days, so it was probably too soon for him to play any minutes last week. Today was a perfect game for him; it gets him into it and he played really well. It didn't look like he broke a sweat. He was nice and composed and did well. Conor comes with a real good pedigree from Helsinki; adding him to the group makes us a stronger team. As new players come into our environment and get used to how we play and the messages we try and put across, the better they'll be for it."

Schumacher also affirmed that Saxon Earley is a part of Argyle's plans for the coming season, rejecting speculation that he is set for a return to Stevenage on loan. Schumacher acknolwedged the fact that conversations have been had with Stevenage football director Leon Hunter, but said: "I have spoken to Leon Hunter a few times. I have known him a long time, since I was at Stevenage. Obviously, we took Saxon from Norwich but he spent the first part of last season on loan at Stevenage. When he wasn't getting in immediately with us Leon asked about taking him but we said 'No, he's going to stay with us and settle in'. We feel Saxon is going to play a part this season. I have said to Leon if that picture changes, for whatever reason, then I would obviously let them know. We paid money for Saxon, we think he's going to be a really good player and so far in the pre-season he has done really well so I think it's only fair he gets his opportunity to impress here."

Connor Hazard gave the club his first interview since joining fron Celtic, stating as so many new signings do, the importance of the green army in his decision to come down south. Hazard said: Once I heard about the club and the Argyle fans, I knew it would be amazing to be able to become a part of. I'm delighted and excited for the future ahead. Last year, when I went abroad to Finland, it was an amazing experience, a completely different culture and it helped me mature really well. Going over there on your own, it's a completely different language you have to adapt to as well as the style of football. I thought I adapted really well. I really enjoyed my time there, and I liked the people. The players were really good. They welcomed me and it was a bonus to get into the Europa League, so I take a lot from last year. Every footballer at the age of 16 is going to have to make that change from living with your Mum and Dad. Going straight into a different culture, a different club where you have to fend for yourself and live for yourself so it matures every footballer in this day and age. I was really fortunate coming up through the youth system. I had a lot of good goalies in front of me: Joe Hart, Craig Gordon and Fraser Forster, all big names. I picked up every little thing I could off them and hopefully developed it into my game now. There were great goalie coaches up there too. Colin Meldrum and Stevie Woods were very good to me. Celtic has always been a great club to me. It's a club I've supported since I've been growing up and I've been there a long time, but there wasn't as much game time as I'd like, so as soon as this opportunity came along, it was the best decision for me and my career. I'm ready to get going, and I'm excited to get in and hit the ground running."

12th

Ryan Hardie gave the lowdown on the start to Argyle's pre-season, after the 1-0 win against Hearts in Marbella was followed up on with a 1-0 win against Plymouth Parkway in Manadon. He spoke of the typically close knit attitude in the group, speaking of his friendly rivalry with fellow striker Ben Waine: "We've been having competitions every day in training to see who can score the most goals. When he scored in the first half, I had to get one back on him. It's that friendly competition that you need that pushes you on. I was buzzing for him to score. He took his goal really well and I got mine in the end. The most important thing in pre-season is the minutes, so to get my 45 minutes in the tank was good. It was against a good standard of opposition, so it was a tough task. When we come here, they leave the pitch long and make it hard for us. I think we did well today; we never got frustrated, kept going and got a good win. I think it's definitely an easy squad to get into because everyone gets on. There are no cliques anywhere so I think all the new boys would tell you it's an easy changing room to get on with. I think we've welcomed them well and last week was a good introduction. Hopefully there is more to come. We know how tough it was last season; I think we were one of the fittest teams in the league if not the fittest, so it's going to be important to build that fitness up now. This is where it's done; we're stepping up a level so we need to step up everything. Step up training, step up our fitness levels and step up everything off the pitch as well."

