Pilgrims Podcast

Tough times at Home Park. The pod get stuck into Argyle’s struggles, picking apart the tactical issues, lack of creativity, and worrying goal drought, after yet another abject display, this time a 3-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday. Coaching decisions are under the spotlight, as is the bigger question—where does this team go from here?

Baidoo’s absence raises eyebrows, with discussion around Muslic’s pre-Sheffield Wednesday presser and his comments on the young winger. Adam Randell’s suspension is another talking point, particularly Miron’s plea for calm heads and his pointed words about how his captain should be leading by example. Is this a one-off frustration, or does it hint at a wider mentality issue within the squad?

The conversation shifts to coaching adaptability—or the apparent lack of it—amidst concerns over a rigid setup. With relegation fears creeping in, how much faith is left in the current approach?

Finally, the pod tries to find a positive spin. While relegation wouldn’t be a catastrophe for the club’s long-term health, there’s no denying the growing apathy and dissatisfaction surrounding the team right now. Just how do Argyle turn this around?

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If ever a game proved that football isn’t just about winning, this was it. Alex, Archie, Chris, and Mark have the unusual task of celebrating a noble 3-1 defeat at the Etihad.

Part One focuses on the match itself. A solid, organised first-half performance, crowned by a moment for the ages—scored by the magnificent Ukrainian—that even an equaliser couldn’t diminish. Discussion covers the huge culture shift, resilience, the stellar performance of the 8,000-strong Green Army, and the fact that even in defeat, there was so much to admire. Pride doesn’t even begin to cover it, without a sliver of tinpot.

Part Two looks ahead to the final 12 games of the season and Tuesday’s huge trip to Hull. Critical on paper—is it a must-win, a must-not-lose, or do recent performances against stronger sides make it just another cup final? Special praise goes to Pleggy’s contract extension and what it means for us all, as well as a reminder that players are human beings too.

We hope we’ve done it justice.

To Hull and Beyond…

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On this special episode of the Pilgrims Podcast, host Mark Lovell is joined by a true football character—Andy "Jock" Morrison. With Plymouth Argyle set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup 5th Round, who better to preview the tie than a man who played for both clubs?

Mark and Jock go way back, having been teammates in the Plymouth Schools side in 1985—Mark in goal, Jock at centre-half. Incredibly, this is the first time they’ve spoken in almost 40 years! They reminisce about Jock’s early days at Home Park, his time at City, and what this huge cup clash means for both sides.

Now an ambassador for the Premier League champions, Jock brings fascinating insights, great stories, and pure passion for the game.

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If the away defeat to Cardiff exposed the most challenging aspects of the previous head coach’s approach, the 1-1 home draw in the six-pointer against a dogged Cardiff perhaps did the same for Miron Muslic.

A Pilgrims Podcast full house gathers to review an underwhelming home performance. There is some debate on the how and the why – not enough football played, too much football attempted? – but the chance to draw clear of the relegation places, at least for one day, was just taken. The limitations of the coach, team, and system are all reviewed as, through gritted teeth, perhaps (a big perhaps) this may prove to be a vital point.

In Part 2, the rest of the season comes into focus—firstly in general terms and then with a spotlight on the upcoming fifth-round cup tie in Manchester. Is the cup a huge opportunity, a distraction, or is it both? There is then discussion of a reassuring fans' forum and a reminder that, off the pitch at least, things seem stable once more and heading in the right direction—even if, in the short term, that will most likely be in as few passes as possible.

Finally, look out in the week for some stellar guests in upcoming Cup Specials.

You can stick your blue moon… sideways. COYG.

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A game and a result that was always likely to divide opinions – an agricultural slogfest or a retro work of art? BBC Radio Devon commentator Michael McCann shares his post-match thoughts, while friend of the pod Michael Savage gives us a first-hand account of his night in that iconic away end.

The Battle of Kenilworth Road and what could be a huge point as the season develops is the focus. Under the cosh from minute one, there is consensus that there is a plan, even if that plan is sometimes not easy on the eye. The injustice of a disallowed goal, whether there’s always someone to blame for conceding, and the early signs of a set-piece coach in action are all under the microscope. Even the referee felt like he was from a bygone era in a stadium from another time.

From a game that felt like the past to a focus on the future. Can a siege mentality be sustained in the face of a heavy fixture load? Should we be worried about a lack of goal threat or elated about the goals scored? Or isn’t it just great to still be in the mix?

Quick thoughts on the upcoming fans' forum close things out.

Bring on Cardiff.

