Pilgrims Podcast

Jo Kinnear! Straw hats! EasyJet! Stacey Dooley! Vauxhall Corsas! Eric Morecambe! Lorraine Chase! Your guys took one hell of a beating.Alex hosts as Chris, Mark and Tom are here to discuss another win and another strong performance. No one wanted to see Joe Ralls leaving so early – let’s hope he’s back soon – but the first half maintained the intensity and creativity of recent away wins. Sorinola perhaps guilty of an extra touch, but praise for the performance and improved tactical know-how. All capped with a goal at the perfect time. GEDDON.A different test in the second half, of resilience, tactics and spirit. Rotation of players and shape, some heart in the mouth moments and some opportunities missed. And the perfect IN THE SEA moment from Galloway, charging 60 yards to win a free kick and effectively seal all three points. Oh and Hazard too. Could get used to this, as could the Head Coach with a huge moment of reciprocal respect.Part 2 looks forward, and with confidence. Debate as to what – if budget is available – would help as the window comes to an end. And a review of the ongoing redemption of Tom Cleverley at what in the ground, through the laptop or the phone as a significant human moment. What does this mean for the run-in? Top six feels more likely than bottom three, or it could be anything in between.Enjoy the ride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Won in the pink. What a performance. It falls to Archie, Chris, Dan and Mark to deliver a doom-free review of a 6th away win in 7.In part one, a deep dive on the game. Argyle came out of the gates quickly and didn’t stop: early disappointment at a sending-off not given was a minor blip amongst fluid play, strong pressing, some excellent quality touches and a deserved goal. Special praise for the goalscorer and his partner, and for the Head Coach for a job well, and relentlessly, done.Part two broadens the conversation with a review of the batshittery of a Vertu Cup win and a discussion of the challenges that come from mixed comms, even when you are on an upward curve. And then: Bali. Yes, some struggles, but everyone is united behind a good player, a great human being, and wishing him all the best in regaining that special form in the future. Just not against us, please.A quick look forward to a huge game against Luton, with a genuine full house (including the away end) and hopes high.Bring it on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No game, so no pod? You’re not getting off that easily. Alex, Chris and Tom use the (sadly) redundant FA Cup 3rd round weekend to sit back and take stock of some major themes at Argyle and the modern game. At least we don’t lose 10-1.The differences between sport for passion and sport for fun, use of data and the role of the modern club infrastructure tee up a review of Argyle’s background office (front office for our American listeners) at a crucial point in the season. Will the club benefit from the new hires in the back office, or is it more of the same on the horizon? Should youth take priority over league position, or when you are in fire do you just put it out? We really enjoyed this one without the pressure of a game, we hope that translates as you listen too.Before a short part two, we are proud to promote a new addition to the Argyle fan canon. We've an exert from Richard Ough's 'Argyle Stories' that looks at Shilton years. The full episode can be found on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7LmBBm0oGhiqVDNQKvq2H7) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ArgyleStories)Finally, back to the day job with thoughts on a new signing, an up and coming rough run of league games and, of course, a midweek trip to Bristol in the Papa Vertu Auto Windshield Cup. We’ve missed you, Argyle.If you'd like to support the pod with a contribution, please go to https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here we go, here we go, here we go! Yes, a depleted Burton. Yes, we beat them 4-0 away. But lovely to finish a busy festive season with a 3-0 win. Archie, Chris and Mark are joined by guest Sam Roberts to review a winning home start to 2026.Part One, the game. Lots to like, right from the start, with a contender for goal of the season the worth of the crossbar away. A goal from a set piece, good delivery on others, and (other than one kamikaze moment at the back), it felt like we were set up for a decent second half. And decent it was, with solid performances across the pitch: more set piece goals and a penalty dispatched in the style we expect from our striker. A doom-free zone and a deserved Ralls love-in. Lovely stuff.Part Two touches on a disappointing, by no means catastrophic, defeat for the women’s team. Thoughts then turn to the squad: the departure of Law McCabe, talk of an incoming in the week, does the club stick or twist with transfers? And with two weeks until the next league game, it’s hard to predict what’s next.Except when it’s dull, it’s never dull. