THE DAILY DIARY

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Greens on Screen's Daily Diary is a compilation of Argyle news, with help from these and other Argyle-related sites.

Plymouth Argyle FC

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On This Day:

Also included on the three most recent days, facts from Argyle's history.

Wednesday 1st May 2024

On This Day:

1978: One of only seven 6-0 victories in the club's Football League history. Having survived the drop to the fourth tier two days before - which would have been the first time in its history - Argyle thrashed Bradford City, who had already been relegated, at Home Park in the final game of the season.

2013: Romain Larrieu's 13 years with Argyle came to an end with the announcement that he would be leaving the club. Le Keeper had seen it all in his time at Home Park: the 'ups', the 'downs' and the nearly 'out', not to mention two battles with testicular cancer. In all, the much-loved Frenchman clocked up 318 appearances before a short-lived move into the management team.

30th April

On This Day:

1927: At 33 years old, Jack Cock scored his 33rd goal in the season, a club record that still stands. Born in Hayle, Cock was the first Cornishman to play for England (when he was with Huddersfield, seven years earlier).

1960: Argyle 3 Aston Villa 0; the Pilgrims formed a guard of honour to applaud the newly crowned Second Division (tier 2) champions onto the pitch, and for the following 90 minutes played them off it with a scintillating display, free from worry after ensuring survival two weeks before.

2006: Argyle 2 Ipswich 1, and an emotional last match of the season for 15,000 fans and one player. This was Michael Evans's 432nd and final appearance for his home-town club, and his 81st and final goal as he grabbed the winner for the perfect end to his Argyle career.

29th

On This Day:

1950: Barnsley 4 Argyle 1; Argyle were relegated to tier 3. A tiny consolation: a last match victory a week later saved the Pilgrims from the bottom spot.

1959: Argyle 1 Bradford City 1, but the score didn't matter. Over 26,000 packed Home Park to salute their promotion heroes and, as other results turned out that night, the first champions of the new Third Division.

1986: Promotion secured on a fantastic night: Argyle 4 Bristol City 0. With Reading uncatchable, it was down to us or Wigan for the runners-up spot. In the final minutes the news came through: Wigan had drawn, cue the pitch invasion!

28th

The header, by Millwall captain, Jake Cooper, in the 83rd minute, which led to the home side's victory at the New Den, was the only goal of a game of few chances, but the tightness of the game was by design.

To that end, Argyle made themselves compact, defended balls into the box, and often used that as a springboard to counter-attack, and force numerous corners. The game looked set for a creditable point away from home for the Pilgrims, before the goal changed everything.

"I thought it was a competitive game," said first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell. "I thought we were very much within the game all the time; we're devastated to lose it like we did. I didn't think we deserved that.

"I thought the lads' application and attitude was spot on all the way through. I thought we defended really strongly. Our running stats are great. We just probably needed a little bit more in the final third to get us that goal. "Unfortunately, they've got the goal and we haven't. We have to take our medicine now and get on with it.

Which makes Saturday's final home game of the season against play-off hopefuls, Hull City, crucial to Argyle's Championship survival.

"It's in our hands, which is a massive positive to cling on to," said Nancekivell. "We control our own fate rather than relying on other people, so that's good. We know what we've got to do.

"I'm expecting a full house, and a really loud and crazy Argyle performance from the supporters - as we always get. Hopefully we can respond.

"We keep asking of our supporters, don't we? I don't need to ask them to come and be loud, because I know they will. They've carried this football club across the line in many situations that have been worse than this, and I know that they'll do the same again on Saturday."

27th

The Championship season will go down to the final day after a heartbreaking late loss as Argyle lost 1-0 at Millwall. The Greens battled gamely throughout and, in a game of very few chances, looked well worth a crucial point to take back to Home Park for the season finale against Hull City. Jake Cooper changed the mood drastically when he headed in the winner for the Lions, leaving Argyle a simple equation on the final day: at least match the result of Birmingham City, who host Norwich, and the Pilgrims will stay up.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Scarr, Edwards (Sorinola), Whittaker, Bundu (Wright), Gibson, Randell, Galloway (Devine), Waine (Hardie), Phillips (Pleguezuelo). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Forshaw, Roberts, Issaka.

23rd

Argyle's Under-18s reached the summit of Merit League One with a fifth straight league win, this time overcoming Oxford United at Home Park.

