THE DAILY DIARY

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

Friday 30th September 2022

Steven Schumacher admitted that he places high demands on 21-year-old midfielder Adam Randell as he continues his breakout season at Home Park. The manager explained: "His development is probably where we expected it to be. When we first came down here he was in and around the first team squad. In the second year we felt it was important that he went and played games so his loan to Torquay did him the world of good. Last year he played in some games, and in some big games, but probably wasn't ready to start all the time. So the conversation we had with Adam when he signed his new contract in February was that he had to force himself into the team and make it so we couldn't drop him. At the moment he's playing really well. I still think there is loads of areas in his game that he can improve on as well. And being a midfield player that might be me being a little bit harsh on him but he understands where I'm coming from. I think everyone can see he is progressing, he is doing really well and he has become an important player in the team. He might say it's a hindrance because I'm quite demanding of him, of when he can play forwards more or if he gives a sloppy pass away by not concentrating. I have been in that position loads of times and would get frustrated. I remember Ryan Lowe being similar with the centre-forwards. He was on their case all the time because that was his position. When you feel as though you have got a good grasp of what that position requires then maybe you are a little harder on him, but I think he knows it's coming from the right place and he knows I only want him to get better. We all do. Hughesy and Nance are huge fans of Adam. He's doing really well, he just needs to try and keep his standards up to stay in the team."

29th

Steven Schumacher praised the collective performance of his squad as he looked ahead to Argyle's crunch League One fixture at Wycombe, saying: "The overall satisfaction is that it isn't just one player playing well. The whole squad is contributing. We've seen the impact the substitutes have made in the last five or six games. Whoever starts the game is performing, and then we are getting lads coming on the pitch and finishing the game plan. There's no better feeling than when you put together a plan to try to get your ideas across to the players, and then it's over to the players to go out and execute. They're doing brilliantly at the moment, taking on the information, and they look as though they are enjoying it. That's the main plus for me. Everyone is playing well, they are in good form, and playing with smiles on their faces. The long that continues, the better. They're a tough team to play against," said Schumacher. "It's undeniable how they play. It's quite clear what they do and what they are good at. It's probably the polar opposite of the type of game we just witnessed on Sunday. It will be a different test, it's one we have to stand up to, to try to play our football when we can, and try to cause Wycombe problems. We are under no illusions that it's going to be anything but a hard game, because it always is. They have had a slower start than would probably be expected. They've had injuries, but are getting a more balanced squad together now. Their players at the top end of the pitch are firing, getting going – Mehmeti in particular, he looks a really good talent. They will keep going, Gareth Ainsworth's team, that's what they do. As the season progresses they always seem to get stronger. We'll need to be at our best to get a result at the weekend."

Nigel Lonwijk also emphasised an atmosphere of positivity around Home Park at the moment and re-iterated his own willingness to play where the team needs him to. He said: "It pushed the whole team to get a goal, and get another goal, and get the win. The fans helped us a lot with it. It's a confidence boost. The support always helps. You feel very at home when you play here. No-one really wants to come here, because our fans keep going for 90 minutes. I'm just happy that I am playing games, playing 90 minutes every time. I feel good in the games. The intensity is different to what I am used to. I'm getting used to it, and I feel fitter every game. The defence help me, and so do the other boys in the team. It's different playing on the left but I don't really mind it because I can always come inside on my right foot if I have to. I'll play wherever the gaffer needs me. Joe and Bali help me out a lot because they always want the ball, always make the runs. They are the players that create the most chances for us, they are doing really well. I've played with Bali the most, and I think we've got a good connection. That feels good. Joe is a different player, but I have a connection with him too. I've heard from the boys that they are a physical team, it will be a tough game. I think you have to like it, or else you won't survive. I don't mind it. I'm up for it."

27th

Steven Schumacher explained his decision to bring on Will Jenkins-Davies as Argyle defended their lead at home to Ipswich. He said of the youngster: "The shape was good and I didn't feel as though we were in any panic to change that and ask Sam to play as a number 10 or Ryan to play there. It's not natural to them so we just thought 'Will J-D is on the bench, he's a midfield player, let's get him in and play as a number 10. I don't care if he's 17. He's a good footballer and has always done well when he has played for us. He came on and I'm sure he enjoyed the experience and to get that win. The work that Darren Way and all the youth team staff are doing with these young players is brilliant. They are producing players that are ready when they step in and aren't overawed by the occasions, and long may that continue."

Schumacher also had positive words for another youngster, 19 year old Nigel Lonwijk who has been excellent on loan from Wolves. He enthused: "Macaulay has had a bit of a tight groin so he came off at Portsmouth and probably wasn't 100 per cent fit, and Brendan wasn't available. Also, we sort of figured out what Ipswich were going to do with their front four. That's why Bali Mumba played deeper and Joe Edwards played higher because Kayden Jackson is so fast and we needed to match it up as much as possible, and thankfully it worked. How good has he been since he came in the team? He hasn't really put a foot wrong. He's so calm for someone so young. He's 19-years-old and nothing fazes him. You tell him 'Nigel you are going to play left-side centre-back this week' and he says 'Okay, no problem.' You tell him 'Nigel, you need to step in there with Conor Chaplin' and he says 'Yeah, no problem, got it.' He just takes on information brilliantly. He's a real quality player and has got a bright future.

"Willo has been out the team since his red card at Charlton but has trained really well and shown a great attitude. He has supported Nigel, who has been playing in his place. I told him 'It's hard to change a team when someone is playing so well, so be patient because it's a long season and there are going to be twists and turns.' I thought James Wilson was excellent and proved to be the player that we know he is."

