Pilgrims Podcast

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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Tom, Mark, Chris and Seve discuss the challenges facing Argyle as they prepare for League One. With Maxi in a taxi, the squad is amid a big rebuild but really lacking a talisman or three, and opinions vary as to whether we are in limbo, whether it is too early to say, or whether this is the extent of our buying power.

The team then reminisce about the players to wear the no.10 shirt this century, in a sort-of quiz.

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Is it the end of Season 2 or the start of Season 3 of the Pilgrims Podcast? Either way, Alex, Archie and Chris are back for a rambling summer special.

Part One focuses on incomings both on and off the pitch. A new head coach appears to have met with universal approval, and there’s praise for the speed at which the club has acted to enable what promises to be a busy summer. Some new signings (and a few returning players who may feel like new signings) are discussed in the context of a reset in League One football.

Part Two opens with a thank you to two departing legends and a detailed look at what the club has lost, particularly with the exit of homegrown Adam Randell. There’s a staunch defence of his career and his (understandable) decision to move on — which sparks a wide-ranging discussion on Argyle’s overall performance in the transfer market during the Hallett era. Finally, Alex and Chris share their thoughts on the TST 7-a-side tournament and a stellar, profile-raising commercial showing in the buoyant US ‘soccer’ market.

Next stop: fixture release day. Can’t wait.

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Archie is joined by Justin and Peter from the Do Not Scratch Your Eyes Podcast to talk through the seemingly impending appointment of Tom Cleverley as Plymouth Argyle’s new head coach. They reflect on his time in charge at Watford — the impact he made, the struggles he faced, and the goodwill he earned from supporters along the way.

The conversation covers Cleverley’s tactical flexibility, his ability to develop players, and the kind of culture and mentality he’s likely to bring to Home Park. They also discuss where he might need to improve, as well as looking at any potential backroom additions at Home Park. It’s a deep dive into the person, the coach, and what we can expect from him in this next chapter of his career.

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In this episode, Archie and Dan dissect a busy few days at Home Park, as Argyle’s search for a new manager ramps up and transfer activity gathers pace. They weigh up the potential direction the club might take – from tried-and-tested options to riskier rookie appointments – and consider what kind of profile best fits Argyle’s evolving footballing structure.

There’s reaction to the signings of Jack MacKenzie and Bradley Ibrahim, and discussion around Dan Grimshaw’s reported departure to Norwich just 12 months after joining. The pod also touches on Ryan Hardie’s future, with the striker entering the final year of his contract amid interest from elsewhere.

Away from the pitch, Archie and Dan reflect on Simon Hallett’s recent statement, praising its transparency and clarity. While it addressed some tough topics – including the collapsed investment deal – they highlight the significance of Hallett’s continued personal backing of the club. With emotions settling, they revisit Muslic’s departure, focusing on the chairman’s remarks about his "refusal to return to England." The episode wraps on a lighter note, with some early thoughts on the new kit and a look ahead to TST – the 7-a-side tournament in the US – where Argyle are set to face the formidable Drunken Monkeys.

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In this emergency episode , Archie is joined by Tom, Dan and James, as they react to the sudden and unexpected departure of Miron Muslic from Plymouth Argyle. They reflect on the sense of shock and frustration among fans, and what this means for the club’s short and long-term future.

There’s plenty of discussion around the footballing structure, how it’s been affected by Muslic’s exit, and the timing of it all – particularly after the recent appointments designed to support him. The pod also consider how this might impact recruitment, the identity of the team, and whether the club risks undoing some of the progress made in recent months.

With a managerial search now underway, they weigh up the importance of finding someone who fits Argyle’s longer-term ambitions, and the need for a more joined-up strategy after what’s been, at times, a chaotic couple of years. There’s also some reflection on past mistakes – and how much of where Argyle now find themselves is down to bad luck versus poor decision-making.

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Archie is joined by Belgian football consultant Scott Coyne to discuss the recent appointments of David Fox as Head of Football Operations and Tom Randle as Head of Recruitment. The pair explore what each role is likely to involve and how Randle’s position may, in fact, more closely resemble that of a Sporting Director. They compare the British and European footballing models, reflecting on the structures Miron Muslic was used to during his time in Belgium.

The conversation then shifts to what these changes could mean for Miron’s future at Argyle, and how his role as Head Coach might align with the responsibilities of both Fox and Randle. There’s also time to touch on reported interest from QPR, and to look ahead to what League One life might look like under Muslic.

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In Part One the pod looks back at the last week post Leeds, delving into managerial rumours surrounding Miron Muslic and the whisperings that he is maybe staying? The conversation shifts to player contracts, retention strategies, and the challenges of recruitment in the wake of relegation. The hosts also review the retained list, highlighting the importance of key players and the impact of contractual clauses. As they look ahead, they consider the future of the club and the strategies needed to navigate the upcoming season.

In Part Two, James Stables hosts the alternative One Team In Devon end-of-season awards, as they reflect on a tumultuous season for Plymouth Argyle, analysing the team's performance, key decisions, and standout moments. They discuss the disappointing results, the controversial appointment of Wayne Rooney, and the redemption arcs of certain players. The conversation also highlights memorable comebacks and the Throw Under the Bus Award, culminating in a discussion about the goal of the season.

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And that’s that. Alex, Archie, Chris and Mark gather for the 150th Pilgrims Podcast to discuss a spirited, eventful, and ultimately appropriate end to Argyle’s two-year tenure in the Championship.

Part 1 examines a solid performance against high-quality opposition. Caleb Roberts and his bizarre record of starts against strong teams, the continued rise of Mustapha Bundu, Muslic-ball beginning to take a more recognisable shape, and the somehow inevitable last-minute defeat to the champions all feature. Not a bad way to bring the curtain down, with the added benefit of preventing a claret and blue open-top bus tour. As ever, huge praise for the home fans and, through gritted teeth, for a jubilant away end too.

Part 2 dives deep into the Head Coach, his strong words during the week, and the ‘will he stay or will he go’ debate. The apparent appointment of a new Director of Football and a renewed focus on footballing infrastructure—what this means for the squad, and how everyone really feels about a return to League One—are discussed. It’s not as miserable as it sounds.

Resurgam.

(Hopefully.)

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