Won in the pink. What a performance. It falls to Archie, Chris, Dan and Mark to deliver a doom-free review of a 6th away win in 7.

In part one, a deep dive on the game. Argyle came out of the gates quickly and didn’t stop: early disappointment at a sending-off not given was a minor blip amongst fluid play, strong pressing, some excellent quality touches and a deserved goal. Special praise for the goalscorer and his partner, and for the Head Coach for a job well, and relentlessly, done.

Part two broadens the conversation with a review of the batshittery of a Vertu Cup win and a discussion of the challenges that come from mixed comms, even when you are on an upward curve. And then: Bali. Yes, some struggles, but everyone is united behind a good player, a great human being, and wishing him all the best in regaining that special form in the future. Just not against us, please.

A quick look forward to a huge game against Luton, with a genuine full house (including the away end) and hopes high.

Bring it on.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No game, so no pod? You’re not getting off that easily. Alex, Chris and Tom use the (sadly) redundant FA Cup 3rd round weekend to sit back and take stock of some major themes at Argyle and the modern game. At least we don’t lose 10-1.

The differences between sport for passion and sport for fun, use of data and the role of the modern club infrastructure tee up a review of Argyle’s background office (front office for our American listeners) at a crucial point in the season. Will the club benefit from the new hires in the back office, or is it more of the same on the horizon? Should youth take priority over league position, or when you are in fire do you just put it out? We really enjoyed this one without the pressure of a game, we hope that translates as you listen too.

Before a short part two, we are proud to promote a new addition to the Argyle fan canon. We've an exert from Richard Ough's 'Argyle Stories' that looks at Shilton years. The full episode can be found on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7LmBBm0oGhiqVDNQKvq2H7) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ArgyleStories)

Finally, back to the day job with thoughts on a new signing, an up and coming rough run of league games and, of course, a midweek trip to Bristol in the Papa Vertu Auto Windshield Cup. 

We’ve missed you, Argyle.

If you'd like to support the pod with a contribution, please go to https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here we go, here we go, here we go! Yes, a depleted Burton. Yes, we beat them 4-0 away. But lovely to finish a busy festive season with a 3-0 win. Archie, Chris and Mark are joined by guest Sam Roberts to review a winning home start to 2026.

Part One, the game. Lots to like, right from the start, with a contender for goal of the season the worth of the crossbar away. A goal from a set piece, good delivery on others, and (other than one kamikaze moment at the back), it felt like we were set up for a decent second half. And decent it was, with solid performances across the pitch: more set piece goals and a penalty dispatched in the style we expect from our striker. A doom-free zone and a deserved Ralls love-in. Lovely stuff.

Part Two touches on a disappointing, by no means catastrophic, defeat for the women’s team. Thoughts then turn to the squad: the departure of Law McCabe, talk of an incoming in the week, does the club stick or twist with transfers? And with two weeks until the next league game, it’s hard to predict what’s next.

Except when it’s dull, it’s never dull.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Games are coming thick and fast and Argyle pick up a point at Stevenage. Archie hosts and Chris and Mark are back to do their best to avoid doom. They try, they really do.

The game: in isolation, more to like than not, with some shape and decent data in the first period. But does more holistic data suggest we should be going for it earlier? A predictable goal from a looping cross, some positive substitutions and an improved final thirty minutes leave some thinking it was an opportunity missed and others a point gained.

In part two, the upcoming six-pointer at home to (checks notes) Burton FFS is the focus. Stick or twist? Will we build on momentum or revert to type at home? There is also a quick detour to discuss Tom Cleverley’s fascinating insight in a recent interview into his coaching philosophy and, as is New Year tradition, predictions for the next game and for the season.

An extended break is to come when everyone will be back at work. Enjoy it while you can, Greens, whether you are glass half full or empty, you’ll miss the flood of games when they are gone.

COYG

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good riddance to 2025. Alex, Chris and Mark review the first half of the festive season and look forward to 2026. 

Part One reviews two home games which frustrated more than excited. The Doncaster high comes crashing back to down to earth with an early sending off and a 10 minute panic. Despite a strong second half showing, there was momentum going into Wycombe. Which fell off a cliff, with a lucky late equalizer. Bah fricking humbug. 

Part Two tries to make sense of the first half of the season and look forward to 2026. A cry for positivity is balanced with a pragmatic view that Cleverley the player is manifesting as Cleverley the Head Coach. But with a league so tight, all hope is not lost. Buckle up for Schumacher Part 2, or resign yourself to boring the opposition into submission? Let’s wait and see….

Happy New Year, see you in 2026. Or later this week as it’s also known. 

