Guy Branston keen to keep non-relegation record at Plymouth Argyle

GUY BRANSTON has never been relegated during a long and much-travelled career, and doesn't intend spoiling that proud record with Plymouth Argyle.

The veteran defender became new Pilgrims' manager John Sheridan's second signing earlier this month, when he joined Argyle as a free agent, after being released by Aldershot at the beginning of the year.

More accurately, he re-joined the club as Branston pitched up at Home Park more than 400 games, 22 goals, 21 transfers – both permanent and temporary – and 14 years after his first stint with Argyle.

Although Branston's career has highlights a-plenty, the 34-year-old central defender refuses to dwell on the past.

Instead, Branston (pictured right) is looking forward to helping Sheridan shift Argyle from their present parlous position – third from bottom – in League Two – up the standings.

Branston, who two years' ago helped south Devon rivals Torquay United to the League Two play-off final, has already made a good start, with Argyle beating Morecambe 2-1 at Home Park on January 12.

Long may the run continue, says Branston, whose fate, like his manager's, rests on whether Argyle remain out of the drop zone come the end of the season.

Branston concedes everyone at Home Park is aware they have a big task on their hands, but insisted he, for one, is relishing the opportunity of winning another contract with a 'massive club like Argyle'.

Branston told Herald Sport: "I've been at a lot of clubs in my career but I've never been relegated and have no wish to be now.

"That's not what I'm here for – it's my intention to be here next season having won a new contract."

Branston added: "It's unthinkable a massive club like Argyle will go out of the league, so, while it's important we stay realistic, neither me or John are ones to dwell on the negativity.

"We want to do something about the situation and are both confident characters.

"We can keep a positive outlook, even in the heat of battle and things aren't going as well as we hoped.

"I've got a contract that is due to run out at the end of the season and I'm going to bust a gut to help ensure Argyle are in a position to offer me another deal at the end of the season.

"I live in Devon, having spent a couple of years with Torquay (2010-11) and enjoyed lots of success there.

"I also enjoyed my time with Bradford City and congratulate them and their fans for reaching the Carling (League) Cup final.

"It's a fantastic achievement and a great advert for the Football League when one of your own knocks out a Premier League side (Aston Villa).

"Ironically, having been at Plymouth before, back in 1999, I believe there are similarities between City and Argyle.

"Both clubs have fantastic support and the potential to draw in a lot more.

"There's a will in both cities for their team to do well.

"There is at the club, too. There are so many talented young players on the books along with more experienced pros like myself and Wottsie (Paul Wotton) that I'm positive we have what it takes to pull away from where we are."

Branston believes last Saturday's postponement at high-flying Southend has worked in Argyle's favour.

"We've got home games with Accrington and Dagenham coming up, so the gaffer has had more time to put over his ideas to the players, which is a plus, in my view," said Branston, who took over the number five shirt at Home Park when Darren Purse switched to Port Vale.

"We've been training hard and it feels like we're getting fitter by the day.

"The gaffer has been able to work with us well on the training ground.

"He keeps his instructions short and succinct so we know what our roles are."

Branston added: "The gaffer likes to look at matches in batches, rather than whichever one is next on the fixture list.

"That seems entirely sensible to me as it doesn't put us (players) under pressure to get a victory in this his or that particular match – just get as many points as we can."