Pilgrims Podcast

Chris, Mark and Tom review another Home Park barnstormer. Arguably the best first half performance of the season is followed by 45 minutes of basketball craziness but, on balance, everyone is happy.

There is special praise for peripheral players becoming central to a new flowing style, a balanced take on 2 points lost or one point gained. Bottom of the league, but fighting!

And there is still time for a rapid fire 3-3 quiz.

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Finn who?!

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Join host Mark Lovell on the latest episode of the Pilgrims Podcast as he chats with Adrian Bevington.

In this episode, we dive into the weekend’s big Championship clash between Plymouth Argyle and Middlesbrough. Adrian offers a unique perspective, having enjoyed two spells with his hometown club and boasting a remarkable 17-year career at the Football Association, including a successful stint as Managing Director of England’s National Teams. Adrian has also held senior roles with the Welsh FA, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and UEFA, and now serves as the UK lead for PROProfil, a prominent international player agency. Adrian shares fascinating stories from his time at the FA, including his extensive dealings with Wayne Rooney, offering unique insights into one of England’s most iconic players.

The conversation also turns to former Argyle loanee Finn Azaz, now excelling under Michael Carrick at Boro. Mark and Adrian discuss the circumstances surrounding Finn’s transfer and the knock-on effects his departure has had at Home Park since January.

Additionally, the pair explore Carrick’s impressive development as a manager at Middlesbrough and delve into the key storylines ahead of this weekend’s exciting fixture.

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In this episode, host Mark Lovell sits down with ESPN’s senior football writer, Mark Ogden, to talk about Plymouth Argyle’s new addition—coach Mike Phelan.

Mark Ogden provides unique insights into Phelan’s illustrious career, reflecting on his time at Manchester United, where Phelan played a pivotal role both on the training ground and behind the scenes. Having assisted legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Phelan’s wealth of experience could prove invaluable to Argyle. The discussion also examines how Phelan’s arrival strengthens the support system for under-pressure Argyle boss Wayne Rooney. Could Phelan’s influence help Rooney steady the ship and lay a stronger foundation for success at the club?

Additionally, the pair preview the weekend clash against Rooney’s close friend and former teammate Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough, offering insights into the key storylines surrounding the fixture.

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Mark, Alex and Tom discuss the fallout from a fourth successive defeat for Plymouth Argyle, this time at the hands of Michael Cooper and Sheffield United. Whilst the league table doesn't lie, Wayne Rooney and his side surprised us all with one of their best performances of the season and were unlucky to lose - leaving fans with mixed emotions and the panel dig into the component parts from the in an effort to decide whether they're actually pleased or not.

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This episode dives into the weekend Championship clash between Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United. Mark and Danny discuss former Argyle goalkeeper and potential future England No. 1, Michael Cooper, who has made an impressive start with the Blades. They also touch on the circumstances surrounding his “murky” transfer. Recorded prior to Argyle’s midweek home defeat to Swansea, the conversation examines their struggles away from home under Wayne Rooney. Meanwhile, Sheffield United boast an unbeaten home record with eight wins from nine with Cooper yet to concede a goal at Bramall Lane. With 24 hours more rest than United, what are Argyle’s realistic prospects for the trip north? Can under-pressure Rooney finally turn things around?

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Sadly it’s another midweek therapy session with Chris and Mark.

Desperately looking for some positives minutes after the final whistle, there is straw clutching focus on fewer goals conceded and a semblance of a shape. But there is also a sense of resignation that the performance was reflected in, if not flattered by, the result.

Brief discussions on the absence of Al Hajj, the lack of attacking creativity and, inevitably, the managers position round off an existential crisis of an evening. 

Next stop what is likely to be a top against bottom against the best goalkeeper in the league. Buckle up.

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Join host Mark Lovell on the latest Pilgrims Podcast as he chats with The Athletic’s Senior Football Writer, Stuart James. This episode dives into the midweek Championship clash between Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City. Stuart, a former Guardian & Observer journalist and ex-pro at Swindon, shares stories from his trial with Argyle in the ‘90s and reflections on the life of former Argyle goalkeeper Alan Nicholls.

The conversation also features insights into Swansea's manager Luke Williams, and key players Matt Grimes, and Josh Key formerly of Exeter. Former Swans Morgan Whittaker and Michael Obafemi come under the spotlight, too.

Mark and Stuart analyse Argyle’s form under Wayne Rooney, including whether their postponed game against Oxford might give them an edge against a Swans side fresh from a 1-1 draw on a heavy pitch at Luton. What are Argyle's realistic prospects this season, and can Rooney turn things around?

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Join host Mark Lovell as he chats with football writer Rupert Fryer about the high-stakes showdown between Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United—the mother of all six-pointers. The discussion kicks off with an in-depth look at Oxford’s progressive head coach, Dessie Buckingham, and the key players to watch as the Yellows visit Home Park.

The conversation also delves into Plymouth Argyle’s current form under Wayne Rooney ahead of this crucial Championship fixture. What are the realistic prospects for Argyle this season? And, more critically, can Rooney turn things around and save his job? Tune in for expert insights, tactical breakdowns, and everything you need to know before this pivotal clash.

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Archie and Tom reconvene to discuss a busy few days for Argyle, with the rumours of Rooney's possible departure causing a stir, to the blockbuster fans' forum announcing impending new investment and support for Rooney. The pair discuss the key takeaways from that evening in St Dennis and leave enough time to discuss a lacklustre FA Cup draw.

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The pod is once again tasked with making sense of another woeful showing from Argyle, analysing the lineup, an okay first half, and yet another second-half collapse.

Rooney’s post-match comments take center stage, from “Hardest week of my managerial career” to “Players need to show more.” But is this really down to Rooney, or are the players letting him down?

The group tackles the big questions, debating the constant changes in system and personnel, the broader issues of a poor calendar year, the footballing structure, and whether, with a critical double-header ahead, this is do-or-die for Rooney and Argyle’s season.

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