Pilgrims Podcast

The best away team in the league are at it again with a convincing performance and 2-0 win in East London. Archie is joined by Chris, Mark, Sam and Seve to relish the details.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with two changes enforced by contracts and injuries. Lots of Orient possession with very little threat slowly started to fade, with a couple of chances for Irow (not Eyebrow, Miami moron) giving a sense of what may be coming after half-time. Special praise for a solid back four, especially Ross, who belied his role as back-up with a confident performance.

And it was Ross chaos (Chaross?) that led to a deserved opener in the second half. A good corner, some pinball and the easiest of finishes for Bim, in the right place at the right time. And within five minutes, a second that exemplified Argyle at their best: pressure, quick movement, a wonderful first-time cross and a header straight out of the Dixie Dean era. From that moment, it never really felt in doubt. Minutes for substitutes, including a reminder of Jack McKenzie’s existence, and, to use a hateful phrase, strong game management saw the game to its inevitable conclusion. A purring review of a purring performance and, after a baby break in Bavaria, it’s back for Part 2.

Two great questions from TheGalah frame Part 2. The first explores the challenges of balancing first-team success with the development of youth players, and the second the future and current lowly position of the ladies’ team after coming so close to promotion last year. Wouldn’t be Argyle if we didn’t bring a little bit of DOOOOM to balance the frothy euphoria.

Finally, thoughts turn to the Autoglass Papa Jersey Mike’s trip to Newport and how ‘seriously’ the club should take it, and the upcoming home game against Wimbledon.

Can’t wait.

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Excitement before the game, followed by a lacklustre performance. And Argyle lost at home to Burton. Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and James to review a confusing 0-1 defeat.

No changes to the previous (league) starting line-up, with many rested for the cup win against Crystal Palace Under-11s in the week. Tom dials in with a level-headed summary, and there is a creeping sense that things were not as bad as some are making them out to be. A strong start from Burton, but it was Argyle who created the clearest chances, with two tricky headers which, on another day, would have led to a radically different outcome. A potential penalty, some Burton half-chances, but all square at the break.

Rinse and repeat in the second half, as Burton slowly ramped up the pressure, and the goal, when it came, did not feel undeserved. It also seemed to set a light under the home side, who created at least three more clear chances, none of which were taken. Whether you're an xG junkie or just a long-suffering fan, you knew it was going to be one of those days. Some praise for Amaechi, and disappointment, for him as much as for the result, that he didn't get a goal to continue the renaissance. All in all, BLEDDY ATYPICAL.

In Part 2, the absent Tom is back with a rallying call and, after some 200 episodes, has decided to agree with Archie. A call for positivity is debated, but the mood overall is positive in light of a home defeat. And a long-overdue win for the women's team was preceded by a local moment of unity, raising funds for 18-year-old Torquay player and former Green, Roxy Thomas. Click here to donate if you can.

Finally, there is a look ahead to Archie's upcoming away day in Leyton to watch Orient. Will the away form continue? Will Cleverley mix things up (Bakinson is unable to play)? Will Archie get a full night's sleep? Either way, we can't wait. Things wrap up with some Rooney nostalgia and randomness. Wouldn't have it any other way.

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In this week's episode, Archie is joined by Alex, James, Michael and Mark as they dissect yet another Argyle win, this time a thumping 4-2 away victory at Blackpool. With goals galore and the goal of the season shortlist growing by the week, there's plenty for the five to sink their teeth into. Particular praise goes to Harvey White, Ronan Curtis and Bim Pepple.

They briefly linger on the negative of the two goals conceded, looking at the possible wider theme of Argyle conceding similar types of goals. But they soon return to the overwhelming positives, revelling not only in another superb attacking display but also the various "avenues" Argyle now seemingly have to score from.

In Part Two, there's a mix of views, from giddy talk of promotion and the ringing of bells regarding a promotion tilt to a call for calm and everything in between. There's a brief look ahead to Crystal Palace and Burton, as well as a mention of poor Freddie Issaka, who's having a loan to forget up at Gateshead after being subbed off at half-time with his team 6-0 down. There's also time to dig into a few listener questions and, as ever, keep them coming, they're greatly appreciated.

In a rare and rogue Part Three, those who remain turn the clocks back 15 years for an admin-themed quiz. Until next week, try to keep your feet on the ground. It's all looking rather good, isn't it?

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Everyone looked forward to recording this one, and Tom is joined by Alex, Chris and guest Sam Roberts to review a near perfect 3-0 home win.