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Games are coming thick and fast and Argyle pick up a point at Stevenage. Archie hosts and Chris and Mark are back to do their best to avoid doom. They try, they really do.The game: in isolation, more to like than not, with some shape and decent data in the first period. But does more holistic data suggest we should be going for it earlier? A predictable goal from a looping cross, some positive substitutions and an improved final thirty minutes leave some thinking it was an opportunity missed and others a point gained.In part two, the upcoming six-pointer at home to (checks notes) Burton FFS is the focus. Stick or twist? Will we build on momentum or revert to type at home? There is also a quick detour to discuss Tom Cleverley’s fascinating insight in a recent interview into his coaching philosophy and, as is New Year tradition, predictions for the next game and for the season.An extended break is to come when everyone will be back at work. Enjoy it while you can, Greens, whether you are glass half full or empty, you’ll miss the flood of games when they are gone.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good riddance to 2025. Alex, Chris and Mark review the first half of the festive season and look forward to 2026. Part One reviews two home games which frustrated more than excited. The Doncaster high comes crashing back to down to earth with an early sending off and a 10 minute panic. Despite a strong second half showing, there was momentum going into Wycombe. Which fell off a cliff, with a lucky late equalizer. Bah fricking humbug. Part Two tries to make sense of the first half of the season and look forward to 2026. A cry for positivity is balanced with a pragmatic view that Cleverley the player is manifesting as Cleverley the Head Coach. But with a league so tight, all hope is not lost. Buckle up for Schumacher Part 2, or resign yourself to boring the opposition into submission? Let’s wait and see….Happy New Year, see you in 2026. Or later this week as it’s also known. COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Pilgrims Podcast Christmas special, host Archie is joined by Mark Lovell and special guest Marie Hourihan, Head Coach of Plymouth Argyle Women.They reflect on Marie’s impressive playing career at the highest level of the women’s game and chart the rapid evolution of women’s football during her time as a professional. Marie discusses her experiences working under elite coaches, including Emma Hayes, and how those influences have shaped her own coaching philosophy.She talks candidly about the transition from player to coach, the growing pathways now available for women to remain in the game, and the importance of understanding resources, environments and people when building a successful team. The conversation also explores recruitment, with Marie outlining a data-informed, player-focused approach and stressing the value of a strong team spine, particularly the role of goalkeeper.Attention then turns to the current Argyle Women’s season, the challenges faced so far, and the club’s promotion ambitions.The episode concludes with a wider discussion on alignment within football clubs, the importance of visibility and support for the women’s game, and Marie’s hopes for the future.Merry Christmas, Greens. Thanks for all your support this year, and enjoy this episode with the brilliant Marie Hourihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Argyle collect another win away from home but this time it’s a goal fest. Alex, Mark and Tom dissect a five-star performance from the Greens, who made mincemeat of their opposing Yorkshires: from the individual excellence from hat-trick hero Laurent Tolaj and his assister-en-masse Owen Oseni, to good shows of experience from the likes of Ralls, Edwards and Sorinola - and most notably the systemic changes of recent weeks to a 4-4-2.The panel also continue the conversation as to the extent of the influence of Derek Adams on first team results, what another high scoring win away from home says about the quality of player we have, and whether there corner has actually been turned this time, and the playoffs are in sight, or if the rollercoaster continues to twist and turn after Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two wins in a row. So surely everyone is bouncing off the walls with pre-Christmas cheer. Well, not quite.Liam and Seve join regulars Archie, Mark and Chris, and in Part One pragmatism is the name of the game. Some outstanding performances at the back, slowly tapering the further up the field, punctuated by a great goal just before half-time. Should we expect more, or is it misery to do anything but applaud another back-to-the-wall effort? The bar is low, but we are starting to clear it.We also have a voice note from journalist John Duerden, sharing his full-time thoughts. John has a new website launching on 1st January: “An outsider's view of the ups and downs of Plymouth Argyle FC. Features, news, interviews & much more.” Part Two sees the return of the quiz! We look back a couple of years to a very different Rotherham game and pine for a squad that, in hindsight, had some absolute superstars. Having a copy of the squad from the season before is NOT cheating.Part Three tries to tie things in festive bows. Are we actually improving, or is this a false dawn? Should we be happy with what we’ve got, or demand more? Or should we take it all a little less seriously and enjoy the moment? The diversity of opinion reflects an unusual time for the club, where a slide down or a spring up seems equally possible.Six-pointer next at Doncaster. Let’s