Pilgrims Podcast

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.

In Part Two of our chat with the Argyle Chairman, Simon discusses the club's new football structure with Archie and Tom, before turning his attention to the loss of players following relegation — many due to release clauses — and how the club has since moved quickly to recruit new players in line with a brief for greater flexibility. He also shares his observations on the growing gulf between the EFL Championship and League One, and how the club intends to build on gains made through player trading to date.The trio then move on to the collapse of the transaction that would have seen new investors join the club, and discuss the fallout in terms of this season, future major projects, and the type of individuals Plymouth Argyle are seeking in the next round of investment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie, Tom, Mark and Alex get together to discuss some early moves by Argyle in the transfer market and what this may mean for some of last season's squad. There is also a brief word on David Fox's new role and what needs to work for Argyle to be in contention for promotion back to the Championship next season. In Part 2, Alex hosts an Argyle-in-League-1 themed quiz to see what the gang can remember about life in the third tier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.