The visitors took an early lead, but Argyle had turned it around by half-time with a Freddie Issaka cracker followed by a Joe Hatch header.

Caleb Roberts made it 3-1 in the second half to seal a victory that could have been much larger had it not been for an excellent performance by Oxford goalkeeper Monty Marriott.

A win against Portsmouth on 30 April, could see the young Greens secure the Merit League One title.

22nd

Teenage goalkeeper, Zak Baker, has signed a one-year contract extension with Argyle. The 19-year-old Academy graduate signed his first professional deal in summer 2023 and has since been on loan with Tiverton Town.

Zak said: "I've worked hard this season and to be offered a new contract, I'm over the moon.

"I will have played just shy of 30 games when the season ends for Tiverton. Getting those games in, it's just getting experience no matter what the level is. It's massive for me, especially as a goalkeeper, just getting that goalmouth experience, making saves, taking crosses, kicking well; everything I need to hopefully one day break into the first-team."

21st

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip and defender Dan Scarr have each admitted that the Greens were second best in every department as they lost 3-0 at Stoke City on Saturday.

Stoke scored a quickfire double at the end of the first half, through Ki-Jana Hoever and Million Manhoef, with Wouter Burger adding a coup de grace at the conclusion to the game.

"Stoke City were better than us today; that really disappoints me to say it. I don't want to do any excuses," said Dewsnip.

"They were up for it a little bit more. I don't know why that was, other than the crowd got really involved after the incident just before half-time when it was still 0-0. That seemed to give them a lift and, in that period, they scored two just before half-time.

"They were causing us a little bit of a problem tactically, as well, which we changed at half-time, and that went away. In the second half, although we weren't really a goal threat, we managed to nullify them, we thought, in terms of the problems that they were creating. But 2-0 down is a mountain to climb in the circumstances."

Scarr wondered whether the run of seven points from three games may have offered a false sense of security.

"I think they just outworked us, outran us," said Scarr. "They had runners that were just coming at the back-line. They seemed to pick up spaces, win second balls. I just don't think we were at the races today.

"We said before the game, we need to keep doing the things that we've just done the last three games that's put us in this position - today we just didn't do those things. I don't know whether, because we've had a few good results before, we're high on confidence and were maybe a bit naive, but it was just one of those games.

"Things didn't go for us. I haven't seen us concede goals like that for a while and they were disappointing. There's a lot of things that could be done. Three or four things, a domino effect, that could be stopped, and we just didn't do them.

"It's definitely in our hands still. We had a good three games that maybe gives us a bit of bit of leeway, but we just need to get back on it, stick together as a team, with the fans, and just dig in and go again."

"We'll dust ourselves down, and we'll get ready to go again," said Dewsnip. "That's what we've all signed up for: the staff, the players, the fans. How good were the fans again today here? That's the way it's been all season.

"If anybody thought that surviving in the Championship was easy, they'd be a little bit naive. We knew the size of our challenge. We're two games out from achieving that challenge. Although today is very disappointing, we're not about to give in.

"It's my job, and Nance's job, to get them prepared and ready. We'll be doing the best that we can do between now and next Saturday."

Argyle Women rescued a point in their penultimate FA  Women's  National League fixture of the season at Billericay Town on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts were the first to find the net through striker Maddie  Biggs'  volleyed effort inside the 18-yard box before the break.

Although the Greens were fatigued  from their previous match against Exeter two days previously,  they  battled hard and found their equaliser through Katie  Dickson's  penalty in the 76th minute.

The Pilgrims' valiant efforts mean they remain eighth in the league with one final match to play on Sunday, 5 May, when they  take on MK Dons in the finale of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division season.

20th

Argyle's reunion with Steven Schumacher ended in favour of the former Pilgrims manager, as Stoke City ran out 3-0 winners. Two goals on the stroke of half-time, from Ki-Jana Hoever and Million Manhoef, turned the game massively in favour of the hosts, and the Greens weren't able to recover. Gloss was added to the Stoke win with a late third from Wouter Burger.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Pleguezuelo (Gibson), Scarr, Edwards (Devine), Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Bundu (Wright), Randell, Galloway, Forshaw (Houghton). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Sousa, Phillips, Issaka.

Argyle's Under-18s made a dramatic late comeback against AFC Wimbledon to win 3-2 in the Merit League on Saturday afternoon.

Tegan Finn continued his fine form and returned to the scoresheet, netting midway through the first half. Caleb Roberts then made it two goals in two games when he levelled the game in the 69th minute.