26th

Steven Schumacher expressed his delight with Argyle's table-topping form after another fine win against Ipswich Town, paying particular tribute to the role of the green army. He said: "I can't take the smile off my face at the moment. I thought it was a brilliant game. Two really good sides going at it, loads of good football, some good chances, brilliant bits of play – and we are just delighted to get the three points and go top of the league. It sounds really nice. I thought it was a close game and could have gone either way. The lads showed good character to be brave, get in Ipswich's faces and not give them time to play. The energy that we showed to continue to press and be aggressive with it, to regain the ball close to their goal, which we did. Just for their desire, I think the players deserved the three points. Bali produced a real moment of quality with a great strike, and then Morgan Whittaker, from a brilliant press, sticks one in the top corner. I thought he was outstanding all game. The atmosphere from the very start was class. I thought the Ipswich fans were great as well, by the way, to come all the way down here for a 12.30pm kick-off on Sky was brilliant. Our fans, after ten minutes of the second half when we were behind, got behind us and lifted the atmosphere to get momentum on our side.

"We spoke at half-time about playing forwards a bit more and being positive when we had it. When we got near their box, could we look after it a bit more? In the first half, we had chances around the box and messed the pass up. It's a credit to the players – and to the performance team who get the lads fit. They've got belief in themselves that if they go behind, not to get too down about it. We've proved that we can react well and if we show quality like we did today, then we can come out on top. It won't always work like that, but as long as you put the effort in you've got a chance."

Argyle's two goalscorers also had their say on the win, Bali Mumba first adding: "The lads were brilliant. At 1-0 down we kept the faith, kept our belief, and kept going. We showed good character to get back into the game and to take all three points. We've shown in a few games that we can be down, but the character we have and the attitude means we were give it a good try. I thought the goal was coming. I'm happy that it was me that got the equaliser. I'm buzzing at the result. I saw the ball land and my eyes lit up. I thought: 'why not? Go for it'. I missed a good chance in the first half; I should have done better with that. This time I saw the opportunity and I took it. The atmosphere was incredible. I'm thrilled to score at home in front of the fans. Especially at that end, it is something I will always remember. What a great moment. This is a good statement to put out there. People can say we are underdogs, but we are getting closer. This is three points closer to where we want to be. I'm just happy for the team, for the fans, and for the gaffer. It's a good day overall, isn't it?"

Finally, Morgan Whittaker said: "It's right up there. The occasion, being top of the league and being on telly, it's been perfect. I got it, and the defender came to me, so it made me hit it early. Luckily, it's gone in the top corner. I can't ask for more. I ran to the fans, and then had to protect myself as everyone was jumping on! We were 1-0 down at half-time, and the message was to stick to our game plan and get the next goal, because we know what can happen. It says a lot about our character; we'll never lie down. It's the best time to play the top teams, at the minute, the way we are going. The team spirit is high, as you would imagine. We're just taking in the moment of being top of the league."

25th

Argyle have hit the top of the League One table after a 2-1 win at home to Ipswich Town. Freddie Ladapo opened the scoring against his former side but the greens hit back in the second half with two long range strikes from Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker to win the game and ensure the greens sit on top spot for at least 6 days. The game was notable for one Argyle academy graduate goalkeeper saving a last minute header from another. Mike Cooper kept out Christian Walton's effort in the last minute after he came up for a corner. Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Scarr, Lonwijk (Gillesphey), Mumba, Randell, Butcher (Houghton), Edwards, Whittaker (Grant), Ennis (Jenkins-Davies), Mayor (Cosgrove). Subs: Burton, Hardie.

23rd

Niall Ennis has spoken about his role off the bench this season, emphasising the view that finishers of a game are as important as starters. Ennis said: "As soon as the gaffer names the team and you are not starting, you still have to be ready. There's no point sulking, you still have to get the job done. Anything could happen in the warm-up. I feel like you need to be mentally prepared to get the win for your team. You'll get your chance. I feel like we have been repaying the gaffer, whether we are starting or not. Games open up. It might be tight for 80 minutes, then you come on and it opens up, and you are the one who gets the chance. You need to be mentally ready for that chance. You can do ten runs. For nine you don't get a chance, but for that one, you need to be ready. I feel like I used to not get the ball, then wouldn't make the run before you felt you wouldn't get it. The players we now have, they are going to find you, so you need to always be on the ball, making your runs.

"Like the gaffer says, it's not just the starters, it's the finishers in the game. In the last few matches, all the subs who have come on have scored or assisted. It shows it's not just an 11, it's a squad. It's a long season, and we will need everyone. I feel like I have been playing well and getting goals," he said. "I feel like I can do more as well, which is what the team demands from every individual. We all know we do more. We've been playing well, with a strong character to come back from behind. We need to start getting a goal first, you can't always come back from behind. I feel like we have not yet scratched the surface with the level that we can be, which is scary when you look at where we are in the league. We've got more to give, and I can't wait for that. We've seen already how the fans can help us get through a win," said Niall. "It's a good team we are playing, but we're a good team as well. We need to keep this place rocking and play our own game. We know what we can do."