Following the previous announcement by Argyle that Argyle Community Trust have secured grant funding to develop a dedicated community hub at the current Brickfields site, they have further announced that over £1 million in grant funding has been awarded from the Community Ownership Fund, through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The club will be submitting planning application later this month. Plymouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, Councillor Sue Dann said: "This incredibly complicated jigsaw is coming together, and we are now close to submitting a planning application for the first part of the scheme. More importantly, the Trust is inviting people living nearby or who use Brickfields to pop along to an event to get the lowdown on this exciting project and get involved. We're all really keen for people to check out what we want to achieve here. It's not just about expanding the existing offer within the sports centre, it's about creating a base for people to access education and employment programmes such as apprenticeships and adult education, it's about having somewhere for the physical, mental, emotional wellbeing services that Devonport residents have told us they need. This could be a game-changer for the health and well-being of our residents in this area and I am really excited about the huge potential this project has got."

In another positive update, Steven Schumacher has kept fans informed on the progress of player of the season Mike Cooper on his return fron injury. Schumacher said that whilst it's important for Cooper to take things slowly, he's going ahead of schedule so far. The manager explained: "He's a very good goalkeeper. We spoke about it last year with Darren Behcet and said 'Next year if we get into the Championship we are going to go with three experienced goalies'. We felt with Michael's injury as well, we don't want to try and rush what he's doing. Michael is flying in his rehab process at the moment but he's not going to be ready for the start of the season. So it was important that we didn't go into the Championship with Callum Burton and Zak Baker as our two goalies. We leave ourselves too short. The plan was always to strengthen that department and we have done that. Conor Hazard is a very good goalkeeper, he's still young, he has had a brilliant season at Helsinki and comes from good stock being at Celtic for a long time so he ticked loads of boxes. We felt that once we could get him he would add to that goalkeeping department and I'm really pleased he's here."

"Throughout the summer I'm getting reports from Gareth Law pretty much every week on Michael's progress, saying he's doing really well. Darren was in with him over the summer doing goalkeeping drills and sending me videos, and saying Michael has got a chance. But pretty much the first day we got into pre-season I had a chat with Mike and I said 'I don't want you to rush this because you are too important to us, and it's too important for your career you get this rehab process right'. I went through that same process myself (as a player) and it's not easy. He's going to have to train with the group first and foremost for at least a month. He's not training with the group yet. So he has got to train with the group for a month and play probably two or three reserve games because you feel as though you are fully fit but you are not quite. That's what he's going to have to do and I said to him 'Look there is no rush for you here, we are going to have Callum and another goalkeeper that is going to strengthen the department so just relax and make sure you have got the rehab right', so that's what we are doing. I would say he's going to be training with the group in the next three or four weeks. Then he needs a month from that, so maybe early September. Even then, that's a really fast recovery. There is an international break in September so potentially maybe after that could be his goal to aim for, and if he does do that it's still ahead of schedule. We will just see how he goes."

Schumacher also gave an update on Argyle's summer transfer business, debunking the notion that Argyle have been slow in signing players. He added:"We need to bring more people in. Looking at the squad against Parkway we had two 16-year-olds in there and two 17-year-olds, and first and second years playing lots of minutes, which is brilliant for them, especially in the early part of the pre-season. We all know we need to strengthen the squad and we are working really hard to do that. The people who we are trying to recruit, I'm not worried they are not going to be fit because they are all playing at their clubs and they getting training into them. There is stuff going on behind the scenes. Being at this level, the transfers we are wanting to bring to the club it just takes time. It's not like you are signing people who are free agents all the time. It takes that little bit longer and we are just trying to get through the process as best we can. There isn't a lot of business going on, especially in the Championship. I think Portsmouth are the ones who keep popping up and are signing a lot of players, they might be the outlier. I think where we are at in the Championship we are in the top two or three who have signed the most amount of players. It is what it is, and this is what it might be like in the Championship. We are just experiencing it for the first time in a while. We are quite calm and relaxed about the situation, and hopefully we will get players in that we need.

"We have strengthened the defensive areas with Kaine, Julio and Gibbo. Now we have brought in a goalkeeper in Conor as well, so them boxes are pretty much ticked off. Now we need midfield players and we need forward players, just to make sure we have got competition for places. That was why we were so strong last year. We had competition and people who stepped into the team were starters so we are going to try and go for the same sort of attitude next year as well. Loans were a huge part of our success last year. We got the loans right, and we might have to do that again.