Roberts also had a large part to play in the winner; it was his cross that Harry Hedges diverted into his own net, making it 3-2 to the young Pilgrims, with only three minutes to go.

Despite having only led for just three minutes in the entire game, it was a well-deserved win for the Greens, four in a row now in Merit League One.

19th

Argyle issued a formal response to yesterday's EFL statement about the removal of replays from all FA Cup games from the first round onwards. Joining with many others in opposition to this decision, the Club statement reads:

"Our overriding emotions are of disappointment, and this is essentially twofold. Firstly, we are saddened at the proposed abolition of replays, which are long established within our oldest, most treasured competition.

"Secondly, it is very disappointing that such a decision has been taken with very little consultation with clubs at various levels. Had such consultation taken place, we feel very confident that the FA would have met with huge resistance, aside from a small number of elite clubs that benefit from this modification.

"Friday's FA statement indicates that consultations have taken place, but Plymouth Argyle have not been part of any consultations and neither, according to their recent statement, have the EFL at large.

"As custodians of the game of football in England, the FA have a duty to represent not just the Premier League and the EFL, but teams throughout the footballing pyramid. One of the beauties of the FA Cup is that teams at various levels can come into contact, and replays enhance the joy of these meetings.

"On one hand, there is the financial implication; how a smaller club can earn a second encounter with a giant of English football, and get compensated accordingly. In addition, there is that intangible of the romantic side of our game, the enjoyment we all, as supporters, can get by having an experience at a major stadium, or bringing a team back to your own ground.

"We have our own examples in recent years. Not only did we benefit financially from two televised games against Liverpool in 2017, but we had a unique experience for supporters, bringing Liverpool to Home Park for the second tie. Finances that we, as a club, accrued from the Liverpool match and replay were specifically invested into projects that went towards our future sustainability.

"It is clear from a series of responses from teams in the EFL, National League and below that the proposals are overwhelmingly being rejected from football as a whole. Our experiences of listening to our fanbase also indicate a widespread condemnation of the removal of replays.

"We stand with supporters and our fellow football clubs on this issue, which we not only feel is misguided, but has been taken without the consultation and care that surely should be an enshrined prerequisite."

Argyle fell at the last hurdle in the final of the A&S Interiors Devon Women's Premier County Cup, losing 2-1 to Exeter City.

The Grecians led 1-0 at half-time, through a Zoe Watkins penalty after 10 minutes, and doubled it moments after the restart, when Sophie Gillies headed in. Argyle had a penalty of their own, converted by Ellie Sara, but could not find the equaliser they craved and Exeter were crowned Devon champions.

16th

From next season (2024/25), a new rights agreement between the EFL and Sky Sports comes into effect, making Sky Sports the home of the EFL.

With more than 1,000 EFL fixtures live on Sky Sports via Sky and NOW each season, Argyle TV will cease to offer domestic live video coverage of EFL matches.

EFL's five-year rights deal with Sky Sports will see significantly enhanced exposure for all EFL clubs.

This is likely to affect timings of matches, with fewer Saturday at 3pm kick offs expected.

As part of the groundbreaking partnership with Sky Sports, fans will be able to access more action than ever before from across the EFL's three divisions, as well as every game of the Carabao Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

14th

Morgan Whittaker has been included in the EFL Championship team of the season at the annual EFL awards. Freddie Issaka was one of three nominations in the Young Apprentice of the Year category which was won by Archie Gray of Leeds United.

13th

On one of the all-time great Home Park nights, Argyle's players, staff and supporters were beautifully in sync as the Greens beat league-leaders Leicester City 1-0. Mustapha Bundu scored after 21 minutes to give Argyle a lead they never relinquished, no matter how much pressure--of which there was plenty--they were put under by the Foxes. In truth, Argyle limited the chances and, when they did come, there was always a block, a clearance, a header or a save that repelled the leaders.

The reaction of Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell, as well as of the players at the end, said it all about the importance of those points and the part played by the vocal Green Army in spurring the team on.

"They sang non-stop", said Nance. "The players would know that, recognise that. When one or two of the lads were getting tired, they would run just a bit further. It was a massive contribution. We thank them.

"It was reminiscent of last season," he added. "The place was rocking from the first minute. The players responded to that by giving everything they've got. The supporters give everything they've got and we've come away with three points. It doesn't get much better [than that], does it?"