Steven Schumacher emphasised Argyle's good start as being even more impressive considering the tough run of opponents they have faced. He said: "When the fixtures came out, I looked at the first ten games and thought: 'Oh my God. Wow. That's going to be hard.' Credit to the players who have risen to the challenge every single week. We have played some big teams, put in some big performances and picked up some good results. We are deservedly third in the league at the moment. We have the opportunity, if we win on Sunday, to go top. For us to be doing that after ten games is a brilliant achievement, and hopefully we can get the win.

"We try to keep it as similar to how it normally is. The players got an extra day off because we got back late from Swindon on Tuesday night, so we've had a bit more time to rest and recover. We've had a bit more time to watch the footage of Ipswich, which we've needed to do, because they have some power and some weapons. We'll be prepared as best we possibly can on Sunday. Sometimes in the early kick-offs, the atmosphere can take a bit of time to get going, but I think everybody knows the occasion. It's a top of the table clash, the Sky cameras are in; hopefully the atmosphere can get going from the very start. We'll also pay tribute to Dave Smith, who was one of Argyle's best managers. Hopefully the players can put in a performance to really get the atmosphere going. Ipswich have, in my opinion, the strongest squad in the league, closely matched by Sheffield Wednesday. It's going to be a great game, and hopefully one we enjoy. They are good in all departments. They are first in the league in possession, first in forward passes into the opposition box – and top of the table for points. All the squads we come up against have got good players. If we stand off and respect them too much they will hurt us. We need to do what we've been good at: try to be aggressive with our press, try to win the ball back and cause them a few problems when we've got the ball. We know the strengths they have got but we are not fearful of Ipswich. We've shown we can be a match for anyone if we are at it. The message to the players will be that these are top of the league, and deservedly so, but we can't be fearful of them. Let's give it our best, play with the energy we need, and show some quality as well. If we can be the first to take their scalp, and with it go top of the league – what more motivation do you need?"

22nd

Callum Burton has signed an extension to his current contract at Argyle, keeping him at Home Park until the summer of 2024. Burton said of the deal: "I am over the moon to have signed a new contract at Argyle. I've loved my time here so far, and my family and I love the club and the city, so i jumped at the chance to extend my time here. The vision the club has for the future is one I want to be a big part of and I want to help get this club back higher to where it should be. Hopefully we can push on and enjoy some really successful seasons."

21st

Steven Schumacher praised Argyle's youngster for their commendable performance in the Football League Trophy, almost securing their spot in the next round. Schumacher said: "They're getting more confident, more comfortable playing in the first team, understanding the system. The first thing we say to them when they come in and join us is relax, be themselves, and enjoy it, because it is something that they should enjoy coming to do. Their standards have got to be right. It's no good just getting an opportunity, they've got to play well - and they all did. It was a test, especially second half, for young Brandon, at the back. Their movement was different to what we have seen before, but it was a good game and we got loads out of it. We got some players some minutes where we needed to. James Wilson's not played for a little while, and he was good tonight, really professional.

"Whenever you play young players in the first team, if you throw too many in all at once, then you expose them a little bit where you don't need to. I thought we had a good mix where there were some seniors in there, a bit of energy in there with Adam Randell, and the senior players helped the young players get through the game, talk them through the game. I think it is the first time Oscar Halls has ever played right wing-back, but he had James Wilson behind him telling him when to press and where to go. Having that experience on the pitch massively helps, and the young boys will definitely appreciate that.

"I thought first half especially we played some good football, scored two great goals with two young boys scoring which is really pleasing. The second half was tougher; Swindon changed their shape and played well. Thankfully we got the third goal for a bit of a cushion. I was disappointed with the calamity for their goal, but it's three points on the board. It keeps the momentum going. We are in a good vein of form at the moment, and when a game comes along you want to play well and you want to win it. We take every competition seriously, and as long as we do the right things and keep our standards high throughout the team, we will be fine. Hopefully we get through the group. We have one game to go, against Crystal Palace. We'll try to win that game and see where it takes us."

Will Jenkins-Davies spoke with delight about his first ever professional goal, saying: "It's brilliant. It's a surreal moment. It's a moment I've lived up to all my life – it's brilliant to be able to check it off tonight. I was trying to get myself in and around the penalty area early when Jack was putting the ball in – he put brilliant crosses in all game. I was just trying to get myself in and around there, and if anything falls to me, try to get on it. I was lucky that the ball came to me at the right time, right place and I managed to put it in. We were unfortunate not to get the clean sheet. We played really well in spells of the game and they didn't really have too much of a sniff until a few chances in the second half. The message was to go out and enjoy it, seize the opportunity really. Don't let the game go by. When you are in form it is brilliant to be able to keep that momentum going and hopefully I can get back amongst the goals with the 18s again."

Argyle's other maiden goalscorer, Oscar Halls, added: "I saw him score and I thought: 'I want to get that too!'. It's a surreal moment. I saw Jack whip the ball in so I thought I would jump early, get a good contact and just direct it past the keeper. It's a great feeling. Both of us are really buzzing for our first pro goal, we're really happy. If you are on your own it could be a bit more daunting coming into it," said Oscar, "but having familiar faces to your left and right in the dressing room helps you through it a bit more. It's good that we are all performing on the pitch in a first-team environment. It's the first time I have ever played there," he said. "The gaffer told me yesterday that I was playing there, so I had to adapt and think about what I was going to do. It's a lot different to playing centre-back. There are a lot fewer options, so I had to think quicker, move the ball quicker and then get myself on the back post. James Wilson was talking me through the whole game, helping me out, telling me when to drop and when to press. It was really helpful having someone with that much experience behind me. The two goals came at a perfect opportunity, just heading in to half-time. We came out, Swindon changed their formation, I think we rode a bit of pressure when they were starting to build momentum, but then Ryan went through and scored, and it took that off us. They scored in the last minute, but I think it was a good performance. The longer we can stay in, get into the knockout stage and progress in that, then hopefully I will have more opportunities from the gaffer, and hopefully keep performing well. It's all good."

