THE DAILY DIARY

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

Wednesday 31st May 2023

Ryan Hardie's decision to remain an Argyle player by signing a new three-year contract has been well received in many quarters. Steven Schumacher is naturally delighted to have retained the services of his leading goalscorer, and the Green Army reacted favourably to the news that the popular Scot is to remain a Pilgrim as Argyle prepare themselves for life back in the Championship. To Ryan himself, while his relationships with the supporters and the manager are clearly important to him, the opinions of a couple of people much closer to home played a huge part in his decision to stay. In fact, call it a collective decision. A motivating factor for Ryan agreeing the new deal was how happy his partner Chloe and his young son are with life in the South West. Ryan and the clan moved down following his move to Argyle in January 2021. The striker had been on loan in two separate spells over the previous 12 months, then made the switch a permanent one. It is a decision none of the family have ever regretted.

Ryan said: "When I made the move permanently, we spoke about: 'was this a place to bring up a young child?' Thankfully we made the decision that it was because it's been unreal so far. It's massively important that they're happy; Chloe absolutely loves it here. My son is settled in nursery and I don't think there's a better place to raise a young boy. He's absolutely loving his time here. He loves the warm weather, going to the beaches and stuff. He comes to all the games and he's always got a smile on his face saying 'daddy's football'. It certainly does make it easier. Originally, it was a six-month loan; I fully expected to be here six months and then that would be me. When I had the chance to make it permanent, it was something that I wanted to do straight away."

After Argyle sealed promotion against Burton Albion in the penultimate game of the season, followed by a title-clinching closer at Port Vale, Ryan and his team-mates celebrated in style, domestically and further afield. Once the party settled, job one for Hardie this summer was to sign a new contract, and it did not take long to tick that task off. Hardie and Schumacher quickly came to terms, and Ryan says that the faith shown in him by the boss was another factor in his decision to stay. "We've managed to get it done pretty quickly," he said. "We went away for bit of a celebration and it was spoken about as soon as we got back. It was always the plan to get something sorted. At the start of last season, an extension was spoken about. We put it to the back of our minds and agreed that the main focus was getting promotion. We managed to achieve that, and as soon as the, the season was finished, the first thing that we spoke about was about getting the new deal sorted. I think it was a deal that that suited both parties. I've enjoyed the time that I've been here; I've been here three years and I think that the gaffer's enjoyed having me. It was something that we were both really keen to get done. When I came in, he was the assistant manager, so I became quite close with him. We did activities outside of football as well, so I did become really tight with him. When he became the gaffer, it was a different kettle of fish, it was not as easy to do things outside of football with him, but that's part and parcel of the game. As a manager, he's been incredible. He's put full faith in me and I think I've repaid a bit of that faith with my goals. That was a massive factor on me signing my extension, because of the faith that he has put in me. I know that he's got the trust that'll be able to do it again next year."

Next season, Argyle will tackle life in England's second tier of football. Hardie had a fleeting taste of Championship life with Blackpool, but soon joined Argyle in League Two. Two promotions later, Hardie is back in the Championship, and having grabbed goals at each level with the Greens, he is raring to prove himself when elevated yet another level. He said: "From the start of my time here, the goal was to get promoted to League One and then as soon as I made it permanent, I wanted to get the club back to where they belong, which I feel is a club competing in the Championship. It's something that I'm definitely proud of, and I'm looking forward to seeing how well we can do next year. It'll be a change. This year we played against teams that would sit in and make it two banks of four to make it hard to break down. Next year, I think teams will come and probably expect to take points off us, so it'll open up more space. Space for me means running in behind, and running in behind means chances on goal."

27th

With his contract due to expire this summer, Dan Scarr has agreed fresh terms with the Pilgrims ahead of a return to the Sky Bet Championship and will stay at Home Park until at least the summer of 2025. The 28-year-old was an integral part of Steven Schumacher's title winning side last season making 32 appearances, with 30 starts, also contributing two vital goals.

A focal point of Argyle's defence, Manager Schumacher is delighted to see Scarr commit to the Pilgrims for the next two seasons, commenting: "I am really pleased that Dan has signed for another two years as he is an integral part of what we are trying to achieve. "He is a big, strong defender and is equally good with the ball at his feet which is so important to the way we like to play football. The fans saw last year just how important he was, and I am sure they are as excited as I am to see him running out at Home Park again."

