THE DAILY DIARY

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Greens on Screen's Daily Diary is a compilation of Argyle news, with help from these and other Argyle-related sites.

Plymouth Argyle FC

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On This Day:

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

Saturday 1st August 2026

On This Day:

1979: Luckily, no names on shirts in those days: Forbes Phillipson-Masters joined from Southampton, the start of a 3-year partnership with George Foster at the heart of the Argyle defence.

31st July

On This Day:

The busiest transfer day of the year?

1979: Colin Randell signed from Exeter City.

1985: Tommy Tynan moved to Rotherham Utd. Fortunately he returned!

1995: Ronnie Mauge arrived from Bury

1996: Ian Baird moved to Brighton

1997: Chris Curran left for Exeter City.

1999: Dwight Marshall left Home Park for the second time, joining Kingstonian.

30th

Director of Football, Derek Adams was a candid and entertaining guest at a packed Senior Greens meeting in Club Argyle - the first of the new season. Reports can be found on PASOTI and the Freechat Facebook page.

Argyle Juniors are into the final of the SuperCupNI by virtue of a 3-2 win against County Antrim. The young Greens will face St Patrick's Athletic on Friday, 31 July, at the Coleraine Showground, with the game kicking off at 3pm.

Kick-off times have been changed for two of Argyle's October fixtures. The home games against Wimbledon (10 October) and Reading (31 October) have been moved to 12.30 pm because they have been selected for broadcast by Sky Sports.

On This Day:

1970: Andy Morrison was born in Inverness. Jock played his primary school football 650 miles away in Plymouth and joined Argyle as an apprentice in 1988. 130 games later he was lured away by Blackburn Rovers, following Nicky Marker's path, in the hope of fame and fortune. Much loved on the Home Park terraces, he went on to be voted one of Manchester City's most popular captains and was inducted into Blackpool's Hall of Fame.

1977: PAFC's debut match in the Anglo-Scottish Cup; Argyle 1 Bristol Rovers 0.

2004: Ian Stonebridge left Home Park for Wycombe Wanderers.

29th

Young Argyle's SuperCupNI squad confirmed their place in the Boys' Junior SuperCup semi-final with a 1-1 draw against County Londonderry on Wednesday afternoon.

The Greens headed into the game top of Group D, following wins over Chicago City and Tottenham Hotspur, needing just a point to confirm their spot. They will play County Antrim in the semi-final tomorrow.

The club has announced change to the Evergreen scheme for the coming season which intend to make it simpler and easier to understand than before. For details, see today's entry on the official website.

28th

Young Argyle moved into top spot in Group D of the Boys' Junior section at the SuperCupNI with an impressive 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Greens' rapid start was too much for the Category One academy side, with a goal high just 14 seconds after kick-off and the lead doubled a minute later, thanks to aTottenham own-goal from a corner.

Spurs scored before the break and levelled shortly after but a penalty and a goal by 55 minutes sealed the win for the young Pilgrims

For the 2026-27 season, Argyle men's team season-ticket holders and Evergreen members* will now be offered Reward Credit.

For season-ticket holders, Reward Credit of 10% can be obtained with every purchase from the Argyle Superstore – both online and in-store – and, for the first time, on food and drink from club-run kiosks at Home Park on match-days. Reward Credit will also be part of the new Evergreen Rewards system, which will be announced shortly and rolled out in the coming weeks. Full details of this will be emailed to relevant supporters in due course.

27th

Argyle started their 2026 SuperCupNI adventure on Monday afternoon, with a comprehensive win over Chicago City.

Head Coach Dan Thompson's side finished as 8-2 victors at Parker Avenue, despite Chicago taking an early lead just a minute into the match. The Greens had also beaten the American side in last year's competition.

25th

Argyle were given a bit of a work-out by National League South Truro City in a narrow 1-0 away win against the Tinners. Argyle were pressed by a strong Cornish side which included two former Pilgrims, Luke Jephcott and Tyler Harvey, but the tie was settled by a goal on 82 minutes from substitute Michael Baidoo, his third of the pre-season campaign, making him current joint top scorer. The Greens were boosted by the return of Alex Mitchell in defense - his first match since his signing two days ago.

Head Coach, Tom Cleverley, admitted that his side had been pushed hard by both Truro and Torquay earlier in the week. He said: "I thought the two positives were from a competitive aspect of the game, the tackles, the duels, the second balls, the set plays, we were much stronger than we were Tuesday.

"I thought we dominated that part of the game in periods, and certainly matched them in other periods. Defensively we looked solid, although their long throw at the end brought one or two worrying moments.

"In the main, we looked really solid, well structured, good intensity about us and you have got to say the last two games we have not quite clicked in possession or as an attacking unit.

"That is what a large part of the work will be from now until the start of the season, just getting back to those real key avenues of attacking output.