20th

A youthful Argyle side came up on top in the second leg of Football League Trophy fixtures, winning 3-1 away to Swindon. Two youngsters scored their first senior goals for the club, with Will Jenkins-Davies and Oscar Halls putting the greens into a 2-0 lead. Ryan Hardie came off the bench to score Argyle's third before the hosts got one back in injury time. Argyle: Burton, Wilson, Pursall (Lonwijk), Galloway, Halls, Houghton (Butcher), Randell, Endacott, Jenkins-Davies (Hardie), Cosgrove (Issaka), Mayor (Whittaker). Subs: Baker, Mumba.

19th

In the second Football League Trophy game of the season, assistant manager Mark Hughes spoke about the benefit of the competition in giving minutes to young players. He said: "I love the fact that you get play some youngsters, and see them play at our level. Then you get lads who need the minutes; they have been superb. Subs have come on in the last four league games and scored. That shows that people are not coming on gutted, they are coming on to make an impact. Some lads will get minutes under their belt, at a really good time, because there are eight games in October, which is going to be massive for us."

"It is quite difficult to plan. A lot of managers change personnel but tend to stick to philosophy. To be fair to Swindon, we've watched them and they like to keep the ball. They are possession-based; that's the way Swindon's DNA is. It won't be easy; it will be a tough game, but we back any 11 plus the lads who come on to do the club proud, which everyone has been doing. It should be a good game. It's better than training. In the last round against Bristol Rovers, it was a really good competitive game. I'm looking forward to it."

Sam Cosgrove spoke with anticipation about the chance of first team action, in a heavily rotated Argyle side. He said: "I spoke to Ryan Hardie and he said that last year there was a lot of rotation and that the manager likes to make changes. Of course you want to be starting games and playing as much football as possible, but at the moment we are making a big impact from the bench and if that is my job for the time being – or Niall, or Morgs – then we are happy with that. It's not a negative. It's the way the manager works, there's no secret about it. He's always talking with you, saying that you'll get your opportunity, it's actually quite refreshing because it is people going out there to do as well as they can for the sake of the football club. I played in it a couple of times last season," said Sam. "It's a chance for people to go out and take their opportunity, and for boys that aren't playing to get some minutes – and to potentially get to Wembley at the end of it. We want to go as far as we can, so it won't be something that we take lightly. It is important for us to go in and impose ourselves on the game. If we turn up and play how we want to, I'm sure we will get a positive result."

18th

Whilst naturally frustrated at the third consecutive late equaliser against Argyle at Fratton Park, Steven Schumacher was buoyant in taking positives from the performance. He said: "It's déjà vu on déjà vu. It's not a nice feeling to concede again in the 95th minute, but it's a bit different to the other two. We've had to dig in today and show good character. We weren't at our best with the ball but that's credit to Portsmouth, the way they press, the way they get after you. They're the best in the league at it, so far, on the data. The character, and the response we got, was brilliant. I don't think we played poorly, but I thought Portsmouth played well. They've been doing that all season. They are unbeaten for a reason. They are in good form, we had to grind it out and dig in when it wasn't going our way. It was a tough game. We had to show real character and resilience to get back into it and go 2-1 up. The second goal in particular was a brilliant goal. Unfortunately, with a ball bouncing around our box, they are lucky to get on the end of it and it's gone in. A little bit of indiscipline from us with the red card, that should have been avoided, and then the goal might not have gone in because we would have had more players on the pitch to deal with it.

"These are unbeaten. We wanted to be the first to take that scalp – we were a minute away from doing it. I'm pleased with that. Before the game, away from home, a top of the table clash it is important to not get beat. A point is a good result before the game, but the way it panned out, we thought we would have had enough to see it out. We felt that in the first half we didn't pass the ball really well, we kept giving the ball away. We got into good positions on the edge of their box and didn't quite have an end product. Then they counter-attacked on us and showed their quality with the speed they have got at the top end of the pitch. I wanted us to look after the ball a bit better in the second half and be a bit more positive with it, which I felt that we were. The substitutions were to get fresh legs and energy on the pitch, and get us a platform to get us up the pitch more. We scored a goal from putting Bali on the right, he's crossed it and it ends up being an own goal for the first one. For the second one, it was exactly what we spoke about at half-time, to be confident and play through their pressing. We cut right through the middle of them, and scored. They are really good signs with the lads coming off the bench and the changes of shape we are dealing with. I thought it was a good game. They probably had the first 25 or 30 minutes, we got back into it when we changed shape. It was a top end of League One, exciting game. Loads for people to talk about, loads to write about, but the overall feeling is that we haven't been beaten, it's another positive result away from home, let's move on to the next one and look forward to it."

