Pilgrims Podcast

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.

Special guest 'Woody' from Bastille joins us for the episode - check out Season 2 of his football 'Away Days' podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/170qs464eGuTSR4VibsSG6Woody joins Chris, Mark and Tom to make them happier after a frustrating draw full of bad blood against Ryan Lowe's Wigan Athletic at Home Park.Part One, the game. With the dust settled, there is agreement that a point was a fair result. Joy - again - for Tolaj, less so for the flaws in defence, a referee wanting to send them off!, and the doom days not quite being behind us just yet.Part Two - the return of the quiz - good grief! An international quiz for Argyle stalwarts from around the wild world.We will miss you for two weeks Argyle - until we are back home for the next match.Bastille open their tour at Plymouth Pavilions on 5th Nov 2025 - tickets here https://tickets.plymouthpavilions.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=BASTILLE25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Never in doubt.No one was dreading a trip to the bottom of the table, were they?A first part that is appropriately full of praise and joy. Riding out an early storm, scorers scoring goals, an exciting and capable midfield, and the return of our first-choice number one with a solid performance. So much to like, let’s revel in it. AND we scored four, AND we could have scored more.Part two starts with a review of recruitment: were we too harsh at the start of the season, given the late joiners and how much they have added to the team? Sometimes humble pie tastes good. A shout-out to the club and the women’s team, a look forward to the return of Ryan Lowe and even further forward with the Devon derby on the horizon.Drink it up, Greens. Drink it all in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Typical Argyle? Building momentum after some positive followed by a home defeat to, at the time, bottom of the table Peterborough. But was it that simple? Alex hosts as Chris, Mark and Tom discuss a game that has polarised support.In an extended part one, is the first twenty minutes another false dawn? Or did it form part of a pattern of improved overall performance? Should our goalkeeper be praised for progress and a penalty save, or are his faults still at the heart of our issues? Are we unlucky hitting the bar and with some great saves or is getting it over the line all that counts? Should the manager be praised for mixing things up or berated for a damp squib of an ending? You get the point. A quick part two moves off the pitch. Injuries, recruitment, youth and a departing CEO - is it time to embrace the quantum of chaos on and off the field?Onto Spurs Under 12s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One for the ages.Tom hosts with Mark, Chris and Archie to deconstruct an absolutely batshit afternoon in Luton. Two penalties (could have been at least four), two red cards (one on and one off the field), five goals (including a comedic winner), ten minutes of injury time, another injury, too many heroic clearances to count, and too many standout performances for just one man of the match. League One – we love you, we do.In Part Two, a review of the Fans’ Forum and the ultra-transparent overview provided of club finances. There’s alignment on the strength of the content, but differing opinions on where the focus could or should have been. Overall, though, it has been a great week for everyone at Home Park – even if the CEO remains conspicuous in his absence.Onwards to bottom-of-the-table Peterborough at home, in confident mood. Don’t make us regret typing that, Argyle.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We won! We won convincingly! Alex hosts with Chris and Seve both over the moon to talk through the best performance of the season. So far…In part one, a review of all four - four! - goals. Improved set plays, a couple of strokes for the ages and a competent, clinical number 9 all draw praise. Some comical defending, a dodgy penalty and a late consolation for the visitors do little to dampen the mood. Part two sees a wider perspective. Managerial flexibility, loan signings, some confusing club comms and, sadly in a sign of the times, the club statement on racist abuse are the focus before a sense check on League One and our progress to date.One for the ‘you are too negative’ listeners, it’s amazing what a win can do. Bring on Luton Town. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two alternative Choose Your Own Adventure pods in one this week - a mammoth deconstruction of another day of doom or, skip to (01:25:55) for a quick 30 seconds of relative positivity.For those with the stomach for it, part one looks at the game itself. A clear mismatch of player capability, aptitude and attitude doesn’t give much room for positivity and it’s difficult for everyone not to look to bigger themes of summer recruitment, system rigidity and a continued long term cycle of away day challenges. A defense of data cynicism also features: it’s not a barrel of laughs…Part 2 looks more deeply at the challenge at hand and the potential approach to the months leading to Christmas. Does everything rest on a huge transfer deadline day or should the club - and the head coach - finally stick and stop waiting for a magical twist. Does the Papa John’s or whatever it’s called matter? How should we approach Stockport? You decide.Finally, huge thanks to our listeners for sticking with us as well as the team in hard times. Huge shout outs to those of you who have contributed to keep us on air: you know who you are.