COYG

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Pilgrims Podcast Christmas special, host Archie is joined by Mark Lovell and special guest Marie Hourihan, Head Coach of Plymouth Argyle Women.

They reflect on Marie’s impressive playing career at the highest level of the women’s game and chart the rapid evolution of women’s football during her time as a professional. Marie discusses her experiences working under elite coaches, including Emma Hayes, and how those influences have shaped her own coaching philosophy.

She talks candidly about the transition from player to coach, the growing pathways now available for women to remain in the game, and the importance of understanding resources, environments and people when building a successful team. The conversation also explores recruitment, with Marie outlining a data-informed, player-focused approach and stressing the value of a strong team spine, particularly the role of goalkeeper.

Attention then turns to the current Argyle Women’s season, the challenges faced so far, and the club’s promotion ambitions.

The episode concludes with a wider discussion on alignment within football clubs, the importance of visibility and support for the women’s game, and Marie’s hopes for the future.

Merry Christmas, Greens. Thanks for all your support this year, and enjoy this episode with the brilliant Marie Hourihan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Argyle collect another win away from home but this time it’s a goal fest. Alex, Mark and Tom dissect a five-star performance from the Greens, who made mincemeat of their opposing Yorkshires: from the individual excellence from hat-trick hero Laurent Tolaj and his assister-en-masse Owen Oseni, to good shows of experience from the likes of Ralls, Edwards and Sorinola - and most notably the systemic changes of recent weeks to a 4-4-2.

The panel also continue the conversation as to the extent of the influence of Derek Adams on first team results, what another high scoring win away from home says about the quality of player we have, and whether there corner has actually been turned this time, and the playoffs are in sight, or if the rollercoaster continues to twist and turn after Christmas.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two wins in a row. So surely everyone is bouncing off the walls with pre-Christmas cheer. Well, not quite.

Liam and Seve join regulars Archie, Mark and Chris, and in Part One pragmatism is the name of the game. Some outstanding performances at the back, slowly tapering the further up the field, punctuated by a great goal just before half-time. Should we expect more, or is it misery to do anything but applaud another back-to-the-wall effort? The bar is low, but we are starting to clear it.

We also have a voice note from journalist John Duerden, sharing his full-time thoughts. John has a new website launching on 1st January: “An outsider's view of the ups and downs of Plymouth Argyle FC. Features, news, interviews & much more.”

Part Two sees the return of the quiz! We look back a couple of years to a very different Rotherham game and pine for a squad that, in hindsight, had some absolute superstars. Having a copy of the squad from the season before is NOT cheating.

Part Three tries to tie things in festive bows. Are we actually improving, or is this a false dawn? Should we be happy with what we’ve got, or demand more? Or should we take it all a little less seriously and enjoy the moment? The diversity of opinion reflects an unusual time for the club, where a slide down or a spring up seems equally possible.

Six-pointer next at Doncaster. Let’s hope the rebuild continues…

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A vital win in Buckinghamshire for the men's team, plus the Argyle women are flying too!

(26:53) Christian Kent - Executive Lead for Argyle Women.

To Wycombe and, football purists look away now, but three points in the road (again) provides increasing evidence that shape and solidity are helping, at least away. Chris, Mark and Tom review a game low on chances and skill, but high on heart, commitment and clinical finishing. Lots of 7/10 performances, bodies on the line and good old fashioned fight steal 3 points from a nil nil draw. Gareth Ainsworth (or a certain Mr Adams) would be very proud of the shithousery.

Part 2 and focus turns - deservedly and belatedly - to the women’s team. Tom and Mark spend time with Christian to review a brilliant season to date and to discuss ambitious plans for the future.

Finally thoughts turn to the weekend for Tom Cleverley's side. Build on the win with another rearguard action or take the momentum to try something a bit more footballery? Who’d be a Head Coach….?

COYG

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running out of things to say, really. Slightly improved, yes. But the result is sadly, awfully, terribly predictable. Archie, Chris and Mark do their best to think of some original light to shine into the December gloom.

Part One, the game. A bright start followed by a slow decline but some positives and some experienced heads did give some temporary hope that midweek cup success may have provided a platform. Instead, a soft penalty (we would absolutely have wanted it given for us) and very little else condemns us to a fourth consecutive home defeat. Should the youth players get more of a chance? Should we at least try to win?

Part Two tries to zoom out a little. Relegation seems ever more possible but a few quick wins and the division is tight enough that it could all be okay. Or doomed by February. And a well constructed, well received Chairman’s Chat at risk of being undermined by actions and words on and off the field.

What could be better than a trip to Wycombe next?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.