Pilgrims Podcast

It’s still, still - STILL! - on. A comprehensive never in doubt (sort of) 3 points against play off rivals. A two week break to bring back some of the walking wounded. Authentic, endearing celebrations. What a time to be an Argyle fan. Tom is joined by Chris and Dan to start with hot off the press news of a huge win for the Argyle women’s team. Only 1980s ‘watch on teletext’ vibes to go on but a huge win for an over performing team. Long may it continue. Back to Saturday’s action, there is a sense of confidence on and off the field despite multiple missing players, a makeshift midfield and even after an against the run of play goal. A goal down approaching half time and an injury to the opposition keeper provides a catalyst for a huge second half. There is praise for an Owen Dale tracer bullet, a dubious but we’ll take it penalty, and a goalkeeping error and the chance for many more. A fluid formation, competent performances across the field, goals, chances, heroic defending when needed all with the 95/96 team in attendance made for a wonderful afternoon in the sun.With no game for two weeks, there is a focus on the ongoing rebirth of a squad - performance, culture and results - and huge sympathy for the returning Bali Mumba who seemed visibly upset by the reception he received on his return. Credit to the club and first team for seeing beyond the vitriol and providing comfort. Pantomime boos okay, but let’s try and remember the good times shall we?Enjoy the break, see you again in April. COYGAny contribution towards running costs is always welcome:https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s still – STILL – on. A scrappy, nervous night under the lights, but three more points and on we go. Archie is joined by Chris and Mark straight after the final whistle to bring the heart rates down, but keep the energy levels high.A fairly nondescript first half, with the only real moment of note being a bizarre, almost deliberate-looking miss from a former Torquay player. Thank you, Jamie! But the second half started well and, for the first time, Argyle were clearly on top. If anyone can decipher what is and isn’t allowed from corners these days, do let us know. But a combination of Curtis’ repeated quality deliveries and dark arts makes up for a very similar Reading goal at the weekend. Solid, forgivable late errors from exhausted legs, some savvy changes and some relentless performances do enough – just enough – but we will take it.Thoughts turn to another huge game with some old friends and a team in relative freefall. Please avoid TYPICAL. Huge credit all round, especially for a head coach performing well on and off the field. A perfectly timed statement between games , can we convert it into a perfectly timed run for the play-offs? Stranger things have happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s still on, isn’t it? A great game for the neutral, a point gained but oh so close to being more. Archie hosts and is joined by regulars Chris and Mark, and BBC Radio Devon commentator Michael McCann, to bring some extra insight to a fascinating afternoon.Not that you would have been thinking too positively after five minutes. A good attack turned into some horrific defending and a cross or a shot and a flap – 1–0 down. But it didn’t feel all doom and gloom, and the Cheltenham Two combined from a well-worked set play: a great finish and a fantastic hobby horse celebration. Reading then exploited what felt like early-season defending to take the lead and it really didn’t let up until half-time.Into the second half and a combination of Argyle looking good and Reading sitting back brought a deserved goal for the relentless Caleb Watts. Should Curtis have made a different choice or should we be grateful for his relentless energy and creativity? Let’s go with the latter…Part Two brings the uncomfortable subject of club redundancies. Sympathy for those affected is balanced by the evident reality of the ‘perilous’ state of the club finances. Thoughts finally turn to two huge games against play-off rivals. And who’d have thought we’d be saying that in December?Up the Bastard Argyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IT'S HAPPENING, IT'S OFFICIALLY HAPPENING - SOUND THE PLAY-OFF CLAXON!Mark and Archie reconvene minutes after the full-time whistle at Wigan to discuss yet another Argyle victory – making it five from the last six. And now the two can actually begin to ask, or perhaps not even dare to dream, the very real possibility of a Wembley visit.It’s a joyous and slightly rambling affair, and not even an interrupting workman can detract from what was not only a fantastic result, but a fantastic set of results elsewhere, leaving Argyle four points off fifth and three off sixth.There’s yet more love for Bim Pepple, who bags again to become Argyle’s top scorer of the season in the process, incredibly. The pair also spend time marvelling at the wonder that is Herbie Kane, who was outstanding once more – though in truth there wasn’t a single Argyle player below a 7/10. There’s also talk of a goal-of-the-season contender, referring to the silky team move for Argyle’s second. Injuries are the only dampener, with Sorinola and Harding falling foul of the injury crisis.The pair finally touch on the looming six-pointer (or must-not-lose) against Reading, and even a Ben Waine shout-out after his FA Cup heroics.It’s a short, possibly not very succinct pod, as the two marvel at what is honestly becoming a ridiculous season – one which now carries the very real possibility of a Wembley trip at the end of it.We may not make the top 6, but with 5th place now just 4 points away, and the wind of momentum very much in the sails of the good ship Mayflower, there's no denying that IT'S ON.