Argyle start shows shoots of recovery in League Two
ON THE face of it, picking up four points from as many games at the start of this season and sitting in 15th position in the League Two table is not a lot to be excited about.
But after Plymouth Argyle's struggles over recent times, which have included two relegations, it still represents a sign of improvement.
It is the Pilgrims' best start to a season after four league games since 2007/08, when they finished 10th in the Championship.
Argyle shot up from 23rd to 15th in the table after their 3-2 victory over previously unbeaten Northampton Town at Home Park on Saturday.
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It was their first league success of the season, and ended a wait since Easter Monday for such a win.
Now they are aiming to build on that result when they take on Devon rivals Torquay United at Plainmoor on Saturday (3pm).
Argyle manager Carl Fletcher said: "You always want to get your first win of the season. It's like a monkey off your back really.
"You want to get it out of the way and done, and you move onto the next one. We are looking forward to a good game (against Torquay) this weekend."
Including pre-season friendlies, Argyle played 12 games in a 43-day period, culminating in the victory over Northampton.
But they are not in action this midweek after getting a bye in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Fletcher added: "I was pleased for the lads on Saturday because we have had some real long away games, and lots of games in a short space of time.
"Northampton are a big, organised side and they are going to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, so it was a good win for us – and we could take a lot of positives from it."
Like this season, Argyle were 15th after the first four league games of 2007/08.
However, they had one more point then, compared to now, with a record of one win, two draws and one defeat.
The Pilgrims were in seventh position in the Championship in 2007/08 when Ian Holloway resigned as manager to take over at Leicester City that November.
He was replaced by Paul Sturrock, who led them to a final position of 10th.
Since then, Argyle have been 21st, 19th, 17th and 22nd after the first four league games of each subsequent season.
That perfectly illustrates the problems they have experienced. Remember, it took the Pilgrims until their 10th league game in 2011/12 to reach four points.
It is too soon to say whether this season is definitely the start of an upward trend for Argyle, but for now, at least, they are nearer the middle of the League Two table, than the bottom of it.
Comments
by kevinretallic
Saturday, September 08 2012, 1:53PM
“greensnsible,take a long ook at yourself”
by alabar1
Friday, September 07 2012, 9:53AM
“Should be a good game on Saturday,if RHYS is fit I think he will cause there defenders all sorts of problems and provide the openings for Alex and Paris,hopefully Conner and Luke will continue where they left off in the second half last week and provide the ammo.
It wont be easy but we stand a good chance of taking at least a point from this game.
Lets see those GREEN and WHITE scarves waving from the cars as we make our way to Plainmoor.
Good luck Argyle.
Hope we get an influential midfielder on loan next week to bolster our midfield.”
by helterfc
Friday, September 07 2012, 9:08AM
“You're right, Wilf, it's good to see Mac back. And let's hope Fletcher can extend his loan period. I feel we will be better prepared for the local derby this time round but it's a disappointment not to have Baz in the squad. He has been looking good. I have to wish him luck in the international games but, from a selfish Green point of view, I'd rather he were with us.”
by WILFWASTHEMAN
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:42PM
“Really impressed by greensensible comments- they carry a certain intellectual depth and analytical logic dont you think? OK on to more important stuff - 2 bits of good news since the technical problem took us off air as we won our first league game and Mac is back. I had predicted 20th by year end before we signed Mac so my new prediction is 18th - lets hope I am still being too pessimistic! If our fireman can stay injury free and maintain his first game promise then who knows?”
by WILFWASTHEMAN
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:14PM
“Also had problem inputting - will this one make it?”
by imapilgrim
Thursday, September 06 2012, 5:29PM
“who the hell keeps marking all the comments on argyle negatvely?????????????????????????? i may often disgree but i have a life so could not be bothered to sit doing such a thing .... herald sort it out or stop ratings so that this idiot cant do it anymore !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by kevinretallic
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:20AM
“Green shoots but a long road to tread,well done Carl and staff.”
by alabar1
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:49AM
“@helterfc,had the same problem for a while,logging out and back into profile seemed to fix it.
3 points on Saturday would be nice but would settle for one against the Gulls who are not a bad team.
Looking forward to a jovial return home journey from Plainmoor after the game.
Onwards and upwards, keep the faith,GREEN ARMY RAISE THE ROOF AND GET BEHIND OUR LADS,AND SHOW DEVON WHO THE TOP TEAM IS AND CERTAINLY WHO HAS THE BEST SUPPORT.”
by helterfc
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 10:56PM
“Colin - I have also had trouble commenting. Everything got an "internal server error" which should have been sorted today. Hope this comment gets through then I can resume my Argyle talk.”
by Gazzapilgrim
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 7:44PM
“I am feeling a lot more positive after witnessing last saturdays 2nd half showing. Rhys Griffiths if he can stay fit looked like he belonged. He won every header and the ball seemed to stick to him allowing the midfielderts time to support him and his lay offs found their man everytime. I will still be happy with a mid table finish but anything higher will be a bonus. Off to Torquay on saturday and feeling optimistic. COYG”