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip believes it is a testament to Scarr's character and added: "Dan has worked his way up the football ladder having played in non-league, League Two and League One. He has become important to our squad, and we believe he will make an immediate impact in the Championship next season. He works so hard and is always trying to improve which is exactly the character we want as part of the group moving forward. Following the announcement of Ryan Hardie on Thursday, we are delighted to tie down two key members of the squad already."

26th

Argyle has confirmed that Niall Ennis will join Blackburn Rovers upon the expiration of his contract. Steven Schumacher is disappointed to see Ennis depart but believes the squad will still be in a strong place for the start of the Championship campaign. He commented: "It is always a shame to see talented players depart, and Niall played a big part in our success last season. We offered him a contract which we felt was fair but understand that he wants to pursue a new opportunity with Blackburn. Departures give opportunities for other players and we will continue working hard to strengthen our squad ahead of the upcoming season."

25th

Ryan Hardie has signed a new contract to stay at Home Park. The 26-year-old forward has agreed a three-year deal to extend his Pilgrims stint into a fifth season, and beyond. With 17 goals, Hardie was Argyle's leading goalscorer in 2022/23, as the Pilgrims were promoted as champions from Sky Bet League One. Now he is set for his first crack at the Championship.

Steven Schumacher is delighted to see the forward commit his future to Argyle and commented: "It is great news that Ryan has committed his long-term future to the club. He was an integral part of our success last season and will be a big part of what we are aiming to achieve moving forward. "At just 26 years of age he still as lots of room for growth and development and is exactly the sort of player we want as part of the squad as we head into the Championship next season. Ryan believes in what we are trying to achieve here, and I am so excited he will be a part of the next step on our journey."

Neil Dewsnip added: "Ryan fits the exact profile of the type of player we want as part of the squad moving forward. We have a young, talented and ambitious squad who will be taking on the Championship next season. "He is quick, athletic and has excellent movement and we are confident he will hit the ground running against Championship defences. This is an exciting summer for the club, and I am delighted we have managed to get Ryan's services sorted so quickly."

19th

Jay Matete arrived at Argyle in unusual fashion. He joined the squad the night before the Greens' away game at Bolton Wanderers, and was quickly thrust into action the following day, as a substitute in a 0-0 draw. It seemed not to faze the all-action midfielder, though, and served as a microcosm of the whole season. Matete, in on loan from Sunderland, was joining an Argyle side top of Sky Bet League One, and he needed to slot in seamlessly and he did.

Speaking to Argyle TV having finished his loan spell with the League One champions, Matete credits a welcoming environment for the transition. "I came into a winning culture," said Jay. "I've enjoyed it a lot. Every time I stepped on the pitch, I just tried to embrace it, and enjoy it. I love winning, so I felt like I fitted in quite well within the group. Demands are high within the players, the staff, everyone. It was just about me maintaining my own standards and not trying to let anyone down. It was unreal. Honestly, it's unreal. When I first came in, I got introduced to everyone, I was maybe a bit nervous, but they just brought me into the changing room, everyone was cool with me. I've met some teammates there that I'll probably speak to for a long time. The goal when I signed was to get promoted – and we won the league. Objective: completed."

Matete's home debut, a 4-2 win against Cheltenham Town, saw the midfielder provide a memorable assist for Sam Cosgrove, and he scored his only Argyle goal in a 3-1 win at Morecambe. However, when pressed for a highlight during his time as a Pilgrim, Jay selected a game in which he only played 35 minutes. What a performance it was, though. Matete came off the bench with Argyle a goal down against Derby County at Home Park, live on Sky TV, and was an inspiration as the Greens turned the game around and won 2-1. Jay was voted as man of the match that night, and it is a game that was at the forefront of his mind when asked to recall his top moments. "I really enjoyed Derby," he said. "For some reason that one sticks in my mind. It was sold out, a Tuesday night. I came on and I thought I made a big impact that day and I really enjoyed it. Derby felt good. The atmosphere was rocking that day and I was just fired up."

The four months that Jay spent with Argyle were clearly happy ones for him, and he now has a second straight promotion from League One on his CV, following a play-off final victory with Sunderland the season prior. Summing up his spell, he said: "I've loved it. I'll say it probably exceeded expectations. There's some big hitters in League One; big, big players on big wages elsewhere, and their expectations are probably to get automatics. Here, maybe it was playoffs, I don't know. But I would say we've exceeded it. We've done well. We've won the league, we're the best team in the league, so everyone here should be proud of themselves."