Neil Dewsnip recognised that the whole squad played their part in this monumental win: "We knew that we would need all the squad, not just 11. Quite a few of them have been involved, if not all of them, I guess. We're delighted, not just for 11 players who've been out there at the end, but for everyone who's contributed in the last three games."

Nance continued: "It's what Plymouth Argyle is all about. We thrive on that. That's what we've got in our favour. We've got that in abundance. We've got that in the terraces. We've got that in the boardroom. We've got that everywhere in the football club - spirit and belief. And the players have got that in abundance too. As long as we all show that passion and that spirit, we'll be fine."

But Argyle are not quite there yet in their fight for survival in the Championship. "We've still got a lot of work to do", said Nance. We've got three big games coming up, and that just gives us an extra belief, a little bit more zest and a bit more confidence to go into the next three.

"We've real belief that we can get this job done, repay the supporters and everybody who's backed us all the way."

On Saturday morning, Argyle's Under-18s made it three wins in a row in Merit League One, defeating Swindon Town 5-1 at Harper's Park, with four of the goals coming in a brilliant second-half performance. Freddie Issaka, Joe Hatch, Caleb Roberts, and Josh Bernard all netted for the Greens, with the hosts' fifth coming courtesy of a Robins own goal.

12th

Argyle gave their survival hopes a major boost with a superb 1-0 victory over Leicester City. Leicester are a seriously slick unit, and they demonstrated their quality under the lights of a sizzling Home Park, but the one moment of genuine finishing prowess came from Mustapha Bundu, steering a wonderful winner on just 21 minutes. The Pilgrims had to defend for long periods, bodies were thrown on the line on numerous occasions, but a tremendous display of defensive determination earned the reward of three valuable points.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Pleguezuelo, Scarr, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Miller (Edward), Bundu (Gibson), Randell, Galloway, Forshaw (Houghton). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Wright, Devine, Phillips, Issaka.

Dan Scarr was awarded the Sky Bet player of the match - his third accolade in a row since he returned to the team.

11th

Argyle's under-10s were victorious at the Oakham Tournament in Rutland from Monday to Wednesday, 8-10 April.

In the group stage, the teams played a series of 8v8 20-minute games in a group stage format, with Argyle finishing third and qualifying for the final four. From there, the young Greens, coached by George Roberts and Ricardo Lanzana, got past AFC Wimbledon to reach the final, where they beat Newcastle United.

Argyle also took under-9s and under-11s teams to the tournament, organised by Specialist Soccer. Both reached the final stage, and both finished third.

Argyle Academy Manager Phil Stokes said: "It was a brilliant few days for some of our young players, getting brilliant experience of playing tournament football. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the lads were a credit to themselves and the football club.

"We would like to extend a huge thank you to the 50/50 lottery, whose help and support has assisted us being able to attend this tournament."

10th

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip declared himself happy with last night's point against QPR that goes towards the tally as Argyle seek survival, but admitted that the ebb and flow of the game took him on a ride.

"It was an emotional rollercoaster. I thought we were okay without getting too excited in the first half. We felt as though we were in control of what we were doing and how we were trying to do it.

"Then, of course, after they score, you're looking for a moment of genius from one of our players, or a moment of madness by one of theirs. Actually, who cares? We just needed a goal and thankfully we got it.

"I think at this stage of the season, both teams are hoping to get away from the relegation area. It's very tense. It's: 'I don't want to make a mistake. Please don't let it be me.' What we've talked about, and will continue to talk about, is we want our players to be brave. There might be a mistake or two along the way, but if we're brave, we hope we'll come out the other side with more good moments than bad ones.

Dewsnip expressed his delight with the point. "It could have been none. That's now four points in two games, and we've got a little bit of momentum going forwards. We want to keep that going on Friday.

"What I can assure the fans is we're trying. We're trying really hard for them. We're trying really hard for us. We're trying really hard for everybody."

9th

A late own goal by Queens Park Rangers handed Argyle another valuable point in the increasingly fraught fight against relegation from the Sky Bet Championship, the match ending 1-1. QPR are facing the same tense season finale as the Pilgrims, and it showed in a game that was full of tension. The deadlock was broken by a bundled goal from Sam Field with 16 minutes remaining and the Greens were staring at a damaging defeat. The response was full of character and, matching the scruffiness of the QPR goal, the Pilgrims earned a point when a corner from Adam Randell was deflected into his own net by Albert Adomah.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba, Houghton (Forshaw), Scarr, Edwards (Sorinola), Hardie (Waine), Whittaker, Wright (Bundu), Gibson, Randell, Phillips (Pleguezuelo). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Miller, Devine, Galloway.

