Summer? What summer? We’re still here, as the game at the top level continues to eat itself with VAR, spies and money. Archie is joined by Chris, Michael and One Team in Devon’s James Stables to dissect his latest newsletter, titled Five Things Argyle Need to Do for a Successful Summer.

We start by defining and exploring the concept of a rebuild. There seems to be less chaos despite nine formal exits, four loanees not being retained, and several contract offers on the table. Stick or twist? Where does fate play a role? What does a “spine” really mean? And where do the retained young players fit into the puzzle?

Next, it’s on to player trading. There are moving parts as ever, but there is also a sense of strategy and stability, valuable assets, and evidence that players can develop and improve their value. It could be a lot worse, and there is a path towards a positive reset of money in and players arriving to fit a plan. And what could that plan be? Would it be madness to move away from a successful setup and strategy to experiment with another stylistic shift?

Finally, off the field: is this when investment arrives? Noise means nothing, but there is more of it than ever and, after a poor 18 months, there is now some stability, improved recruitment, a great catchment area and fantastic facilities on the way. And how should the club approach communication when there is often very little to actually communicate?

Did I say finally? A summer quiz! Some normal questions and some kind of weird bidding game to finish the epic.

Next stop: to be confirmed, as news breaks and World Cups begin. Enjoy your summer…

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