"There will be players coming in (new signings) at that area of the pitch to help with that, but the players that are in at the minute we need to help them through that and get back to our best that we saw at the end of last season."

Argyle will now face Bristol City, including their new recruit, Lorent Tolaj, at Home Park on Saturday 1 August, with a kick off time of 2pm.

Argyle: 1 Murphy Cooper, 2 Mathias Ross (capt, 40 Joe Mwaro 90+6), 6 Malachi Boateng, 7 Harvey White (23 Bradley Ibrahim, 61), 10 Xavier Amaechi (20 Michael Baidoo, 61) 11 Ronan Curtis, 15 Alex Mitchell (44 Jared Rendle, half-time) 18 Owen Oseni, 22 Alex Hartridge (24 Caleb Roberts, 75), 27 Bim Pepple (25 Freddie Issaka, 61), 29 Matty Sorinola. Substitutes: 21 James Storer (gk), 41 Leo McCormick (gk), 26 Tegan Finn.

Booked: Ross 39, Sorinola 89

Goals: Baidoo 82

Young Argyle are preparing for their annual trip to SuperCupNI The Greens will be heading across the Irish Sea with a squad of Under-14s and -15s, led by Dan Thompson, and have been drawn into a group alongside Chicago City, County Londonderry and Tottenham Hotspur. The results in the group stages will determine how the latter part of their week will look. The fixtures are:

Monday, 27 July v Chicago City, Parker Avenue, 1pm

Tuesday, 28 July v Tottenham Hotspur, Broughshane, 3pm

Wednesday, 29 July v Co. Londonderry, Riada Stadium, 3pm

24th

Argyle Women have signed defender, Ellie Bishop, from Norwich City where she played a key role in helping the Canaries secure promotion to the FAWNL Northern Premier Division for the first time through the play-offs.

Ellie came through the Norwich pathway from the age of nine, and was awarded the Young Player of the Season award for the 2021-22 season, before joining Spurs for the following campaign.

After also having a spell with Watford, Bishop returned to Norwich and became the club's first-ever female professional player, in June 2025.

Argyle Women Head Coach Matt Green said: "We're delighted to get Ellie on board with our new project here at Argyle. She was a key member of Norwich's promotion squad last season, so will add a winning mentality to our squad.

"She's a defender who reads the game really well, is strong in the air, and brings great communication and professionalism on and off the pitch, which will help our younger players. I'm excited to see her development this season, and we can't wait for her to play in front of the Green Army at Home Park."

23rd

After days, weeks, even months of speculation and hours of rumours, Argyle announced the permanent signing of centre back, fans' favourite and last season's player of the year, Alex Mitchell on a three-year deal from Charlton Athletic. The 'undisclosed fee' is thought to be somewhere between £200,000 and £600,000 with add ons. Mitchell, who is clearly delighted to be back at Plymouth, was unveiled riding a horse on a merry-go-round and then gave an interview in which he thanked Tolaj for facilitating his return.

22nd

A happy 90th birthday to Alec Brenton!

Al became involved in the Trust when the EFL introduced the original Community Scheme, and dedicated over 25 years leading 'Matchday Magic' at Home Park Stadium - a matchday provision inspiring local young people and creating the next generation of the Green Army.

Tom Cleverley says he is looking for a 'quality striker' to replace the departed Lorent Tolaj and that conversations are ongoing with another club to sign such a player.

21st

Twenty years to the day since Argyle played a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid in the Austrian Alps, the Greens - and a sizeable number of the Green Army - descended on Plainmoor for the traditional warm-up fixture against Devon neighbours, Torquay United.

Argyle made it three wins out of three in a tight and closely fought encounter, as the Pilgrims were definitely challenged more than they had been in their previous two matches. It was what Tom Cleverley called a 'wake-up call'.

Pepple scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half, finishing well from inside the six-yard box after good work on the Argyle right, to put the ball beyond former young Pilgrim keeper, Zak Baker.

Torquay's no 19, Isaac Westendorf caused Argyle problems, while the Gulls felt they were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty in the first half. But, despite chances in the second half, Torquay just could not find the equaliser and the Greens held on for the 1-0 win.

Argyle starting line-up with substitutes in brackets: 21 James Storer, 5 Julio Pleguezuelo (39 Hayman 60'), 11 Ronan Curtis (10 Amaechi 60'), 22 Alex Hartridge (2 Ross 46'), 23 Bradley Ibrahim (6 Boateng 60'), 24 Caleb Roberts (7 White 60'), 25 Freddie Issaka (38 Campbell 60'), 27 Bim Pepple(18 Oseni 46'), 40 Joe Mwaro (29 Sorinola 60'), 43 James Sharpe (20 Baidoo 46'), 45 Wes Harding (capt) (44 Rendle 60'),

Goals: Pepple 28

Yellows: Matty Sorinola 74

20th

Late in the evening, it was confirmed that Lorent Tolaj had completed a move to Championship side, Bristol City, for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in excess of £4m with add ons.