After a season-long loan spell which saw him pick up many awards and accolades, Bali Mumba has credited his team-mates, the Green Army and Steven Schumacher for helping to make his stay a dream one. Asked to sum up his manager for the season, Steven Schumacher, Bali's initial response was brief but emphatic. "He's unbelievable," said Bali. "Legend. Just simple as that. Great guy, easy to get along with. I think that's one of the reasons why I've done so well, when you've got a gaffer that is so chilled, and laid back. When it's time to work, it's time to work, but when he's got so much confidence in you and puts his faith in you, the only way you are going to pay it back is by putting in performances. It's a great changing room. It's the best I've been in. I'm not just saying that. Everyone gets along with everyone. The senior boys get along with the younger lads. It's just such a great bunch and the bond we have is unbreakable. That's why we've stuck together this season and got where we are. The fans – where do I start? The support that they showed - not just to me, but the team - travelling the journeys that we do every game and for them to come in numbers, you want to put in a performance for them. There have been games where it has been disappointing, but we've always wanted to put it right the next game and give them something to smile about and to encourage them to come to the next one. They've just been great. They are key to the success that we have had."

Among Mumba's six-goal haul were a tremendous long-range effort against Exeter City, and two excellent efforts against Ipswich Town, the first in a 2-1 home win, the other a last-minute equaliser in the away game. To someone who caught a bit of flak from the Ipswich fans because of his Norwich affiliation, the Portman Road goal is a memory that rates highly during his spell with the Greens, a time Bali clearly cherished. "I think the sweetest one would have been at their place to make it 1-1 and to come home with a point," said Bali. "If I could relive a moment, I think it would be that; that was a sweet moment for me. The first memory is my goal against Exeter. That was my first professional derby and to play a part and score in a derby is something that you dream of as a kid. I also loved getting promoted and proving everyone wrong; everyone that's written us off. That's just the best feeling, to know that you just proved everyone wrong who doubted the team. I have nothing bad to say at all about my loan spell. It's been great. There's a lot of crazy memories that will live with me and I'll always speak about. If I had to rate it, it would be a 10. I wouldn't change anything. The experience was perfect. Argyle's got a special place in my heart. A special place, special club, special fans. I'll always be rooting for Argyle, no matter where I'm at. I feel like Argyle have got another supporter, which is me."

18th

Finn Azaz has looked back fondly on a successful loan spell at Argyle as the title winning season came to an end and the Irish midfielder returned to Aston Villa and went off to enjoy a well earned off-season break. Azaz admitted that the success of the season surpassed even his own wildest expectations. He reflected on his season in green: "I remember saying that I wanted to win games and develop. I didn't expect us to win the league, but I didn't know the dressing room and how good the squad was. It couldn't really have gone any better in terms of the development part and the winning games part. I had to develop my character when I was injured, and sometimes being out the team, sometimes flying - I was flying until I got injured. I think I've shown that I haven't found my ceiling. In League Two I did well enough to get out of it, League One I've done well enough to get out. The way the scouting system works, if you're unproven, then you have to prove yourself. I think I've proven myself this year. My target is to play in the Premier League, so in order to get to that, I have to prove it. I've done my. I've done what I needed to do in proving it this year.

"I've worked with a few managers now. This year, I've had such a good relationship with him. I think he'd say the same. We have really similar mindsets and attitudes towards football. It's been smooth sailing from a manager point of view this year, which doesn't always happen for sure. I feel like everyone is a winner. Even when we lost a game, no-one was fazed. We just knew this was our job, just go and win next time. In terms of in the changing room, it was just really good relationships between everyone, everyone got along really well. It sounds cliche, but we did. Different personalities gelled, young or old, or from different places. I've loved the year and I think when I look back, I'll have really fun memories of it. It's flown by. Maybe that's because we were winning games, but I think the city - living by the sea - the fans, the changing room, the staff - everything has just been a really fun year."

Steven Schumacher has kept an open mind to the possibiity of Azaz playing in green next season. He mooted the possibility, by giving praise to all the loanees who have played their part in Argyle's promotion. Schummacher said: "Anything is possible. You can't rule anything out. I think all of them have contributed this season and played a huge part. We have loved working with them all. I think we have done our job to their clubs, we have helped them develop. They have got experience.They have all been brilliant and I can't thank them enough. Yeah, I would love to work with them again. Whether it's possible, we will see. We will have those conversations when we sit down and narrow the list of what we need.