Finally, Schumacher informed fans that amendments may have to be made for the greens two scheduled home pre-season games following difficulties arising from the Rod Stewart concert at Home Park last month. He did however confirm that a back-up plan was in place, saying: We have to keep our eye on what we are doing with the two home games. We are trying to monitor the pitch and see whether it's going to be playable. It's a little bit behind because of the Rod Stewart concert and how long it took to get the work in that Ralphy had to do. So we knew it was going to be touch and go to get the pre-season games in, in the time that was allowed for it to grow, but he's saying it's looking okay at the minute, but probably by the end of the week we will have a clearer idea whether it's going to be ready for the following weekend. e have got a plan B in place but obviously we don't want to make a decision too early because we have spoken to Forest Green and Salford and arranged them, so we are going to give ourselves as much time as possible. It's about the bedding in and whether the ground has had enough time to be firm enough to play on. You have seen when these pitches get relaid they move so we don't want to take any unnecessary risks for both teams."

11th

Argyle's fourth signing of the summer is goalkeeper Conor Hazard. The 25-year-old heads to Home Park, from Scottish champions Celtic, for an undisclosed fee. Conor has signed a three-year contract.

From Downpatrick in Northern Ireland, Conor became a Celtic player just after his 16th birthday, in 2014. His first taste of first-team action came in 2018, when he joined Scottish second-tier side Falkirk on loan. After just 12 games for the Bairns, Hazard made his debut for the Northern Ireland national team. He has gone to earn four senior caps, having played for his country at various age group levels. In 2018/19, Conor played 15 times for Partick Thistle, again in the Scottish Championship, and returned to the second tier for 11 games for Dundee the following season.

Hazard's introduction to the Celtic first team came in whirlwind fashion, in December 2020. His competitive debut was in the Europa League, at Parkhead, against Lille, a game that Celtic won 3-2. Later that week, he made his league bow, keeping a clean sheet as the Bhoys beat Kilmarnock. The following week, Conor played in the Scottish Cup final, against Hearts, a game that had carried over from the previous season, curtailed because of the Covid pandemic. The game finished 3-3, after extra-time, with Celtic winning a shoot-out in which Hazard saved two Hearts penalties. Hazard made seven Celtic appearances in all, all in the space of six weeks during that season. In early 2022, Hazard headed to Finnish top-flight side HJK Helsinki. HJK are Finland's most successful team, in a league which runs approximately February to November. He played 39 games for HJK, keeping 14 clean sheets, as they won the Finnish league, and competed in Champions League qualifying before a Europa League campaign. He was named as the Finnish league's Goalkeeper of the Season.

Argyle manager Steven Schumacher said: "I am very pleased to have signed Conor. He comes to us from a huge football club, so we know he will have been taught superbly. He has international experience and all the fundamentals required to be a top goalkeeper. Conor will complement and challenge our current team of excellent goalkeepers, and we look forward to seeing him in action." Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: "Conor had a brilliant year in Finland with HJK Helsinki where – like us – he became a champion last season. That is the kind of player we always strive to recruit; people with a champions mentality, which we will need in the season ahead."

Later in the day, Argyle made it two wins and two clean sheets out of two pre-season games in the now annual pre-season match-up against Plymouth Parkway. Argyle heavily rotated the side, putting out two almost entirely different sides in the first half and the second. The greens took the lead very early in the game with Ben Waine slotting home from a Freddie Issaka through ball, the youngster continuing his thriving pre-season just a few weeks short of his 17th birthday. Ryan Hardie was the scorer of the second late in the game with a lovely guided chip into the far corner of the goal. Argyle once again gave a chance to youth with youngster Henry Donovan being promoted to the first team squad for the game and being brought on in the second half. Argyle: Burton (Baker), Kesler-Hayden (Edwards), Pleguezuelo (Scarr), Gibson (Halls), Earley (Endacott), Houghton (Randell), Butcher (Roberts), Issaka (Donovan), C Wright (Jenkins-Davies), Waine (Hardie), T Wright (Miller).