Argyle dedicated the QPR match as this season's Her Game Too fixture. The campaign was launched by a group of female football fans in summer 2021, aimed at creating a dedicated anonymous service for supporters to report incidents of sexist abuse. A number of Argyle's female fans were the pitch-side flagbearers, and the match ball was carried out by Argyle's Her Game Too ambassador. In addition, a  special donation point, set up to collect items for women's group, Trevi, was generously supported.

8th

Dan Scarr has been chosen for the Sky EFL team of the week. Despite not having played for Argyle since January, he made a significant defensive contribution to the Greens' win at Rotherham on Friday night.

7th

Argyle Women put up a strong fight against runaway league leaders, Portsmouth, but although a below-strength Pilgrims made life tough for their opponents, they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. Despite the loss, Argyle remain ninth in the table.

"I couldn't be prouder of how the girls performed today," said manager Ryan Perks after his side's battle with the title contenders. "Everything in the build-up to this game went against us. We've come here with a depleted squad due to illness which has led to us only having a bench of three players.

"We've started four 16-year-olds against a team who is top of the league, and they've all dug in and worked hard as well as the rest of the team.

"Credit goes to Portsmouth either way, they're a fantastic team and have all but secured themselves promotion to the Championship which they fully deserve. For us, it's a case of dusting ourselves off and going again in a couple of weeks for our matches against Exeter and Billericay."

6th

Argyle's first-team coach, Kevin Nancekivell, went through a whole gamut of emotions at the end of Argyle's precious 1-0 victory over Rotherham United at the New York Stadium which saw the Millers relegated to League One. It was the first game in charge for Nancekivell and director of football, Neil Dewsnip, since the departure of Ian Foster earlier in the week.

Nance's delight was obvious, along with huge relief and a seam of pride as to what his side had achieved.

"I think there's always a sense of relief when you pick up the three points," said Nancekivell. "We're delighted with the players; really, really proud to put on a gritty performance under pressure. It was fantastic.

"The longer the game went on at 1-0, you obviously get a little bit nervous and edgy. The players can feel that sometimes as well, but I thought they stood up to the test really well. They defended well when they had to; we've got a clean sheet.

"It's a massive squad game, and everyone's played their part," he continued. "We could go through the whole 20-man squad and say how well everyone's done. Even those that don't get on, with their attitude towards the team and sticking together, and all of that."

As ever, the travelling Green Army played their part in spurring the players on. "The supporters were everything that we've said this week," said Nancekivell. "They carried us home and got us across the line.

"I don't know what word can describe them. I'm quite emotional about it, when you go over at the end, just because they bring so much to this football club. "Stick with us as you always do," he urged. "All I can promise you is we'll give you every little thing we've got."

5th

At the end of a turbulent week for Argyle, Bali Mumba scored the goal as a 1-0 win at Rotherham earned a crucial three points in the fight for survival in the Championship. Four days earlier, the loss to Bristol City had prompted the departure of Ian Foster as Head Coach, as the Pilgrims turned to Director of Football Neil Dewsnip and First-Team Coach Kevin Nancekivell to lead them through six massive games in the relegation scrap. Stage one of that mission was achieved by Mumba's well-taken goal on the half-hour and a solid all-round display, as the defeat for Rotherham confirmed their relegation to League One.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba (Galloway), Houghton, Scarr, Edwards, Hardie (Waine), Whittaker (Bundu), Wright (Forshaw), Gibson, Randell, Phillips. Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Sousa, Pleguezuelo, Miller, Sorinola.

4th

Argyle have bought the Green Taverners building to create extra space for hospitality on and off match days, providing 250 extra covers and bringing in an estimated additional £1 million a year revenue to the Club. Downstairs will continue as a sports bar with a premium general admission, providing fans with food and drink on match days, and for events such as weddings and wakes on non-match days. In a reversion to earlier times, this supporters' bar will be known as the Far Post Club.

The GTs will continue to have their own dedicated space with a marquee located next to the gym on the Mayflower Quarter.

Freddie Issaka has been nominated for the EFL Sky Bet Championship Apprentice of the Season award, sponsored by LFE. The 17-year-old is on a three-man shortlist, alongside Archie Gray of Leeds United and Stoke City's Nathan Lowe.