"Again, these are conversations we are going to have to have. Anything is possible. We will make phone calls, we will have discussions. Every time you see Finn Azaz he has walked around here with a smile on his face. He has loved it and his talent is undeniable. Could he play at the next level as well? Yeah, I think he could so we will be having those conversations whenever we can with the people at Aston Villa. Whatever the plans Aston Villa have got with Finn I'm sure we will be in the conversation.

"Norwich might have plans for Bali to play in their team and if they have then good luck to Bali, but if they haven't and the option is for us to have a go at taking him again then, yeah, we would because he's brilliant. He loved his time here - he has gone on record and said it - and I think we have done a good job by him. He had a tough loan last year at Peterborough and he has had an unbelievable loan here where he has become a fans' favourite. He has expressed himself, he has shown everybody how good he is and if the option was to come and work with us again then I think he would."

16th

Finn Azaz is on the shortlist for the PFA Fans' Player of the Year for League One. Azaz, on loan throughout the 2022/23 season to Argyle from Aston Villa, played 39 times and scored eight goals in the Pilgrims' title-winning campaign. He scored the first and last goals of Argyle's amazing season, and frequently caught the eye with his creativity in a 'number 10' role. Finn is joined on the shortlist by Aaron Collins of Bristol Rovers, Alfie May of Cheltenham Town, David McGoldrick of Derby County, Conor Chaplin of Ipswich Town and Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United.

When Danny Mayor became a Pilgrim, the side he was joining was in a state of flux. Argyle had just been relegated to League Two, and new manager Ryan Lowe and his assistant at the time, Steven Schumacher, were about a month into the job. Mayor had been a player at Bury alongside Lowe and Schumacher as team-mates, and then under them as a management duo, as the Shakers achieved promotion but then devastatingly went out of business. By the end of June 2019, all three had landed in Plymouth. Four years and two promotions later, Mayor is about to depart, but could not have picked a better way to bow out. Argyle are the League One champions, gaining 101 points on the way to claiming a place in England's second-tier once more. By a mutual agreement, Mayor will not go there with them, and will leave the club before the new season starts, but few, if any, have played a bigger part in lifting the Greens to where they are today. "I never thought it would go like this," Danny told Argyle TV. This is my fourth promotion, but this has been probably my most special for a few reasons. To end like this now is just perfect. It's the perfect way to go out. It's quite emotional. It really is. No-one thought I would stay here for four years. No-one. I have loved my time here. If I was younger, maybe I would do another couple of years. But I am excited to go and see my family. I was heartbroken after last season because we got so close. We got 80 points and I was convinced we were going to do it last season. It's testament to the players and the staff that after such a heart-breaking way for it to end, to come back and win the league with 101 points is mind-blowing really. It's a proud moment, not just for me, for the whole club and for all the players to do this. It's a bit different for me because I am leaving. It's just nice to finish in this way, especially after the last season. I was heartbroken after last season because we got so close. We got 80 points and I was convinced we were going to do it. It's testament to the players and the staff that after such a heartbreaking way for it to end, to come back and win the league with 101 points is mind-blowing really."

Mayor's relationship with Schumacher as team-mates, through Schumacher's stint as assistant manager and now the man in charge, is clearly a strong bond. Danny made it clear that he believes Argyle continue to be in the safest of hands, praising the gaffer as both a manager and a man. "I love his attention to detail, on and off the pitch," said Mayor. "I've met managers that care about you on the pitch, but maybe not off it. He does. He cares about how you are getting on, how your family is getting on because first and foremost he wants you to be happy. You don't find many people like him in football and I feel very fortunate that I've got to work with him for five-and-a-half years. It's my third promotion with him. I can't speak highly enough of him."

Before coming Argyle, Schumacher was clearly a known quantity to Danny, but at that point, other than playing against them a couple of times, the Green Army remained a mystery. He soon saw what they were all about. An early conversation with coach Kevin Nancekivell, followed by the experience of playing his first game in green and white, a 3-0 opening day win at Crewe Alexandra, soon opened his eyes. Mayor said: "When I first got there, Nance would tell me about them and say they are nuts - in a good way. They love the club, they will support the club and then you think: 'is that not most fans?' But it's not - how they turn out, how amazing they are, how loud they are. They are another level. I remember the Crewe game. I remember them just lined up around the streets and I remember thinking: 'this is a big club; this is a proper club.' The season that I came, it was after a poor season, after a relegation. To see them turn out the next season and support. We managed to get promoted that first season and it was incredible. I remember saying to Joe Edwards and Will Aimson: 'if we do well here, they will be incredible' - and they have been for four years. They have been fantastic."