7th

Plymouth Argyle Chairman and majority shareholder Simon Hallett has agreed to purchase 3.3 million A Shares from outgoing investors in Argyle Green, LLC, raising his ownership stake in Plymouth Argyle to 87%. Among the outgoing investors are Argyle Green managing members Michael and David Mincberg, the former of which will also withdraw from the Plymouth Argyle Board of Directors as part of the transaction. Nick Giannotti will remain as a director and become the sole managing member of Argyle Green.

Upon the announcement, Hallett commented: "I would like to thank Michael, David, and the other outgoing investors for their efforts and support of the club last season. The 2022/23 campaign was a tremendous success, and we look forward to building upon it as we turn our focus to achieving our objective of becoming a sustainable Sky Bet Championship club." Michael Mincberg added: "We would like to thank Simon Hallett, the club, and the entire Plymouth community for the warm welcome we experienced during our time as investors. The club's success on and off the pitch is a direct result of Simon's leadership, commitment, and vision – he is an excellent chairman and we enjoyed partnering with and learning from him. While we are moving on to other projects, we look forward to cheering on the club's continued success from afar." As previously announced, the club is raising £11million by way of a rights issue. It will be taken up in the next eight months by the main shareholders, Simon Hallett and Argyle Green, in proportion to their existing holdings. The funds will be used for the Brickfields project that will provide a new permanent home for the Academy and our Women's team. Hallett continued: "I have spoken continually about our need to be a sustainable business doing things differently and our belief is that an £11million investment in Brickfields and the Academy is our best way of future proofing the football club. The region of Devon and Cornwall is so important to Argyle, where we have an array of talent for whom we can provide opportunities and a pathway to professional football. The investment in Brickfields is integral to producing the homegrown talents that we will see run out at Home Park for many a year to come. Your support of me, the board and the team on the pitch is unrivalled, and I look forward to seeing you all back at Home Park in August when we take the next step on our path to becoming a sustainable Championship club."

6th

Argyle ran out comfortable 1-0 winners against Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian this evening in the sweltering heat at Marbella Football Center. Freddie Issaka got the only goal of the game with a stunning finish in the first period, as both sides made wholesale changes in each half of the pre-season encounter.

Steven Schumacher's side started the match brightly, resuming the crisp intricate passing that shone throughout last season's title winning campaign. Ryan Hardie had the first chance of the game shooting over from the edge of the box, before further good play from the Scotsman led to a chance for Jordan Houghton. Houghton stole the ball in midfield before playing a neat one-two with Hardie, but his shot didn't match the play as he dragged wide of the left-hand post. Argyle wingers, Mickel Miller and the aforementioned Issaka, shone throughout the first half and combined to bring the latter's first chance, who drew an outstanding fingertip save from Hearts stopper Zander Clark. Clark did not stop there and moments later was at it again, pulling off a fine double save, including a second from Hardie from eight yards out. Miller then followed Issaka's lead and cut in from the right onto his preferred left foot but saw his shot deflected and fall comfortably into Clark's arms. Issaka, still just 16, was the outstanding Argyle player in the opening 45 minutes and got the goal his performance deserved. He cut in from the left wing, a feature of his game, before lashing a brilliant strike in at the near post.

A drinks break followed with the weather conditions proving relentless for both sides and Hearts first opportunity came immediately after the restart. Midfielder Andy Halliday picked up the ball on the edge of the box and lashed a strike at goal, but Callum Burton tipped over. Lawrence Shankland became more of a focal point up front for the Jam Tarts and should have done better but struck over when played through by Alan Forrest. Miller continued to impress and made a 30-yard burst from the right, beating off several challenges, before seeing his shot blocked by the opposition defence. The ball did fall to Caleb Roberts on the rebound, but he could only drag his shot wide of the target. Shankland once again had a chance for the Scottish side as bustly Andy Halliday broke on the left and cut back for the forward, but he could only shoot wide with the goal at his mercy. That proved to be the last chance of note in the first half. Hearts started the second half the brighter after Argyle made nine changes to their line-up. Dan Scarr and Burton were the only starters to remain on the pitch as Schumacher looked to rotate his squad to get them vital minutes in the opening game of pre-season. Callum Sandilands a half-time substitute for Hearts started well and managed to get in behind Jack Endacott who could only foul him and give away a free kick on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece came to nothing.