Dan Scarr echoed the sentiments of his manager, adding: "It was a rollercoaster of emotions. We would probably take a point before the game, but it doesn't feel good right now. It feels like a loss at the moment. I'm just a bit gutted and deflated. We'll regroup tomorrow and see it as a good point. It is a point in the right direction, and they are a good side. You enjoy coming to places like this and against teams like that. You want to play against the best players because that tests you and gets the best out of you. All of our lads defend well and enjoy doing it. I think that shows. We weren't exactly playing our best football, but we were still getting chances. That gave us confidence going in at half-time; even though we were 1-0 down we were still in the game. We regrouped at half-time, got the game plan together and got the goal. We could have taken the draw, but we kicked on again and I think that shows the true character we have in the dressing room. The team is full of confidence. We've played Peterborough, Barnsley, we were behind at Derby and came back. To go behind at a place like this and then go in front shows the true character and togetherness we've got with this group. The subs have got good firepower, we can change shape, we are in a good place and just need to regroup after today and get going again. When you go 1-0 down at a place like this the crowd can swallow you up. The Green Army backed us the whole way. They drove us and gave us an adrenaline boost to push on and go in front. Credit to them for travelling all that way. They are unbelievable every time."

17th

Argyle have kept their unbeaten run going but lost their winning run in an afternoon of mixed emotions at Fratton Park. For the third season in a row, Argyle drew 2-2 at Portsmouth with a late goal for the hosts levelling things up. Pompey took the lead in the first half but Argyle took a 2-1 lead via an own goal, and what seemed to be a winner from substitute Niall Ennis. However, Brendan Galloway got sent off deep into stoppage time for an off the ball incident and Pompey consequently equalised from the throw in that followed. The spoils were shared and Argyle stay third. Argyle: Cooper, Lonwijk, Scarr, Gillesphey (Galloway), Edwards (Cosgrove), Houghton (Randell), Butcher, Mumba, Azaz, Hardie (Ennis), Whittaker. Subs: Burton, Wilson, Jenkins-Davies.

16th

Steven Schumacher has brushed off media speculation linking him with a move to Championship side Huddersfield Town, saying that he has no desire to leave Home Park: "I'm not interested about going anywhere else. I love this job, I'm incredibly fortunate to be in this role at such an early stage in my career, to manage a massive club like this. I just need to keep getting better and focus on what I'm doing. I'm not bothered about anything else from the outside. I'm fully focused on preparing the team for a massive game - and a great game by the way - that we have got to go and play against Portsmouth. It's one we are really looking forward to and I'm not looking anywhere else.

"I have enjoyed the challenge. You can see it in me, the way I am. I'm enjoying what I'm doing. I have only had 30-odd games as a manager so I'm still quite new in what I'm doing and have still got loads to learn. I think I have seen a fair bit in the early part of my managerial career, but I love it. I'm really happy here and I'm not going anywhere. I'm just focused on doing a good job as best as I can. We have got a big task on our hands here to get Argyle back into the Championship. We are trying our best and giving it our all every single day. That's all I'm focusing on, to be honest with you. The more success you have, obviously the more your name starts getting linked with people but I'm not bothered about that."

15th

Nick Giannotti has been appointed to the Argyle Board of Directors. Giannotti, through Redball Ventures, is a member of Argyle Green LLC, the United States-based investment group that purchased a 20% stake of the club earlier in 2022. Upon his appointment as a Director, Giannotti said: "I'm pleased to join the Argyle Board. The Club is on the rise, both on and off the pitch, and I believe great days are ahead of us. We have the best supporters; passionate, devoted, loyal, respectful, and fun, and I am excited to be play my part in the Argyle journey. I look forward to bringing fresh ideas to the Club and helping us achieve our goals as a sustainable Championship organisation."

Finn Azaz has been called up by the Republic of Ireland Under-21s for the first time. Ireland are playing in a two-leg play-off against Israel to decide qualification to the 2023 European Under-21 finals. The games are on Friday 23rd and Tuesday 27th September, meaning Finn will be unavailable for Argyle's games against Swindon Town, in the Football League Trophy, and Ipswich Town in League One. He is eligible to play for Ireland through his Irish grandparents, and coincidentally would qualify to play for Israel, too. Azaz recently turned 22, but qualifies for the under-21s as eligibility rules state that you must be 21 or under at the start of the calendar year in which the qualifying process starts.

Steven Schumacher looked ahead to Argyle's mouth-watering game at Portsmouth on Saturday, expressing his hope that this would be the time that Argyle finally got the win over the line. He enthused: "Predominantly what they are doing this season is putting people under pressure by getting balls forward and putting good crosses in the box. They are getting it to the forward players and going from there. Players they have signed like Colby Bishop, Joe Pigott and Dane Scarlett have hit the ground running and are playing well. In behind, they've got Marlon Pack and Tom Lowery who are good footballers that can hurt you if you give them time on the ball. And they've been solid at the back, so there's a good balance to their squad at the moment. They brought in 12 players, I think, over the summer, so a big turnaround. They've changed the system a little bit, and how they are playing. We know it will be the same old tough game. Every time we have been there over the last few years, especially last year, it was a tough game, but an enjoyable one. We've blown leads there a couple of times, and that hurts. Hopefully we can get ahead this time and get over the line. I know Danny and Nicky Cowley well. They were on my pro licence course, and I know they are flying as well. It's going to be a good game.

"The atmosphere is really good at the moment, everyone's happy. People have smiles on faces because we are in good form. We'll go to Portsmouth full of confidence and we'll go there trying to win. We want to be the first team to beat them this season. Ipswich are the only other unbeaten team. We want to end at least one of their runs."