Freddie is Argyle's youngest ever player, having made his debut as a substitute in the EFL Trophy in August 2021, aged just 15 years and 34 days. He gained more cCup experience in the last two seasons and has made five substitute appearances in the Championship this season as well as starting in wins over Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup and Sutton United in the Emirates FA Cup.

"It is fantastic for Freddie to be nominated," said Argyle Under-18s manager Jamie Lowry. "It shows the hard work he has done, and when a player gets recognised, it reflects well on the club.

"Throughout the whole Academy, a lot of hard work goes into developing and nurturing every player, so anytime a player gets some form of recognition, it makes everything worthwhile.

"He is in tremendous company; he and his family should be very proud."

3rd

In the light of Ian Foster's departure, Argyle CEO, Andrew Parkinson, has issued a statement which has been emailed to Argyle fans. In it, he explains the reasons for Foster's sacking and urges unity among players, staff and fans to spur the team on to achieve the results necessary to ensure Championship survival.

He indicated that there have already been expressions of interest in the managerial vacancy.

The full text can be read on the Argyle website at:

https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/update-ceo-andrew-parkinson.

2nd

Argyle Under-18s won their second game in succession in Merit League One when they defeated Luton Town 3-1 on the road.

In qualifying for the Merit League, the young Pilgrims won their regional conference of the Youth Alliance League, with Luton were winning the equivalent division in their region.

The Greens scored twice in the first half through defender Joel Sullivan. His first goal saw him following up a Tegan Finn shot to knock home the rebound; his second a conversion of a set play, delivered by Cole Fisher after Freddie Issaka had been brought down.

Argyle missed a penalty after the break, Caleb Roberts hitting the crossbar from 12 yards, but only a few minutes later added to their tally, when Finn's corner was not dealt with by Luton and found its way into the net

The Hatters recorded a consolation goal, but the Greens were in control, and saw the game out.

Manager, Jamie Lowry, praised the team's resilience. "To Luton, we were up very early in the morning, and back in a day. The boys were brilliant though, dealt with it really well, and had the bit between their teeth. I was really pleased."

1st

Argyle slipped to another painful loss at Home Park with a 1-0 defeat to Bristol City, and a particularly tough one to take after dominating the first half of a typically tense Westcountry derby. The Greens had more than enough moments to grab a decisive lead but Bristol City were much improved after the break, and snatched the points when substitute Nahki Wells scored the only goal just before the hour. Argyle lost the services of Alfie Devine for the closing stages after he was dismissed for two yellow cards and the Robins held on for the win.

Argyle: Cooper, Mumba (Bundu), Sousa (Miller), Houghton, Hardie, Whittaker, Devine, Gibson, Phillips, Forshaw (Randell), Sorinola (Edwards). Substitutes (not used): Hazard, Pleguezuelo, Wright, Galloway, Waine.

Following the defeat against Bristol City, Argyle sacked Ian Foster after 87 days in charge. Director of football, Neil Dewsnip, and first team coach, Kevin Nancekivell, along with Simon Ireland and Daryl Flahavan will be in charge for the remaining six games of the season. pafc.co.uk/news/foster-departs

Before the start of the fixture against Bristol City, four new recruits were welcomed to the Argyle Academy.

Luca Kirby (Under-9s) is an aspiring goalkeeper hoping to follow in the footsteps of Michael Cooper. Signed from our North Devon Centre of Excellence and Southgate Grassroots Club, Luca has already been involved in our pathway and now progresses into the Academy.

Joseph McGaw (Under-10s) is our first Academy signing from our recently launched Emerging Talent Centre. He had previously played Grassroots Football at Torquay Academy.

Elliot Coles (Under-11s) progressed from our partner club, Chivenor Soccer, based in North Devon. Elliot is an attacking talent, known for his exceptional dribbling skills. Everyone at the Academy is excited to continue supporting Elliot's development.

Jovan Wamani (Under-14s) is a strong, athletic and calm defender with superb quality in possession. Our local scouts identified Jovan as a fantastic talent, with the attributes required to be an Academy player.

Adam Hayman, Head of Academy Recruitment, said: "I'm a delighted to welcome all four boys into the Academy. All four boys reside from a different part of our catchment area, South Devon, Cornwall, North Devon and South Somerset.

"This shows the length, breadth, and fantastic work of our Talent ID & Recruitment department, along with the terrific work of our pathway and partner clubs."

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