11th

It speaks a lot for Michael Cooper's humble character that, less than an hour after being named as the Argyle Supporters' Player of the Season for 2022/23, when asked for his highlights of the season, he spoke about the man who replaced him longer than he spoke of himself. In Cooper's 29th League One game of the season, having played a starring role in helping Argyle to the top of the division, the 23-year-old goalkeeper ruptured his knee, in what would turn out to be a season-ending injury. However, any doubts fans had about Callum Burton, the man who stepped into the boots – and the gloves – of Cooper, they were put to bed soon enough, as the Greens did not miss a step, and continued their winning ways, even without their number one number one. Callum was superb, and Argyle sealed promotion to the Championship with a win against Burton Albion in the penultimate game of the season, before clinching the title on the final day at Port Vale.

Speaking to Argyle TV, and being asked for his stand-out moments, Cooper said: "Against Sheffield Wednesday at home, I stretched out to my right and tipped one round the post. That was a bonkers game; that was a biggie. "But what really settled it down was Accrington away. I was on holiday. We won 2-0 and Cal continued it all. He caught every cross, made every save. From then on, I just knew that we'd do it. As soon as Cal went into the team, I'm pretty sure everyone said: 'we'll be fine'. It's proven to be right. I'm pretty sure our points per game's gone up. He's been brilliant."

At Argyle's awards evening on Tuesday night, Cooper was presented with the Player of the Season trophy for the second time, joining an elite list of Pilgrims to win the award twice, including Paul Wotton, Graham Carey, Steve McCall and Carl Fletcher. "I can't put it into words," a visibly moved Cooper said. "Growing up through the academy, it's something you could only dream of. Getting Young Player of the Season a few years back - that was as good as I thought it would get. To get the Supporters' Player last year and this year, it just means so much, just seeing how much they support the club. I've known since such a young age how much the football means to them. As I've said for so long now, to get the club back to the Championship, there's so much effort that's gone into it behind the scenes, from the staff and the players -now that we're there, it is just the best feeling. I just can't wait to finally be a Championship player. It's something that has been on my mind all season. I've been so desperate to get to get up so we can play in the Championship. I know how much I've missed it because when I've come on the pitch at full-time here against Burton and then at Port Vale, to get that buzz that you get off the fans. I haven't felt it for three months. To finally feel that again, it makes you realise how much the fans and winning three points means to you. I cannot wait to be part of it again."

10th

Five out-of-contract members of the title-winning Argyle squad have been offered contracts to stay at Home Park beyond this season.

The contracts of Jordan Houghton, James Wilson, Dan Scarr, Ryan Hardie, and Niall Ennis all come to an end this summer, but each will be offered terms to remain a Pilgrim, as Argyle get set to tackle a Sky Bet Championship campaign next season. Brendan Galloway has played sufficient games to have triggered a one-year extension to his current contract. Following last week's update of Ryan Law, Finley Craske and Brandon Pursall leaving the club, it has been confirmed that James Bolton, Danny Mayor, Conor Grant, Luke Jephcott and Adam Parkes have also not been offered new contracts and will depart. There are also five players whose loan deals have now ended. Sam Cosgrove, Bali Mumba, Finn Azaz, Nigel Lonwijk and Jay Matete have all played major parts in Argyle's triumph in League One this season, and now return to their parent clubs.

"This is the absolute hardest part of being a manager," said Steven Schumacher. "To have to say goodbye to people, who have become more than just a player, who have actually become good friends over the last five years is incredibly hard. Danny Mayor has been there every day throughout my coaching career so far, and to not be working with him and watching him play from now on is going to feel very strange indeed. We both feel, for the sake of Danny's beautiful young family, the time has come for him to move back home and take on a new challenge. I'm going to miss him so much, but what a way to end our journey together! Conor Grant has also been one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make as a manager. The ability that Conor has is undoubted, but the standout best qualities he possesses are his personality and professionalism. He has been a pleasure to work with and for five years he has represented this football club with total class. It has been a difficult season for Conor trying to overcome some injury problems, but I believe his goal at Accrington was one of the most important in our season. I just want to thank him and wish him well for the future. James Bolton, Luke Jephcott, Ryan Law, Finley Craske, Brandon Pursall and Adam Parkes, have all been amazing people to work with. When you have to release players who have come through our own Academy and played a huge part in our success over the last few years, it is really tough. I do sincerely wish all of the lads the best in the future, and I will look forward to seeing them all again soon."