Schumacher specifically praised the fitness coach, Elliot Turner for his part in the recent run, saying: "You have to trust the performance team. That's where Elliot comes into his own. He tracks all the lads' data, the intensity they train and play at. Sometimes with the amount of games we've played you would we think we have to come off them a bit, but he will say 'no, we need to top them up'. So, the lads will do some extra sprints or bits of work as individuals. You put a bit of trust into that team to make sure we get no injuries. As a coaching staff, we need to be sensible with what we do. We knew Tuesday was quite a physical game, it took a lot of out of us, so the session was about getting the lads out there, getting everyone in an active recovery session, and the lads who didn't play did a bit extra. On Friday, we'll spend a bit longer on our prep, which is what we do when we have a three-game week."

Finally, Matt Butcher looked ahead with enthusiasm to the game, returning to the area where he grew up and still has plenty of family. He said:

"Momentum is massive in this league. You've seen it over the years, teams go on a run at different points in the season. When you get that momentum, it is so important to keep it up. That kind of feeling goes through the camp from Monday to Friday, and it's no secret when it comes out on Saturday. I grew up around there, and it is always nice to go back and give family a chance to watch it, rather than travelling up and down the country! They've obviously started great, them and Ipswich – who we've got in our next two games. They are a couple of points above us. They will feel exactly the same as us: on top of the world. We are both really excited for this game. They are a good couple of games coming up. It's a massive game, as every game is. So far, we've beaten the teams that have come down from the Championship but lost against teams that were towards the bottom end of the table. Every game is so different, it is so important we approach it right and carry on this form. I'm loving it. I think I'm getting better every game, getting more used to the system, as everyone is. It's improving game-by-game, the way we are playing. There are always bits we can improve on, and I think it has been improving steadily over the last four or five games. We're really in that routine, we know each other's positions and it's working really well at the minute. The hardest thing about changing system is getting used to players, getting used to new relationships because you are playing next to someone different or in a slightly different position. I think we have got to grips with that a bit better, and we are doing things like landing on second balls which maybe we struggled with to start with. I want to be part of a settled team, and one of the decisions coming here was for that reason. Our start is really good and we've had quite a tough run, which we are still in the middle of. It's important to keep it going, not relax now, and continue our form into the Christmas period."

14th

Steven Schumacher expressed his delight with the resilience of his Argyle side and their ability to find yet another win, their sixth of the first eight games of the new season. Schumacher said: "A great result, a good performance. Another team have come here and failed to score against us. That's a credit to all the players, the way we are defending our box and the way we are causing teams problems, especially here, is really pleasing. It's a good mix. We're in good form. Having 18 points from eight games is a very good start. Not many people would have had that hope for us, they would have written us off. Credit to the players again. They work incredibly hard every single day, they take on all the information we try to give them. They've brilliant. They have to keep going and keep getting better. The atmosphere wasn't quite the same, everything felt a bit subdued. It's been a bit like that all week. Not just here, up and down the country everyone's feeling the same. We asked the players to play at a good tempo and start the game fast. We knew Karl Robinson would have his team right up for it like they always are. We wanted to play with good energy and get a first goal early. We didn't manage that. I think we had eight shots in the first half and didn't hit the target enough.

"We kept going, and finally got the goal that won us the game. You have to keep believing in the plan and doing the right thing. It does help to have people who can come off the bench when it's not quite working, who can come on and make that sort of impact. We're watching the game and figuring out what's happening. Throughout it, we were in control of the game, creating the most chances. Our patterns of play were causing them problems and we were getting in where we wanted to get in, but it wasn't going in the net. We didn't need to change tactically or do things differently, we just needed some fresh legs on there, it might be their night. Morgan was excellent when he came on, as was Niall, as he has been, he's playing really well. Everyone is – that's why we've got 18 points after eight games."

In his hundredth consecutive league start for Argyle, Mike Cooper kept another clean sheet, the last person to do so since Paul Wotton in the early 00s. Cooper said of the accolade: "It's a nice way to mark the landmark. I thought the lads in front of me were like a wall tonight. They won every header, block and challenge: they made the night easier for me than it could have been. Wotts is a legend, isn't he? To be in that company is an honour. I just want to play as many games in a row as I can now."

Our home fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, originally scheduled for last weekend, will now take place on Tuesday 4th October at 19.45. The game was postponed as part of the football community's show of respect following the death of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

13th

Argyle have achieved an impressive fourth win on the bounce with a 1-0 victory over Oxford. The greens dominated much of the game but couldn't quite find the opening goal. A pair of subs did the trick and Niall Ennis combined with Morgan Whittaker who broke the stalemate and ensured three more points went onto the board for Argyle. Argyle: Cooper, Lonwijk, Scar, Gillesphey, Mumba (Lonwijk), Randell (Houghton), Butcher, Edwards, Azaz (Cosgrove), Hardie (Ennis), Mayor (Whittaker). Subs: Burton, Galloway.

12th

Joe Edwards expressed his hope that football can come together and appreciate the life of Her Majesty, The Queen as Argyle prepare to face Oxford United under the lights at Home Park. Edwards said: "It's a sad time for a lot of people. People like to pay their respects in different ways. I'm sure many people would have wanted to carry on as normal and do it that way. It shows how great our country is at times, when things like this happen, people come together, and it is a great place to be. We all pay our respects to The Queen, who was a fantastic person who led this country well. We trained on Saturday morning and had an in-house game. It would have been nice to have still played on Saturday, and pay our respects in person in front of a packed house. However, we respect the decision, and we will turn our focus to the next game.

"They are always a tough team to play. They have good players. I feel like in the last couple of years they have haven't started great, but they always come good and the quality comes through. We know it is going to be a tough game; we've had some good games over the years, and I think this will be no different. They've got a good manager in charge. He knows the way he wants to play and gets his players playing. For us, we have to make sure we are at 100% to deal with their threats, and then play our game."