Argyle Director of Football Derek Adams said:

"We have sold him for significantly more money than we paid for him, and while you never want to lose players of his quality, this represents excellent business for the football club in a short space of time, and epitomises our player trading model.

"It is beneficial that the sale has happened with a lot of the transfer window still to go. It gives us the opportunity to recruit an appropriate replacement, and further strengthen the squad.

"We thank Tolly for his contributions at Argyle, and wish him well for the future, where we are sure he will continue to progress."

Our Mr Argyle, Kevin Nancekivell, has been awarded an honorary degree from Plymouth University. Very well deserved, Nance.

18th

Argyle continued their pre-season warm-up with a 3-0 victory at Bath City. Goals came from Owen Oseni, Michael Baidoo and Xavier Amaechi, though the Greens had many opportunities to score. Bath's substitutions included former Argyle striker, Ruben Reid.

The 11 starters gave way on 62 minutes to a completely new line-up.

Argyle (1): 1 Murphy Cooper, 2 Mathias Ross (capt), 6 Malachi Boateng, 10 Xavier Amaechi, 18 Owen Oseni, 20 Michael Baidoo, 22 Alex Hartridge, 27 Bim Pepple, 29 Matty Sorinola, 38 Seb Campbell, 44 Jared Rendle.

Argyle (2): 21 James Storer, 5 Julio Pleguezuelo, 11 Ronan Curtis, 23 Bradley Ibrahim, 24 Caleb Roberts, 25 Freddie Issaka, 26 Tegan Finn, 39 Sam Hayman, 40 Joe Mwaro, 43 James Sharpe, 45 Wes Harding.

Next up is a visit to Plainmoor to take on Torquay United on Tuesday night.

16th

There are strong rumours that a deal has been agreed with Bristol City for the transfer of Lorent Tolaj.

Argyle's EFL fixture dates have been confirmed. The Greens will play Crystal Palace U21s at home on Tuesday 22 September. They will be away to Newport County on Tuesday 6 October and at home again to Swindon Town on Tuesday 10 November. All kick offs are at 7pm.

Argyle Women's pre-season schedule has been announced. Three of the Greens' warm-up fixtures are home at Foulston Park; with the game against Marine Academy being played away. All matches will kick off at 2pm.

Sunday, 19 July - Bristol Rovers (H)

Sunday, 26 July - Cardiff City (H)

Sunday, 2 August - Marine Academy Plymouth (A)

Sunday, 9 August - Swansea City (H)

15th

Argyle Women's 2026-27 FAWNL South Premier Division fixtures have been announced.

The Greens kick off their season with an away trip to newly promoted Swindon Town on Sunday, 16 August.

The first home fixture, which will be played at Home Park, comes the following weekend when Matt Green's side plays host to AFC Wimbledon. The final game of the season will also be at home, against Lewes, on Sunday 2 May. The two matches against AFC Bournemouth who beat the Greens in last season's National League Cup will be played at Home Park on Sunday 18 October, with the reverse fixture on Sunday 18 April.

A full list can be found on the Argyle website.

14th

Argyle have signed goalkeeper Murphy Cooper from QPR on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old, originally from Reading, joined QPR at the age of 10, coming through their Academy system, and playing as a teenager with current Pilgrim Caleb Watts.

Cooper signed a professional deal at Loftus Road in 2021, and had loans with Welling United, Bath City and Stratford before making his Hoops debut towards the end of the 2021-22 season.

In 2023-24, Murphy joined Swindon on a long-term loan, in Sky Bet League Two and, in 2024-25 for League One Stevenage for whom he played 40 games.

Last season, Cooper spent the first half of the season at Barnsley, making his debut against Argyle on the opening day, and then headed to Sheffield Wednesday where he played eight times in the Championship.

"It is great to have Murphy on board," said Argyle Head Coach Tom Cleverley. "For a 24-year-old, he has excellent experience; he has played over 100 games, a lot of them at League One or Championship level, and is still young enough that he can keep on improving.

"He has a great character, is a terrific shot-stopper, and possesses that bravery, and desire to keep the ball out, that all top goalkeepers have. I am looking forward to seeing him in action with us."

Derek Adams, Director of Football, added: "Murphy is another excellent addition to our goalkeeping unit. He already knows League One really well from his time at Stevenage and Barnsley, and did well at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, too.

"We're really pleased with the goalkeeping group we have been able to assemble."

Former Argyle left-back, Nathaniel Ogbeta, has signed for Portuguese club Maritimo in Funchal on the island of Madeira.

The 25-year-old, who was released when his contract expired at the end of May, had been on loan at Barnsley last season.

13th

Argyle Under-18s' pre-season schedule has been announced.