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In this episode, the hosts are joined by One Team in Devon to discuss a return to planet away day at Blackburn. Friend of the pod and BBC Radio Devon commentator, Drew Savage, sends in a voice note sharing his views from the commentary box, offering his perspective on the game.

The key focus is the impact of Ryan Hardie’s injury, the team’s performance (we’ve played better, but certainly worse too), and what this means in the run-up to a season-defining run of fixtures.

They review a strong performance by a high-flying Rovers side, the pros and cons of rotation, the significance of the upcoming matches, and the overall dynamics of the team as they navigate a challenging season.

Inevitably, the future of a frontline that was looking so positive is under detailed review. Can Baidoo show more signs of promise? Why do other forwards struggle so much with the Muslic method? Should the free market be explored, or are there better options closer to home?

Finally, thoughts turn to the mother of all six-pointers at Luton and a run of games against relegation rivals—only interrupted by a certain Mr Guardiola.

Never dull. COYG.

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Archie, Alex, and Chris return for yet more delirium as they break down Plymouth Argyle’s stunning 5-1 win over Millwall. The trio tries to make sense of these dizzying heights, dissecting a game that carried so much pressure—yet was nearly over after just 10 minutes. Praise is heaped on the golden front three of Wright, Bundu, and Hardie, as well as Muslic’s eye for talent and ability to mould players into new roles.

They dive into Muslic’s coaching philosophy, player development, and the growing chemistry within the squad, emphasising the intensity and teamwork driving Argyle’s recent success. There’s also a deep appreciation for the squad’s resilience and spirit, as they reflect on how far the club has come despite the challenges.

In Part 2, attention turns to the 5th round glamour tie against Manchester City—as the pod sits back in disbelief and dares to dream of another upset. With a few days to process the Liverpool euphoria, they reflect on the international coverage the result has received and take a more rational perspective on the win. Elsewhere, they discuss the appointment of set-piece coach Hubert Auer and the huge task he has ahead.

Finally, Part 3 wraps up with a look ahead to Blackburn away—before a chaotic quiz brings things to a close.

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Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Liverpool. 

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1 - 0 LIVERPOOL!

In a mammoth, giddy two-hour plus episode, Archie, Tom, Mark, and Chris unpack what is, quite possibly, the greatest result in Argyle’s history. As the pod slowly comes to its senses, they relive the many unforgettable moments from the match—Katic’s 101 clearances, Hazard’s heroics, yet more Maxi fist-bumping mayhem, Ryan’s beautiful cup redemption, Sorinola pocketing Díaz, and so much more. Moments that will forever be etched in Argyle folklore.

Naturally, attention turns to Muslic—his tactical masterclass and his perfect balance of calmness and belief, both before and after the game.

As the dust settles, the pod looks ahead to a monumental run of eight games before the next international break, starting with Millwall at home. While a six-pointer-packed schedule looms large in Argyle’s fight for survival, there’s a newfound sense of optimism—are we finally starting to believe?

There are also well-deserved mentions for the women’s and youth teams, plus a quick reflection on a mixed-bag transfer deadline day.

In part three, the pod discusses dream draws for the fifth round before rounding off this gargantuan episode with a quiz.

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In this episode of the Pilgrims Podcast, the hosts break down a much-needed victory, analysing the debut of new centre-backs, the game plan, and a controversial penalty that proved to be a turning point. Ryan Hardie takes centre stage as they assess his impact—not just as a substitute in the match, but across his five-year spell at Argyle.

Part Two shifts focus to transfer activity, player performances, and the race against the clock as the deadline looms. Morgan Whittaker’s departure remains a key talking point, alongside the urgent need for smart recruitment and a possible replacement. The conversation also touches on the goalkeeper situation, with rumours of a Grimshaw exit. There’s also time to discuss Joe Edwards’ appearances on Sky, Schumacher at Bolton, and, most importantly, Nance receiving his richly deserved “Freedom of the City.”

Finally, attention turns to the road ahead, with growing optimism (or is it false hope?) surrounding Argyle’s relegation fight. With crucial battles against relegation rivals on the horizon—and a surreal FA Cup tie against Liverpool thrown into the mix—how do Argyle balance survival and spectacle? There’s even time for a rare quiz, much to Mark’s delight, with the squad’s diverse international make-up as the topic of the day.

Emirates FA Cup Live Tour with Dion Dublin: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/emirates-fa-cup-live-tour-with-dion-dublin-plymouth-tickets-1214814395559?aff=oddtdtcreator

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