hope the rebuild continues… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A vital win in Buckinghamshire for the men's team, plus the Argyle women are flying too! (26:53) Christian Kent - Executive Lead for Argyle Women. To Wycombe and, football purists look away now, but three points in the road (again) provides increasing evidence that shape and solidity are helping, at least away. Chris, Mark and Tom review a game low on chances and skill, but high on heart, commitment and clinical finishing. Lots of 7/10 performances, bodies on the line and good old fashioned fight steal 3 points from a nil nil draw. Gareth Ainsworth (or a certain Mr Adams) would be very proud of the shithousery.Part 2 and focus turns - deservedly and belatedly - to the women’s team. Tom and Mark spend time with Christian to review a brilliant season to date and to discuss ambitious plans for the future.Finally thoughts turn to the weekend for Tom Cleverley's side. Build on the win with another rearguard action or take the momentum to try something a bit more footballery? Who’d be a Head Coach….?COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running out of things to say, really. Slightly improved, yes. But the result is sadly, awfully, terribly predictable. Archie, Chris and Mark do their best to think of some original light to shine into the December gloom.Part One, the game. A bright start followed by a slow decline but some positives and some experienced heads did give some temporary hope that midweek cup success may have provided a platform. Instead, a soft penalty (we would absolutely have wanted it given for us) and very little else condemns us to a fourth consecutive home defeat. Should the youth players get more of a chance? Should we at least try to win?Part Two tries to zoom out a little. Relegation seems ever more possible but a few quick wins and the division is tight enough that it could all be okay. Or doomed by February. And a well constructed, well received Chairman’s Chat at risk of being undermined by actions and words on and off the field.What could be better than a trip to Wycombe next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie hosts this special, mammoth-length edition of the Pilgrims Podcast, joined by Tom, Mark and James as the gang piece together a dreadful afternoon at PL2. A truly miserable home capitulation to Northampton, capped by Tolaj’s sending off and a second-half showing that drained what little apathetic, resigned energy remained inside Home Park.There’s plenty to chew over: the Fans Forum and what it did manage to clarify, the baffling continued backing of a head coach in Tom Cleverley who appears increasingly out of his depth, and the ever-more troubling details behind the club’s “perilous” financial situation.And yet, even through the gloom, there’s the faintest glimmer, the signs of life shown in that last-gasp win over Leyton’s O-Team, with BBC Radio Devon’s Michael McCann providing us his match report and thoughts. A rare bright spot that might just offer something worth clinging to.All that and plenty more as the pod crew recover from their long, painful trek to PL2, therapy microphones firmly switched on.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We won! We won away! So why doesn’t it feel like it? Tom, Mark and Chris are joined by Radio Devon’s Drew Savage to review a win - an away win! - that had as many questions as answers.Part one balances the relief of a win with ongoing concerns - especially about the first 45 minutes - that there is still much to fix. But there was a great goal, some defensive grit, a resolute and experienced rearguard action that gives some hope. Would we have been so kind if Port Vale had been more ruthless with their chances? Luckily we will never know.Part two focuses on genuine broader positives. A quick review of Derek’s first week before a celebration of the success of the Argyle women’s team, ongoing resurgence and the bigger picture with Foulston Park. Finally, looking forward to a home game against Northampton and the pod team and friends gathering for some Plymouth and some Argyle. Can we build on this? Let’s see….https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie is joined by Tom, Dan and James from One Team In Devon to unpack initial thoughts on the return of Derek Adams.Nostalgia aplenty, the panel discuss whether Argyle’s pivot is a shift back in model, while weighing up the benefits and risks in the short term and the long term of placing faith once again in Adams, who had great success but also a fall from grace when last employed in PL2.The guys also discuss how the arrival of Adams reshapes relationships and responsibilities within the club, notably with Tom Cleverley and David Fox, who have not (yet) been asked to walk the plank.Any contribution towards running costs is always welcome:https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We lost again.Archie and Tom try to make sense of another miserable game for Argyle, as familiar failings return and the pressure on Tom Cleverley grows. Fans Liam and Paul leave voice messages with their thoughts on the game, setting the tone before the pair of Arch and Tom unpack the performance – a decent start, then a collapse that felt all too familiar.There’s reaction to Cleverley’s post-match comments, questions over tactics and leadership, and a discussion about his remarks on summer recruitment – some finger-pointing towards those above him, and whether airing that frustration publicly undermines Paul Berne’s call for unity. The pair further discuss Berne’s public backing of the manager, the club’s messaging, and whether stability has started to look like stagnation.Fifteen games in, the point Cleverley asked to be judged at, and the verdict feels clear. The pod wrestles with the big question: if not now, when? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: we lost 2–0, again. And it contains strong language, appropriately.Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom explore a game that was at once unique and exactly the same. A radio-only experience, unless you were one of the poor souls who watched that, in the rain, and some who had 30 minutes of our local rivals winning in Halifax.Less structure, nuance and focus than normal; a pod of raw emotion. Yes, a defeat, but another game with no attacking intent, multiple defensive lapses and a lack of demonstrable heart.Consensus is that the head coach’s position is increasingly untenable, but a public backing in the week leaves everyone wondering what, if not an exit, can come next.It’s a hard listen, and it’s painful. It’s repetitious, but so was the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it Groundhog Day, again? Alex and Chris take the late night shift post Mansfield. Let’s face it we could cut and paste the Exeter description here as that is what played out on the pitch…But - things start at the end with a review of some unusual and potentially insightful comments from the Head Coach. Then to the game from a last minute change of line up (to 6 changes, does that make it 5 or 7?) a comedy goal, impotent attacking, a reprieve after some flair players are finally unleashed and - another comedy goal. Despite best efforts to remain level headed the ghost of Cleverly Out is shaking its chains in the background, ready for Halloween.At least it’s the FA Cup next. Against the bogey teams of bogey teams. Lovely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even a deliberate 48 hours to let the dust settle can’t lift the Devon Derby cloud of doom. Archie, Chris and Mark (and special guest Dewdney the Alien) do their best.A brief Part One reviews the game. Sorry. Even a disallowed goal can’t get everyone angry; instead, there’s a sense that defensive mistakes, slow sideways football and unusual selections achieved an inevitable defeat.Part Two looks at the bigger themes. Is it time to make a managerial change, or does that just exaggerate the instability? Lack of experience and lack of staff is a fact — how do you change that in October? Are we using data, or are we making false comparisons? I write these every week and notice that I’m always asking questions. Does that mean something? Who knows…Mansfield away to come. It can’t get worse. Can it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So excited to be back after a never ending international break. So, this was always on the cards wasn’t it? Home Park continues to pose more problems to the home team than the away side in another frustrating performance.A high quality early goal set false expectations in a game where Argyle never really got going. Is this on the players or the planning is a key part of the discussion , as are two gifted goals and a turgid struggle to drag ourselves back. It never really felt like happening and in summary, it feels like the more deserving team deserved all three points on the day. Part two and thoughts turn to the return of Devon derby. Some historical highlights and preview discussion cannot hide that everyone is more nervous than excited. Finally a brief discussion about a departing Head of Recruitment and a dollop of perspective. On to Thursday we go... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of the Pilgrims Podcast, we’re delighted to be joined by James Greenacre. James is the current Commercial Director at Plymouth Albion, but previously worked for Plymouth Argyle in various capacities over a 19-year period.In Part One, we discuss some key moments from James’s time at Argyle, including administration and the promotions he experienced while at the club. We also turn our attention to Argyle’s new CEO, Paul Berne, and what he will bring to the role. James also shares his thoughts on Andrew Parkinson, his predecessor, and the way he professionalised the club overnight when he took charge in 2019 — perhaps not receiving the credit he deserves for helping to kickstart a positive new chapter in Argyle’s modern history.In Part Two, the focus shifts to James’s boyhood club, AFC Wimbledon, who visit Home Park in a week’s time. We talk about his long association with the Dons and the club’s rebirth following the you-know-what merger with MK. James outlines their impressive journey under Johnnie Jackson, who has taken the club from a difficult start to a recent play-off final victory at Wembley — one that James was finally able to enjoy from the stands.There’s plenty more too, including James’s insights into his current role at Albion, and how the club offers a great alternative day out for Argyle fans on an Argyle-free weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.