What a start. The kick off plan - referenced by the scorer and the coach - worked perfectly and a shitpinger for the ages showed parent club Spurs what they are missing. Hard to put a strike like that into words but everyone has a go. There is also a clear sense of a plan (press hard, take risks, exploit set plays) being put in place and executed by 11 confident and capable players, finally coming to a head with the simplest of goals from a goalkeeping error from a long throw. Half time and the only fear became that this was too good to be true.

It was not too good to be true. The third goal came from some quintessential Aribusitamunoipirim (h/t Dan Cole) and from there, there was a relatively unique Argyle luxury of changes to rest players, give minutes and to manage out a game with ease. What a day.

Part 2 is all about goals - early, best and favourites. With thanks to those of you jumping on the PASOTI thread, some remember better than others some early goals and then everyone answers Pastyboy's question about the best and favourites. Interestingly the theme seems to be 30 yarders by loan players...

On to Blackpool and 'hopefully something to moan about'

Any contribution towards running costs is always welcome:

https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast

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Is it March again? Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Radio Devon's Drew Savage to celebrate a swashbuckling away win in South Yorkshire.

We start with Drew's view of Drew's match review (Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub for those of a certain generation) before a review of a largely competent first half, playing positive attacking football. A deserved goal - amazing what could happen when you shoot on sight - and what would have been a second but for a marginal offside decision. After a blip of a penalty and the inevitable Alfie May goal (TYPICAL), it became the tale of substitutes. All introductions had an impact with a fantastic cameo from high energy Watts, a resurgent Owen Oseni and a blistering 20 minutes of attacking football. Even a last minute consolation didn't take the edge of a great day.

Part 2 looks back over the first five games which - allegedly with Stockport - were the toughest in the division. A consensus that Leicester still feels like a missed opportunity, some good and some bad is an improvement on this season. Some reader questions are revisited (skip this if you have never watched The Bill) including a heartfelt shout out to the art of goalkeeping with Mark Lovell. A quick look forward to Barnsley which, such is the unpredictable nature of the season so far, is more optimistic after today's showing. Especially as Drew takes us back to 4 years to an all time classic away win at Derby. 

3-2 wins are just great, aren't they? 

(And best wishes to Morgan Whittaker: go well in Colorado.)

Housekeeping: Appreciate my tired rambling at the end may not have been the clearest. Just to clarify, episodes will possibly be out a little later than usual over the next few weeks, but the absolute latest will be early Monday morning.

We’ve had some lovely comments recently from people saying how much they appreciate the early releases and listen on the way home from the game or in the early hours of Sunday. I just wanted to acknowledge that and say thanks ever so much for the kind words. Cheers, all.

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A short review of a frustrating night in Leicester. Archie is joined by Chris and Mark right at the final whistle to discuss an underwhelming 2-0 defeat.

It all started so well (sort of) with Russell Martin + VAT tippy tappy in your own 6 years area crab ball being pressured with great success and creating a series of half chances. Was it a lack of execution, a predatory striker or confidence that meant we were unable to take advantage? Either way the guile was not matched by the goals and a daft two minutes effectively put the game to bed in injury time of an extended first period. Some might say - typical.

The introduction of an actual striker on the hour mark saw some actual shots being taken but no actual goals. And Leicester sat in third gear as Argyle huffed and puffed to little effect. There is frustration that the high budget opposition seemed there for the taking but also a sense this was not a catastrophic away collapse. Impotent and blunt are used too frequently but this was very raw.

A quick look forward to Doncaster and a look back to the famous Holloway defeat for some cheer wrap up a short, not too doom, not too happy episode. Back for more at the weekend for the visit of mighty Doncaster.

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Archie is joined by Tom, Liam and Dan to discuss a comprehensive 2-0 win over Bradford City. The pod reflect on a performance which offered plenty of positives, with Argyle scoring just before half-time through Julio Pleguezuelo after some confusion around the new quick throw-in law.

Part One also looks at the impressive second debut of Bakinson, White's deflected strike to seal the win early in the second half, and the praise that went around for a number of outstanding individual performances. Centre-backs, goalkeeper, midfielders — there was plenty to like. You could say it was all good Bantam. (can you tell Chris Allen is not writing the pod description this week?)

Aaron Cusack also sends the pod a voice note with his take on things, highlighting the difference in the implementation of the 4-4-2, as well as the pressing in midfield from our newfound midfield duo.