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, a win.Tom hosts with Archie, Alex and Chris on hand to discuss what already feels like a huge moment in the season.Part One focuses on a new number nine, a solid centre-half, a few glitches still remaining — but ultimately progress and three points. Praise for many, lingering frustrations for some… but a win is a win is a win.Part Two dives into one of the longest weeks in football: from Monday doom to Saturday joy via signings, statements, more signings, press conferences, and both a loss and a win at Home Park. Can the club ever truly win with its comms? Has the reset been achieved, or was it simply a better day at the office? We’ll let you, the listener, decide.Next stop: two games in Wales. Let’s build on this.Up the Bastard Argyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie and Chris draw the short straw after another humbling evening under the lights at Home Park.A brief review of the game (start well, run out of steam, lose) quickly turns to sadness at the toxic atmosphere in the ground and online. Should the club own the situation or sit tight? What can the Head Coach really say? How do we begin to claw our way out of this? Big questions, so early in a new campaign.Technical glitches on Argyle TV, a guide to dealing with the doom as a fan, and an attempt to find some positives and perspective leave everyone terrified — but still excited — for another home game at the weekend. Be kind, everyone. Surely, things can only get better… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Pilgrim’s Podcast, Tom is joined by Alex, Mark, Chris, and Dan to dissect another topsy-turvy but ultimately disappointing outing for the Greens. After falling two goals behind for the fourth straight match, the panel discuss what needs to change for Argyle to get some much-needed points on the board. In part two, the discussion turns to the bigger picture — exploring how a season once billed as a promotion push has quickly unravelled into a fight for League One survival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES. IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES. Repeat x10. Then join Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom for a challenging listen after a challenging day.In part one, there are some positives: a bright opening 15 minutes, a few decent intricate moves, and genuine footballing intent — before a deep dive into what was ultimately a really difficult watch. A poor performance by a poor team… but remember, IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES.Part two finds the head coach seemingly agreeing with the assessment that the team needs radical improvement if he’s to deliver tactical and technical change. How we’ve reached game two with such a limited first-team squad, and what might be done about it, dominate the discussion. Oh, and there’s some waffle about Jesters.But remember: IT’S ONLY TWO GAMES. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie, Dan, Mark and Tom unpack a chaotic — and ultimately deeply disappointing — opening day at Home Park, as Argyle fall to a 3–1 defeat to Barnsley. Disallowed goals, defensive horror shows, and a nightmare debut for Wiredu all feature in a performance that raised more questions than answers.There’s tactical chat, referee gripes, and a look at what the substitutions did (or didn’t) change.In Part 2, the panel reflect on what the result might tell us about the season ahead — including the state of the squad, the need for signings, and the importance of the next few games.They also share thoughts on the recent Fans’ Forum and look ahead to next week’s trip to Bolton — where, off the pitch, we’ll come up against plenty of familiar faces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In collaboration with One Team In Devon, Archie, Tom and James are joined by Italian football data analyst Alberto Lauciello, who pulls back the curtain on how analytics can help identify players that fit Tom Cleverley’s stated profiles. The team delve into the intricacies of Argyle’s transfer window, with a particular focus on the pressing need for a number nine.The discussion explores what makes an ideal striker, potential targets, and the role age and experience play in recruitment. The panel also assess recent signings, overall squad depth, and team balance — before rounding off with their predictions for the season ahead.Alberto’s full report is available in the latest OTID newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie, Chris and Mark get together a matter of minutes after the Lionesses’ penalty victory for the penultimate pre-season Pilgrims Podcast.Special guest Aaron Cusack provides deep insight in a review of the Bristol City friendly defeat and what Argyle should look to continue, and what perhaps they need to develop, for the League One season ahead.Thoughts then inevitably turn to player recruitment and the need for a number 9 — unless a superstar is already in there somewhere, of course…Part 2 explores the shape and size of the squad as a whole, thoughts and expectations for the season ahead, and perhaps the worst ideas ever recorded for 48 hours in Britain’s Ocean City. There is doom, there is outrageous positivity; it’s that time of the year though, isn’t it?Bring on Barnsley. COYG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.