Two alternative Choose Your Own Adventure pods in one this week - a mammoth deconstruction of another day of doom or, skip to (01:25:55) for a quick 30 seconds of relative positivity.

For those with the stomach for it, part one looks at the game itself. A clear mismatch of player capability, aptitude and attitude doesn’t give much room for positivity and it’s difficult for everyone not to look to bigger themes of summer recruitment, system rigidity and a continued long term cycle of away day challenges. A defense of data cynicism also features: it’s not a barrel of laughs…

Part 2 looks more deeply at the challenge at hand and the potential approach to the months leading to Christmas. Does everything rest on a huge transfer deadline day or should the club - and the head coach - finally stick and stop waiting for a magical twist. Does the Papa John’s or whatever it’s called matter? How should we approach Stockport? You decide.

Finally, huge thanks to our listeners for sticking with us as well as the team in hard times. Huge shout outs to those of you who have contributed to keep us on air: you know who you are.

COYG

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Finally, a win.

Tom hosts with Archie, Alex and Chris on hand to discuss what already feels like a huge moment in the season.

Part One focuses on a new number nine, a solid centre-half, a few glitches still remaining — but ultimately progress and three points. Praise for many, lingering frustrations for some… but a win is a win is a win.

Part Two dives into one of the longest weeks in football: from Monday doom to Saturday joy via signings, statements, more signings, press conferences, and both a loss and a win at Home Park. Can the club ever truly win with its comms? Has the reset been achieved, or was it simply a better day at the office? We’ll let you, the listener, decide.

Next stop: two games in Wales. Let’s build on this.

Up the Bastard Argyle.

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Archie and Chris draw the short straw after another humbling evening under the lights at Home Park.

A brief review of the game (start well, run out of steam, lose) quickly turns to sadness at the toxic atmosphere in the ground and online. Should the club own the situation or sit tight? What can the Head Coach really say? How do we begin to claw our way out of this? Big questions, so early in a new campaign.

Technical glitches on Argyle TV, a guide to dealing with the doom as a fan, and an attempt to find some positives and perspective leave everyone terrified — but still excited — for another home game at the weekend. Be kind, everyone. Surely, things can only get better…

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IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES. IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES. Repeat x10. Then join Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom for a challenging listen after a challenging day.

In part one, there are some positives: a bright opening 15 minutes, a few decent intricate moves, and genuine footballing intent — before a deep dive into what was ultimately a really difficult watch. A poor performance by a poor team… but remember, IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES.

Part two finds the head coach seemingly agreeing with the assessment that the team needs radical improvement if he’s to deliver tactical and technical change. How we’ve reached game two with such a limited first-team squad, and what might be done about it, dominate the discussion. Oh, and there’s some waffle about Jesters.

But remember: IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES.

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Archie, Dan, Mark and Tom unpack a chaotic — and ultimately deeply disappointing — opening day at Home Park, as Argyle fall to a 3–1 defeat to Barnsley. Disallowed goals, defensive horror shows, and a nightmare debut for Wiredu all feature in a performance that raised more questions than answers.

There’s tactical chat, referee gripes, and a look at what the substitutions did (or didn’t) change.

In Part 2, the panel reflect on what the result might tell us about the season ahead — including the state of the squad, the need for signings, and the importance of the next few games.

They also share thoughts on the recent Fans’ Forum and look ahead to next week’s trip to Bolton — where, off the pitch, we’ll come up against plenty of familiar faces.

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In collaboration with One Team In Devon, Archie, Tom and James are joined by Italian football data analyst Alberto Lauciello, who pulls back the curtain on how analytics can help identify players that fit Tom Cleverley’s stated profiles. The team delve into the intricacies of Argyle’s transfer window, with a particular focus on the pressing need for a number nine.

The discussion explores what makes an ideal striker, potential targets, and the role age and experience play in recruitment. The panel also assess recent signings, overall squad depth, and team balance — before rounding off with their predictions for the season ahead.

Alberto’s full report is available in the latest OTID newsletter.

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Archie, Chris and Mark get together a matter of minutes after the Lionesses’ penalty victory for the penultimate pre-season Pilgrims Podcast.

Special guest Aaron Cusack provides deep insight in a review of the Bristol City friendly defeat and what Argyle should look to continue, and what perhaps they need to develop, for the League One season ahead.

Thoughts then inevitably turn to player recruitment and the need for a number 9 — unless a superstar is already in there somewhere, of course…

Part 2 explores the shape and size of the squad as a whole, thoughts and expectations for the season ahead, and perhaps the worst ideas ever recorded for 48 hours in Britain’s Ocean City. There is doom, there is outrageous positivity; it’s that time of the year though, isn’t it?

Bring on Barnsley. COYG.

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In Part Two of our chat with the Argyle Chairman, Simon discusses the club's new football structure with Archie and Tom, before turning his attention to the loss of players following relegation — many due to release clauses — and how the club has since moved quickly to recruit new players in line with a brief for greater flexibility. He also shares his observations on the growing gulf between the EFL Championship and League One, and how the club intends to build on gains made through player trading to date.

The trio then move on to the collapse of the transaction that would have seen new investors join the club, and discuss the fallout in terms of this season, future major projects, and the type of individuals Plymouth Argyle are seeking in the next round of investment.

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The Argyle Chairman joins Archie and Tom for the first of a two-part conversation, recorded just a few weeks on from the club’s relegation from the Championship.

In Part One, Simon reflects on a bruising campaign, offering a frank assessment of the factors that led to the drop into League One, and the sudden desertion by Miron Muslic. The discussion covers the reality of contractual obligations, and the balance between acting decisively and sticking to long-term plans. The club's attitude to risk in hiring managers in discussed, and how that influenced the hiring of Tom Cleverley as head coach of Plymouth Argyle.

There’s also a personal side to this episode, as Simon talks candidly about the emotional toll of a difficult season.

Part Two to follow.

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