It took another 15 minutes for a chance of any note, as both sides struggled to find any fluency with the changes made. Callum Wright broke, played in Will Jenkins Davies on the left who's cut back was cleared but picked up by Tyreik Wright. Tyreik calmly passed the ball back to his namesake whose shot was comfortably saved by Harry Stone. Tyreik was involved again in the 67th minute, crossing from the right for forward Ben Waine who couldn't keep his header down and missed the target. Shortly after, James Wilson then got in behind Julio Pleguezuelo before cutting back for Liam Boyce who couldn't quite curl his shot enough into the far corner. Waine had another headed chance from a cross from the left which the New Zealander could only head back just past the post and the closing stages saw little action of note with Argyle content to keep the ball when in possession and form a solid shape when out of it.

A solid start for the Greens with valuable minutes in the tank for the players and attentions will now turn to the game against Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday night.

4th

Plymouth Argyle has confirmed that it has purchased further land adjacent to the stadium from former chairman James Brent to extend the footprint around Home Park. Originally earmarked for an Ice Arena, the land, which had recently become available to purchase, will strengthen and protect the clubs long term growth aspirations alongside its intention to develop Home Park and the surrounding area. For the immediate future the land will be used for temporary facilities such as a gym, possible extension to our match day entertainment, as well as functional purposes such as storage and parking for broadcast vehicles when the club is live on TV. Long term plans will see the site developed alongside a developing wider stadium plan which includes Harpers Football Centre, the Mayflower Stand and the soon to be launched Home Park fan zone. Argyle Chief Executive Andrew Parkinson said: "I would like to thank James for his cooperation and support in allowing us to purchase this land. This is another important step as we look to grow the infrastructure of Home Park and the surrounding areas. The land we have purchased will be used in the short term for facilities such as a gym but will form an integral part of our long-term planning objectives."

3rd

Argyle have signed 22-year-old central defender Lewis Gibson. Gibson joins the Pilgrims on a permanent basis, having left Premier League side Everton.

Durham-born, Gibson's youth career began at Newcastle United, but he switched to Everton close to his 17th birthday. In 2017, Gibson was part of the England squad that won the Under-17 World Cup, during a time when Neil Dewsnip was England's Technical Lead. Gibson subsequently played for the Three Lions at Under-18 and Under-20 level. After four games for Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, Lewis headed to Fleetwood Town for the conclusion of the League One 2019/20 season. Gibson spent the following season at Reading, playing 13 games in the Championship, before a season with Sheffield Wednesday was limited to a handful of games because of injury. Last season he played 33 games on loan at Bristol Rovers.

Argyle manager Steven Schumacher said: "Lewis is an outstanding young defender who has excellent pedigree having come through the youth set-ups at two Premier League clubs. He has also had a number of loan spells in the Football League that have developed him in to the player he is today. We are signing a ball-playing central defender who has his best years ahead of him and has so much room for development. Left-sided defenders are also hard to come by, especially of Lewis' quality, and we beat off a number of clubs trying to clinch his services. We are delighted he has chosen his future is with Argyle and look forward to him running out at Home Park in the Championship."

Neil Dewsnip added: "I'd like to welcome Lewis to Argyle. I'm delighted we have managed to secure his services. Lewis is a player I worked with in my time as Technical Lead with the England age group sides. I have kept a close eye on his development, and I think he will perfectly suit what we are trying to achieve at Home Park."