8th

Hollywood promotions are all the rage at the moment, but whatever they have dreamed up in North Wales, all the scriptwriters in Tinseltown and Wrexham combined cannot top how Adam Randell is feeling right now. "I'm genuinely speechless," he said, at one stage during his Argyle TV post-match interview.

Randell's equaliser when Argyle had fallen behind at Port Vale was a crucial one, and it was followed four minutes later by a Joe Edwards goal to turn the game completely on its head. Finn Azaz scored in the second half to seal the victory, and Argyle were champions, having accumulated 101 points in the season. Cue scenes of euphoria after the game, with few more elated than 22-year-old Adam, having literally the time of his life. "I can't think that days get a lot better, I'll be honest," he said, when words began to form. It's unbelievable. We've had the best week ever. It'll take some beating. It's just been amazing. It's been absolutely surreal. It's just unthinkable at the start of the season. You're feeling positive and you're going into it thinking that you can beat anyone, but to actually achieve it and to do it is another thing. We had the belief the whole time and towards the end of the season you start thinking: 'we can actually do this.' And we did. We've done it. These lads have done so well, I'm thankful to all of them for helping me - and my club."

As usual, the understated Randell found the words he needed to. Echoing his style of play, he was poised and incisive, and when challenged to pick one word to describe the Argyle side in which he plays, he found the right word as if he was pinging a 30-yard ball into the path of a wing-back. "Relentless," he said, nailing it. "The quality and the demands we set for ourselves every day is just top level. I think that's different to what I've experienced previously. You are always trying to do your best, but it's just a different level of individual commitment. Everyone's been completely committed to the cause. No one's got ahead of themselves or thought they're too good. Everyone's been completely as one unit, in one thought, all going in the same direction."

At the head of the table, Steven Schumacher, the Argyle manager who since December 2021 has wowed us all, fans and players alike. In his first full season as a boss, Schumacher has earned a trophy, a medal and the respect of all who play for him, Randell included. "He's done an incredible job," said Adam. "He and the backroom staff put all the plans together, we're just the ones that go out and do it. They're the minds behind it. He's done amazingly. He's put more effort in than anyone to get us back where we belong."

There was a curious stat about Adam heading into this game. He had four Argyle goals to his name, three this season, and none had come in an Argyle victory. A goal at Home Park still awaits, but Randell's goal at Vale marked the first time he had scored in a win, and talk about timing – it came in a game that will live in Argyle folklore forever. "It's what you dream about," said Adam. "It's what you grew up wanting to do. All those hours that have been put in, to have moments like this and to be living in the memory of Argyle fans is just amazing. The curse is broken, clearly! What a time to do it! Thankfully the lads scored another couple, because I was half thinking in the back of my mind: 'Oh no, I've scored!' "We stuck to it and had a couple of bits of quality to bury the game. I'm buzzing."

7th

101 points, 82 goals, 31 victories and one gleaming trophy. Argyle secured a magnificent Sky Bet League One title with a powerful 3-1 victory at Port Vale, thanks to goals from Adam Randell, Joe Edwards and substitute Finn Azaz. The Pilgrims knew the equation before kick-off, at least match the result achieved by Ipswich at Fleetwood and the title would be heading back to Home Park. Argyle removed any doubt with an outstanding display, despite conceding an early goal to youngster James Plant. Randell drew the Greens level with a fabulous strike on 34 minutes and captain Edwards made it 2-1 with a back-post finish before half-time. Azaz confirmed the win with the final goal of a brilliant campaign, guiding a delicious finish into the top corner.

Argyle: Burton, Gillesphey, Houghton, Wilson, Scarr, Edwards, Mayor (Azaz), Ennis (Hardie), Mumba (Grant), Randell, Wright (Matete). Substitutes (not used): Parkes, Cosgrove, Lonwijk.