In Part Two transfers are discussed, or rather, the lack of them, as Argyle's squad looks increasingly settled heading into the final days of the window. There is also some debate around whether that's a good thing, particularly with the club's young players and squad depth in mind.The pod also acknowledges the very welcome news that Ákos Buzsáky has been found safe and well, having previously been listed as a missing person by Hungarian police. There is a brief look back at some of his memorable contributions in Green, but above all, we wish Ákos nothing but the best.Finally, the pod tackles a few listener questions before looking ahead to Tuesday night's enticing trip to the King Power, where a stuttering Leicester City await.

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Every point's a prisoner. But one from two games, not the launch out of the gates anyone wanted. Tough gig trying not to get carried away, good or bad, after two games, but Archie tries to keep a level head with Chris, Mark and Tom.

Alanis Morissette levels of irony as Wiredu leaves, only for ever-present Boateng to limp off after three minutes, seemingly for a lengthy period on the sidelines. A scrappy game saw Wycombe on top before Argyle had their best period of the game, including a fantastic goal for the deserving Will Evans. Half-time came along, so far so good, but by the 96th minute a point felt fair, if not generous. Some debate about Cleverley's focus on a referee who felt to many to have had a really good game. But it's early, a long way to go, and a point is better than none.

Part Two looks at the departure of Brendan Wiredu, who had been highlighted as semi-surplus to requirements for the season ahead. And the announcement of two medicals completed and announcements of a midfielder and wide player set to be announced on Monday. Unless we have cursed it by mentioning it...

Finally, a look forward to Round 2 of the League Cup and what could be a battle of the youth teams. Hopefully, anyway.

Don't panic, it's not Christmas yet.

As ever, if you want to get in touch with a question, comment or proof of international existence, please do so via the usual channels linked.

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A Home Park humbling! Stockport County came, saw and conquered as Argyle suffered a 3-1 defeat in the opening League One game of the season. Was it just one bad day at the office, or did it expose some deeper problems? Archie is joined by Seve and Alex to pick through a disappointing start to the 26/27 campaign *( and Chris sticks to his word - and sends in a voice note discussing another defeat).

Part One is all about the game and a performance where Argyle were second best from the outset. Stockport's shape, midfield control and ability to play through the press caused problems, while Argyle struggled to create a clear attacking identity. Individual errors played their part, but was the bigger issue tactical? There is plenty of discussion around Evans and Pepple, Ibrahim's encouraging cameo, Amaechi's goal, Cooper's performance and the opportunities for the younger players. We also tackle a listener question regarding Cleverley's tactical flexibility.

Part Two looks beyond the defeat and discusses the recent Fans' Forum, with updates on investment, Foulston Park and a bit more detail regarding the women's team. There is also a breakthrough in our quest to establish whether our international listeners actually exist, with correspondence from Cyprus, Hanoi and an island with just 2,100 people (albeit that one's not international).

Finally, the pod looks ahead to Wycombe and what needs to change. A clearer route to goal, more support for the forwards, greater attacking threat and a more coherent approach in possession all feature in the discussion. The defeat is concerning, but there is no panic just yet.

As ever, if you want to get in touch with a question, comment or proof of international existence, please do so via the usual channels linked.

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Devon is Green and White! A win in the local derby to start the season! Was it worth €45 FML? Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Tom to review a winning start to competitive football in the 26/27 season.

Part One is all about the game and it's good to be back. Never a stellar performance, but lots to like with some creative play, creative and impactful set pieces and some comical errors. Also some challenges, particularly converting the chances that were created, some nerves and some defensive lapses, but the late late show leaves everyone happy. There is a deeper dive into Trigger 2.0 and his baptism of fire and how he may, or may not, provide a like-for-like comparison with the departed Tolaj, and a Cooper 2.0 deep dive from Mark Lovell. Craig from the Mansfield Matters Podcast also joins us by voice note to talk all things Will Evans.

Part Two opens with everyone offering their new season resolutions (more data, less data, more love-ins, more arguments?) before some more traditional thoughts on the season ahead. Injuries and wage caps, kids v experience, who may take the Baidoo spot and end-of-season predictions. From there: crisps.

Finally, in Part Three (remember them?), the pod looks ahead to the League One opener at Home Park, which sees the visit of Stockport County. Chris from The Scarf Bergara Wore podcast sends his thoughts with a voice note ahead of the game. The pod then looks further afield at Argyle's opening set of games, asking whether cool heads will be needed during what is ranked as the toughest opening run in the country. There is also a look at Argyle's seemingly never-ending injury crisis and the question of just what exactly could be at the root of it.

They round off by putting out a call for their international listeners in a quest to find out whether they truly exist or whether it's just Bob in Stonehouse with a powerful VPN. Either way, thank you for listening. We look forward to bringing the season to you. If you do wish to get in touch, please see the links attached.

COYG

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