Peter Cavanagh has joined the Argyle coaching staff. The 41-year-old former right-back has been working as an Academy coach at Manchester City, and before that Everton, and now joins Argyle as a first-team coach. From Bootle in Merseyside, Cavanagh's playing career took place entirely in the North West. He played for Accrington Stanley from 2001 to 2009, and was part of the Stanley side promoted to the EFL. Peter also played for Fleetwood, Rochdale and Altrincham, before moving to Southport as a player/coach. After a spell in charge of Liverpool's Under-11 team, Peter joined Everton's Academy coaching staff in 2015, rising from foundation coach to youth phase lead coach. In January 2022, he became lead foundation coach of Premier League and Champions League winners Manchester City.

Upon the announcement, Cavanagh commented: "I am really excited to be joining the club. To join a club that is on the up is really great to be a part of and I am looking forward to coming into work every day with a smile on my face. I am looking forward to working individually with the players to improve them and then seeing the benefits of that on a Saturday afternoon. All the players have been incredibly receptive so far since I have joined the club and clearly want to improve and get better. It is going to be an exciting season and I can't wait to get started."

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip said: "We are delighted that Peter has decided to join the coaching staff at Argyle. He fits the mould of coach we like to have and joins the club from an excellent coaching pedigree. I have been aware of his journey for a number of years from Everton to Manchester City and he is an extremely sought after coach. His main roles will be to develop an individual development programme for all of the first team players to help them grow and improve which is a key philosophy of the club. Secondly, he will act as a liaison between loan players and their parent club to ensure their continued growth during their time with Argyle. I can't wait to see the impact he has on the club as we head into the Sky Bet Championship season."

Argyle Manager Steven Schumacher added: "It is great to have Peter form part of the coaching staff. We have been aware of his capabilities for some time and thrilled that he has decided to join us. He has already made a considerable impression on the group and his coaching philosophies align with the staff we already have in place at the club. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him as we head into the Championship campaign."

Argylehave announced that long-term Principal Partner Ginsters have extended their commitment to the club for a further two years. Ginsters will once again use their partnership to drive awareness and support of Project 35, with both parties continuing to work hand in hand helping to combat food poverty across the South West. The Project 35 logo will remain on the Argyle shirts, taking pride of place on the back of shirt for the next two years.

Since its launch a year ago, Project 35 has made an immediate difference to thousands of lives across the region. Our work together has provided more than 35,000 Ginsters products to families and individuals most in need across Devon and Cornwall, as well as 4.1 tonnes of ambient food and personal hygiene items being donated to Plymouth Foodbank and the Plymouth Food Network across just two Argyle home games. The initiative has also provided over 13,000 lunch and food hampers, offered 320 families and individuals the chance to watch an Argyle home game that normally wouldn't get the opportunity, and also seen 80 people sign up to be a part of our Manadon Food Club which supports people weekly with products from our food larder.

James Greenacre, Argyle Head of Commercial, is delighted to see the partnership between the two entities extended and said: "Ginsters have been a long-term partner of the club for many a year and we are thrilled that they have extended their commitment for a further two years. The partnership has gone from strength to strength in the past few years which was epitomised by the launch of our ground-breaking community initiative, Project 35 last summer. The region means so much to the club, and Ginsters, and making a difference to the lives of the people of Devon and Cornwall is integral to what the partnership is trying to achieve. Project 35 has already made a massive difference since its inception last year and will once again appear on Argyle shirts for the next two season as we look to take the initiative and partnership to a whole new level. Having seen first-hand how passionately members of the Ginsters team have supported Project 35 over the last year, I am excited to see the partnership continue to evolve over the next 24 months – and I am delighted that we're continuing to work with an organisation whose values embody our own here at Argyle."

This extension brings the current term of Ginsters Principal Partnership to nine years, and 15 years commitment to Argyle in total. Sam Mitchell, Managing Director of Ginsters added: "We're proud to continue our commitment to Project 35, working with Plymouth Argyle and The Argyle Community Trust to deliver such important support to our local community. We have been so humbled by the response to the initiative since it launched, and each of our team are personally invested in continuing this great work. We're looking forward to building on what we've already achieved together in the last 12 months and evolving the work that we do to ensure that we continue to provide help to those in need in the South West."

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