To the casual observer, it was the same Steven Schumacher who stepped in front of the Argyle TV camera just before 3pm on Sunday. He was smartly dressed, he had a smile on his face, as he has done after a league victory 31 times this season, and he prepared to face post-match questions. The biggest difference, though, was that he had a medal round his neck. A few minutes earlier, he had joined his staff and his squad in lifting the Sky Bet League One winners' trophy. The celebrations were boisterous, safe, and memorable. It will have meant a lot to every single Argyle fan, wherever they tuned in from, and you can include Schumacher among that number, as this club has etched itself onto his heart. "I can't even put into words what that means," he said, gold medal glinting in the afternoon Staffordshire sun. "It means everything. It's the missing one in the collection. I've got a silver medal from promotion with Bury, a play-off medal, a third-place medal with Argyle a couple of years ago. Now we've got the one that says we're champions and I couldn't be any prouder. It's just amazing."

Argyle's promotion has been no less than remarkable. Competing with more established clubs, with more resources and seemingly better prospects, the Greens amassed 101 points, a staggering total, to win the league by three points from Ipswich Town. The total was 21 points higher than the previous season's tally of 80 points, which saw Argyle cruelly miss out on the play-offs. They were always going to aim higher – they could scarcely have dreamed just how much higher they would soar. "The target was always to get promotion," said Schumacher. "Could we get into the playoffs - which we managed to do. Then we said, okay, can we get an automatic promotion? A few weeks ago, when we were on a run, and Ipswich were on their run, we said: 'come on, who's going to blink first? Let's go and win the league.' I said to the players before we went out to at Exeter, and we had just lost to Lincoln: 'Come on, let's go and play like a team that shows everyone we can win the league and put a performance on that says that we're ready.' On that day, and from that moment onwards, we've been outstanding. Everyone to a man has been so professional, we've got the job done and we deserve to be champions. For us to get 101 points in a season that's been so competitive. We've gone away from home against top sides and backed ourselves to beat the big teams this year. Last year we highlighted that we didn't beat anybody really in the top six so - could we address that? We did. So many times this season we've gone behind. We've had adversity, but the players have showed unbelievable character. I think the staff have been so calm, not to lose our rag and lose focus, just keep trying to move forwards and we've done enough. In my humble opinion, I feel as though we deserve to be crowned champions today."

Argyle were forced to show character once again, in this final game, after conceded a goal very early in the game, to Vale's James Plant. The Greens rallied, though, and after equalising through Adam Randell, quickly went ahead with Joe Edwards' third goal in five matches. In the second half, substitute Finn Azaz made it 3-1 and effectively ensured that the divisional trophy, which had been ensconced within Vale Park, was destined for the Home Park display cabinet. It seems incredible to think that it was only five weeks ago that – also wearing the mint third kit – that Argyle went behind to a very early goal, at Wembley Stadium of all places, and lost the Papa Johns Trophy final to Bolton Wanderers. On that day, Argyle folded, and lost 4-0. Since then, Argyle have won seven out of eight games, including the last six in a row, to finish the season in true style. Schumacher said: "Conceding the goal in the first two minutes of the game, I thought: 'oh no - another big day where all our fans are here, the occasion,' but I feel like we learned from that experience at Wembley. We didn't panic. We shouted on to the lads to try to stay calm and just stay a little bit more compact. Don't let the game go away from us because at 2-0 then it's a mountain to climb. We weathered the storm for 10 minutes – I thought Port Vale were very good - and then once we settled into the game, we managed to find some quality to get the important goals that have won us the league.The players and everyone concerned will go down in Argyle history," said Schumacher. "Our painting will be on the wall and all of that because that's what successful teams do. Everybody can say this year that they have given 100%; we've given everything that we could possibly have. We've gone above and beyond expectation. We've managed to get ourselves over the line. Everybody in the city, Argyle fans, all our sponsors, everyone connected with the club can go and go and enjoy this weekend again. Let's have another brilliant open-top bus parade tomorrow and then the summer's going to be an enjoyable one. This club, especially with the times that we've had, our fans have to dig together and get us out of bit of trouble for 10 years ago. For us now to be where we are, back in the championship and to say we're back as champions, it's super special. I can't wait to celebrate with everyone."

6th

Port Vale are set to try to act as party poopers as Argyle head to Vale Park on Sunday, knowing a win would ensure the League One title. To do so, the promoted Pilgrims need to match or better Ipswich Town's score, as the Tractor Boys head to Fleetwood Town.