Jamie Lowry's side will play five away games before the season proper starts on 8 August.

Their opponents will be:

Saturday, 18 July - Sidmouth (A)

Tuesday, 21 July - Leicester City (A)

Saturday, 25 July - Cardiff City (A)

Tuesday, 28 July - Elburton Villa (A)

Saturday, 1 August - Swansea City (A)

11th

Argyle played the first of their pre-season warm-up games and were comfortable victors over local side, Plymouth Parkway. First-half goals from Bim Pepple and Michael Baidoo came either side of a Will Sullivan strike for Parkway, after some defensive indecision.

Argyle made nine changes at half-time with defender, Joe Mwaro, the only player to remain on the pitch after the break.

Two goals from Owen Oseni near the start and finish of the half sealed the win.

Argyle (first half): 21 James Storer, 5 Julio Pleguezuelo, 6 Malachi Boateng, 9 Lorent Tolaj, 10 Xavier Amaechi, 23 Bradley Ibrahim, 27 Bim Pepple, 29 Matty Sorinola, 30 Michael Baidoo, 40 Joe Mwaro, 45 Wes Harding (capt).

Argyle (second half): 21 James Storer (Trialist), 4 Brendan Wiredu, 18 Owen Oseni, 24 Caleb Roberts, 25 Freddie Issaka, 26 Tegan Finn, 38 Seb Campbell, 39 Sam Hayman, 40 Joe Mwaro (44 Jared Rendle), 42 Jovan Wamani, 43 James Sharpe.

10th

Eight Argyle Academy apprentices have stepped up to the Under-18 squad.

They are: Corey Browne, a left-sided defender; centre-back, Deniz Doru; midfielder, Harry Locke; forward, James Sharpe; Joel Tolcher, a midfielder; defenders, Jovan Wanami and Dylan Williams, and striker, Emran Wischhoff.

Fuller details can be found on the Argyle official website.

9th

Argyle's away kit for the 2026-27 season has been revealed. The shirt is striped with light blue waves, said to be inspired by the shores of Plymouth Sound. It is accompanied by royal blue shorts and socks. Sponsors' logos Classic Builders, Vertu and Fineline appear on the shirt. Bastille drummer, Chris Wood 'Woody' unveiled the shirt on stage at the Eden Project.

Argyle's alleged target, Bristol Rovers' midfielder Kamil Conteh, has signed for newly promoted Bromley.

The great Paul Mariner died five years ago today, aged 68.

7th

Transfer rumours: Owen Dale is said to be talking to Leyton Orient after the winger rejected Argyle's offer.

Argyle are thought to be winning the race for QPR goalkeeper Murphy Cooper, with Sheffield Wednesday and Milton Keynes Dons also interested.

Plymouth Live are reporting that a number of Clubs are interested in securing the services of Argyle striker, Bim Pepple. Among those mentioned are Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Danish side AGF Aarhus and 'a number of MLS' sides.

5th

Happy birthday to midfielder Malachi Boateng who is 24 today. Signed from Hearts in the January 2025 transfer window Malachi has made 63 appearances to date, including every league game last term, scoring five goals. Malachi won several accolades at the end of the year, including Men's Players' Player of the Season.

4th

The Argyle first-team squad are heading to their Spain for their summer training camp near the city of Murcia. The six-day camp will run from today until Thursday 9 July. Returnee, Michael Baidoo, has not been able to travel, due to visa issues.

Tom Cleverley has expressed himself 'very pleased' with the quality of Argyle's summer signings so far. He has also said that he is totally committed to the Pilgrims and fully focused on getting them promoted back into the Championship this season. Rumours linking him with Championship side, Blackburn Rovers, were wide of the mark:

"There weres no approaches, I'm completely committed and focused to getting Argyle where we want to be," Cleverley said. "There was nothing concrete coming my way, and not something I really thought about.

"Unless asked to, in 20 years of football, I've never left a football club, and, I don't intend on changing that anytime soon."

2nd

Argyle's first-round Carabao Cup tie at home to Exeter City has now been scheduled for Monday 10 August with a kick-off time of 8pm. The match will be shown on Sky Sports.

1st

Tom Cleverley has told a news conference that there is no pressure to sell Argyle's two star strikers, Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple.

"From their training, from the conversations I have had, they look very committed which has been really pleasing that I can plan a season, a system, a style of play around them being here," he said.

"The (transfer) market is very slow. Whether we are going to get that bid that might turn our heads we are yet to see.

"Now, we have got a figure for both of our players. We have got a real strong value of where they are at how they performed last season, but also their ceiling.

"The most important thing for me is the work the last three or four days, they both look committed."

The rumoured deal for Watford 'keeper, Nathan Baxter is looking less likely as location is said to be an issue, with Leyton Orient now interested in the 27-year-old.

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