"There is lots of competition for places, so the boys are performing in order to stay in the team. We want to keep playing, keep winning games and doing well. We know we are in the middle of a tough period, so the more points we can pick up the better. We're in a good run of form, and we are very confident at home, and we hope to continue that. There's no let-up in training or in games at the moment. Even if you are playing well the manager may change things here and there depending on which team we are playing. I think that bodes well in terms of consistency. If you rest on your laurels, you'll be out of the team and someone else will take your place. We know we have to perform, and that leads to good performances in games."

Steven Schumacher similarly praised the adaptability of his side, saying: "From a footballing point of view, from our perspective, it was quite difficult because we had to change plans right at the last minute. We were on the training pitch on Friday, going through the set-plays for Sheffield Wednesday when we got the call that the game would be off. We had to cut that short. We had to adapt. Fortunately, we have a group of players who are adaptable, who don't moan about things, they get on with it, and everyone understood the sentiment behind the games being called off.It was quite difficult on Saturday to get the players up for a training session, to get going at the tempo we wanted. We had an in-house game that was a bit slow to start with, but it got better. It felt weird because it should have been against Sheffield Wednesday. We rested on Sunday as we would normally do, and Monday was planned as normal for Oxford.

"There was a subdued atmosphere over the weekend, but Monday it was ok. It didn't feel like a Monday, coming into the car park, because we didn't play at the weekend, everyone was a bit off kilter. It's something we adapt to, and we are now fully focused on what will be a really hard game against Oxford. They've got top quality players with bag and bags of talent through the squad," Schumacher observed. "They play loads of good football and they've got an experienced manager in Karl Robinson who knows what it is like at the top end of League One. We always have tough games against them. Last year we came out on top in both of them, but they were hard-fought victories. The styles of the two teams blend quite well, it's always a good entertaining game of football. I'm sure this will be no different.

"They've changed shape a little bit. They've had a few injuries in the squad so that might be one of the reasons. They are in good form; they've won their last three. We know that coming here they are going to be motivated, and will be ready to go. We know it won't be an easy game. They are always up there challenging at the end of the season. We are going to have to put in a good performance and be at our best.

"It's really hard to pick the team at the moment. There are a lot of disappointed people feeling as though they are playing well. I then have to explain why I have picked the team, but I am confident whatever team we pick, the starting 11 will do the best they can, and that the subs will come on and change the game if necessary or secure the game and see it out. We are in good form; we've been playing well. The performance against Derby was really good, and we need to get to those levels as often as we can. That's what it takes to get wins against these top teams in the division. Training since the Derby game has been top class, everyone seems in a groove. Everyone understands their roles, people starting the game are doing really well and subs coming off the bench are making big impacts. We're in a decent place; we need to keep it going as long as we can."

10th

In further sad news, Argyle have confirmed that legendary former manager Dave Smith sadly died this week, on the same day as The Queen. A much loved figure who won promotion in the 80s, Smith's passing will leave many Pilgrims saddened. The club will pay tribute in due course.

9th

Argyle have confirmed that their game against Sheffield Wednesday has been postponed, as have all games this weekend up and down the country, due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth the second. All other games during the period of national mourning are expected to remain unaffected.

7th

Steven Schumacher has been nominated for League One Manager of the Month for August. The Argyle boss has been acknowledged for The Pilgrims' strong start to the season, as Argyle finished August in fifth place in the table, having won three games from five in the month. He competes for the award with Danny Cowley, Darren Moore and Keiran McKenna.

4th

Steven Schumacher spoke of the sense of euphoria that followed Argyle's stunning turnaround win at Pride Park, giving particular praise to new signing Sam Cosgrove who turned the game aroiund in such decisive fashion. Schumacher raved: 'I am still tingling.' I've still got adrenaline running through my veins. That was brilliant – I thought we showed unbelievable character to come back the way we did. We wanted to put in a performance that the fans would be proud of, they could sense we were on top and to celebrate in front of them like that at the end was unbelievable. I actually thought we played well in the first half and somehow found ourselves 2-0 down after two errors. We said at half time that we caused Derby problems, more problems than I had seen any side this season and we told them to carry on what they were doing. We got the goal, got back in it, and it was game on. I was delighted for Sam. He gives us a different threat and gives opposition defenders something think about. He has shut a few people up who were having a go at him on social media before he'd even kicked a ball for Argyle. We knew what he was good at and knew what he could do – I am buzzing for him. I thought that the players believed in themselves, they kept passing it through the lines, kept playing and showed incredible character and quality. We have to believe that we can go and win at places like this, we have to keep going and keep building. We're getting better, we're not a bad team. We have confidence that the players will always put the effort in, and it showed today."

Cosgrove added of his perfect debut: "I think I had a dream about something like that last night but no, in all seriousness, that's as good as they come. Watching from the bench, the first thoughts that came to mind was impressive, we were playing well. We could have had a couple of goals in the first half and sometimes it just doesn't go for you. When you come on, you just want to make an impact. I think it was my second touch and I was putting the ball into the back of the net. Niall did amazing for it, squared it across and I followed up at the back post, so fair play to him. As a striker you have to gamble on any mistake, and the lad had had quite a good game to be fair to him, but thankfully I was there to capitalise.

"As soon as the ball hit the net for the winner, it took a couple of seconds for it to process. Once it went in, it was absolute ecstasy and I couldn't be happier for the boys, the staff and the fans."