Vale have already upset Argyle once this season, become the first side – and one of only two in all – to win at Home Park in the league. With interim manager Andy Crosby overseeing the Valiants, Argyle boss Steven Schumacher says that his team have a very obvious motivation of their own. He said: "We know what is at stake if we go and play well, perform and win the game. We win the league – there is no more motivation needed than that. To be able to say that we are champions of League One would be an unbelievable achievement. That's what we said to the players at the end of the Burton game: 'well done, let's go and party – but let's go and win the league to top it off'. The job is done as far as promotion goes, but it is not done when it comes to winning the league. We want to come back down to Plymouth with a trophy and a winner's medal. There will be no greater feeling than that. Going into the game having already secured automatic promotion probably gives everyone a bit of relief. We're not going in with the tension of losing everything on the last day. The lads can play with freedom, that's what we will be encouraging them to do. Sheffield Wednesday are on 93 points; Ipswich, with how good they have been, could potentially get to 100 points. They've been unbelievable, both teams. If we could come out on top ahead of them, we'll be remembered forever. Andy Crosby will be saying to them to go and play with freedom, express yourself and, with nothing to lose, go and stop the party. That will be his message, I'm guessing. They're safe. I think they have been really good this season, Port Vale, for their first season in League One after getting promoted. There was a period where they weren't playing well, and they sacked their manager, which was a surprise to me, but they are a good team. I've watched our game back, from when we played them last time. They were good, really well organised. They scored from a set piece, which is one of their main threats, and the second goal came from a counter-attack, which is a huge threat that they have got."

The away end at Vale Park has long been sold out, with 4,000 of the Green Army set to see the season's denouement, and Schumacher is desperate to give them what they are coming to see – and what the boss feels they deserve. Vale are not going to let us create our own party atmosphere. We will have to earn the three points – hopefully we can do that. Everyone has celebrated and are delighted that we are going to be in the Championship next season, but there are 4,000 of our fans who deserve to see their team win the league. If we can do our business, concentrate and perform to the levels that we can, then hopefully the party will continue."

5th

Niall Ennis has been voted as the supporters' Argyle Player of the Month for April. "Thank you to the fans for all the support, all through the season," said Niall. "At one point I was waiting for a scan result, and I thought my season was done. To come back and play a part in us getting promotion, I couldn't have asked for a better end to the season. Before the game, the gaffer said 'be the hero' - after the game, he hugged me and said: 'now you are the hero!' We've got one more game left, hopefully I can get a goal that helps us to another win - and the title."

Ryan Law, Finley Craske and Brandon Pursall will all be leaving Argyle at the end of the season. The three players, who have all come through the Argyle Academy, are out of contract in June, and will depart Home Park this summer.

Ryan, 23, has spent much of this season on loan at Yeovil Town and Gillingham. Prior to that, he had a spell with Torquay United. The left wing-back has been with Argyle since the age of eight, and made his EFL debut in April 2021, having previously played a handful of cup ties. Finley, 20, has played nine times for the Greens, including three substitute appearances in the league. During his time with Argyle, he has also spent time out on loan at Tiverton Town, Plymouth Parkway, Truro City and Yeovil Town. Nineteen-year-old Brandon's eight Argyle appearances all came in the Papa Johns Trophy, starting with his debut in September 2020, against Norwich City Under-21s, when Pursall was just 16. Brandon has also spent time out on loan, with Plymouth Parkway and Tavistock.

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip, said: "We would like to thank Ryan, Finley and Brandon for their service to the football club, and wish them all the very best in their futures. We have opted to inform them all now to give them the best possible chance of securing a club for next season, and beyond." Manager Steven Schumacher said: "It has been a pleasure working with all three lads, who have shown themselves to be excellent professionals and good people. I am sure all will have a future in the game, and we wish them well."

3rd

Steven Schumacher is one of the nominations for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month for April. A month that concluded with the Pilgrims' promotion to the Championship began with a 3-1 win at Morecambe, followed by defeat at home to Lincoln City, just the second home loss of the season for Schumacher's side. Argyle regrouped though, winning five straight games, against Exeter City, Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United, Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion. The final game of that run saw emotional scenes as Niall Ennis's goal made the Greens' promotion a certainty. Schumacher is joined in the nominations list by fellow promotion-winning manager Kieran McKenna, of Ipswich Town, as well Liam Manning of Oxford United and Mark Bonner of Cambridge United, who have improved their respective sides' survival hopes. The winner will be announced on Friday, 5 May.

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