3rd

In what will surely go down as one of the most memorable games of recent times, Argyle came back from 2-0 down to produce a stunning 3-2 win at Pride Park. The game looked to be done and dusted at half-time when the hosts took a 2-0 lead. However, a string of successful substitutions brought Argyle back into the game. Morgan Whittaker got a goal back against his former club but the real drama was saved for the last 15 minutes. Substitute Sam Cosgrove scored on his Argyle debut to equalise and got the winner in the dying embers of the game, sending the away end into raptures. Argyle: Cooper, Lonwijk, Scarr, Galloway (Gillesphey), Edwards, Randell (Houghton), Butcher, Mumba (Azaz), Whittaker (Cosgrove), Hardie (Ennis), Mayor. Subs: Burton, Wilson.

2nd

The first Devon Derby of the season between Argyle and Exeter has been moved to Monday 31st October - with a 8pm kick-off - due to selection for Sky Sports broadcast. The clash at Home Park was initially scheduled to take place two days prior, on Saturday 29th October.

Adam Randell looked ahead to the game against Derby County, one which will be, if selected, his 50th game in an Argyle shirt. Randell said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm sure everyone is, playing in a big stadium will be nice. If we come away from that with a win we are in a really good place and hopefully it will continue. It's another big test obviously. We have a bit of a tough run of games on paper coming up so we are looking forward to the challenge. We will give it our everything and hopefully come out with a few good results.

"Overall, I've been happy with my personal stats this season. I want to be starting as many games as possible so I'm pleased for myself and hopefully it can continue. We all play well with each other: me, Jordan, Butch we can all play alongside each other and there's not a specific change if you play with a certain person. You play with who you're next to and it works well. You play your game and all three of our games complement each other so I think it's positive for whoever you play with."

1st

On transfer deadline day, Argyle have signed Sam Cosgrove on a season-long loan deal from Birmingham City. The six-foot-five centre forward will wear the number 16 shirt whilst he is a Pilgrim. Cosgrove said of the late move: "As soon as I knew there was interest, it was something that piqued me straight away. I was lucky enough to play in the league last year, and I played against Argyle twice. They were an impressive outfit to say the least. When the opportunity came up to potentially come here, I knew it would be a great chance for me. It's a chance to be fighting at the top end of the table. I know how good the boys were last year and I can see how well they've started this year. Hopefully I can add to that and be part of a successful side. Argyle are not a team I've come across too much being a northern lad – it's the other end of the country! Both times I played Argyle I was mightily impressed. It was a shock to the system. That was echoed by what a good season you had last year, just missing out on the play-offs.

"I've spoken to the gaffer and he knows what he wants from me. At six-foot-five I'm probably classed as a target man, so hopefully I can complement the team in my way, but also I can adapt to the style of the team. I'm more of a modern-day number 9. I don't think footballers can get away with just being a lump up top that's not mobile. I work hard, I can run around and I have a few different sides to me, but for sure the physical side of being a traditional number 9 is my game."

Steven Schumacher looked ahead to the game against Derby on Saturday, as well as explaining the rationale behind signing striker Sam Cosgrove. Schumacher said: "I'm delighted that Sam has joined. He gives us a physical presence at the top of the pitch that we haven't got, and haven't had for a few years. We felt that, with the strikers we have, he would complement the team and make us better. He went on loan last season to two League One teams who didn't create many chances. His overall game, when we looked at his data, was good. His duels that he won and his aerial win percentage was good; his data of linking the play was really good. He just didn't score the goals. But he was playing for the teams who were 22nd and 23rd in the league for touches in the opposition box. We were second. If we can get the ball into the box and get ball in for him, he gives us a different option.

"Ryan, Niall and Luke have all got different qualities, but none of them have got what Sam has got. None of them are six-foot-four and can hold the ball up, can be an outlet or a target, or can be a threat if the ball goes wide and we cross high into the box. Having that variation and different type of number nine is going to make us stronger. These are the type of games, as a player, that you look forward to. When the fixtures came out, I looked to see when we were playing Derby County. They've got some really good players. They play some lovely football. They have loads of good movement, and players that complement that. We could see that once they started signing players in the summer following their takeover. At a huge, sold-out Pride Park it is going to be a good game, and we're really looking forward to it. I think they will get stronger as the year goes on, possibly similar to Sheffield Wednesday last season. We'll go there with no fear. We've played a couple of the relegated teams from the Championship and done well. We'll go there and do our best again on Saturday. We feel that when we are at our best, we are a match for anyone. With our travelling fans behind us, we'll have some good energy behind us.

"There's load of improvement for us to do. We've done well in loads of the games in certain aspects, or for spells. That's how the season always pans out. You don't play the same way in 46 games. In top of the table League One games, they are almost like Championship games. There are Championship clubs and ex-Premier League clubs in the division. Games are always tight, it's the teams who look after both boxes and are clinical that come out on top. It has been a tough start. We have had to graft in every game to get points, and Saturday will be no different. We'll have to be at our very best to get something from Derby."

After Cosgrove's deadline day arrival, Argyle have also announced two departures. After being placed on the transfer list in May, Panutche Camara was sold to Ipswich for a fee rumoured to be around £500,000. Furthermore, Luke Jephcott has signed on loan for Swindon Town. After a bright start to his Argyle career, Jephcott has struggled for minutes this season and his move to the Robins has an option for Swindon to make the deal permanent.

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