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you thought the last game was weird, what did you make of this one? On paper a comfortable win; on viewing and reviewing, at least two of the points feel a little stolen. Tom is joined by Alex and Chris to discuss.A midfield-less first half hour leads to sustained pressure and a high-quality Doncaster opener. But this is a different side to the Argyle that melted under pressure in 2025, and an equaliser from nothing almost provided a platform for a half-time lead. Credit to the flexibility of some senior players, the manager for the tactical changes, and of course to the irrepressible Bim Pepple for another goal and another stellar performance. Even a saved penalty doesn’t feel as TYPICAL as it once did, and the traditional 60-minute substitutions really worked and started to turn the screw. A lucky goal or a perfect delivery, but either way a fit (or less injured) Kane, a confident Dale and a reshuffle: eventually 2-1 felt like a fair result.Part Two starts with more kudos for the women’s team, with some huge six-pointers and a cup final coming up. And a huge run of games for the men, with Wigan preceding some massive six-pointers that could make or break a late play-off push. And – a quiz! It’s been a while. Great to be in an environment that doesn’t feel like laughing at a funeral.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can’t have nice things. After a performance for the ages, a weird game in weird circumstances ends in a weird defeat. Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and special guest Sam Roberts to review the batshittery.A line-up that was hard to place positionally (more on that later) and a deflected early goal set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Reshuffled players in a reshuffled shape, predictably disjointed. Terrible sentence, but actually exactly how it felt. A change at half-time and a constant rotation in search of a lucky break, which almost came. A penalty that wasn’t, a decent chance, a late, late goal disallowed. For once, some sympathy with the ‘one of those days’ merchants. A point would have been more than fair.Part 2 quickly revisits the midweek cup exit to Luton, which sowed the seed of the major theme, a catastrophic series of first-team injuries. Training, recovery, selection and signings all seem to be playing a role in limiting success on the field. Is the season all but over? Or is a bumper run of games against mid-table teams giving some room for optimism? And it’s episode 200. What a ride it has been.Downwards.Bah humbug. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great result in the week, can they follow it up at home? Oh yes they can! Archie, Chris, James and Seve have the pleasure of discussing a performance for the ages against a very strong Cardiff team.The game. It started quickly and didn’t relent from there. A chance created from nothing early on set the tone, and even a Watts sitter going straight at the goalkeeper didn’t quell a constant flow of opportunities for both teams. A great move and a fantastic finish from Tolaj, Pepple with a second, set up a crazy run of goals where every attack from both teams resulted in a finish. 3–2 at half-time and it could have been more. Things slowed down a little in the second half but, as in the week, the further the game went on, the more Argyle dominated. Two set-pieces, a perfect penalty and, who would have thought we’d be saying this, Ross unplayable from a perfect corner. Perfect is the word. What a day for those home fans who have not had the best of seasons.Part 2 and talk of two potential games at Wembley does start to feel possible. Momentum, positivity and team spirit really seem to matter, and even the most negative grinch is excited for a quarter-final at Luton in the AutoWindscreensPizzaTu Cup. And a huge shout-out to Argyle Women for a nervy (in a great way) win.What a week. COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another away day, another win. Archie, Alex and Chris are here for some midweek JOY.With all that said… this was not as glorious on the eye as some other away wins. A boxing analogy from Michael Savage sums things up nicely – scrappy, relentless and a clash of styles, but still much to like. The loss of another midfielder to another hamstring injury did not impact as many feared, and Argyle worked through the gears to grind out a convincing win. Pepple scoring again, Curtis looking increasingly like a signing for the ages, solid performances all round and mental fortitude in the face of an equaliser all feature in a satisfying, grinding three points.Part 2 takes time to pause and reflect on quite how far this team has come. On and off the field, there remains much to fix, but lots to like. Can we dream of the play-offs? Maybe we can, but more likely next year – time to play the kids or just stick with a winning formula? Thoughts turn to a huge game – and a huge crowd – for the women’s team and a free hit for the men against the best team in the division.All in all, a doom-free zone. Sort of.COYG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A joyous afternoon by the seaside — so obviously an away game — and Argyle produced a Valentine’s Day massacre of their Lancashire hosts. Alex, Chris, Mark and Tom are the lucky ones to discuss a towering performance on the coast as Tom Cleverley’s men ensured Blackpool well and truly knew they’d been tangoed.Something of a greatest hits discussion in Part One. Just desserts for the lovable Alex Mitchell, a full debut for the ages from Herbie Kane, a ballroom blitz of their box leading two injury-time goals in the opening half, and poetry for a deserved fourth after the break. It was bloomin’ brilliant stuff and yes, while Ian Evatt’s men were dreadful, it was still an illuminating win.Part 2 looks at a busy week of player movement outside the formal transfer window. Szucs leaves with best wishes; youth players heading out on loan feels sensible, financial pragmatism finally aligning with football logic. There are still challenges ahead, of course — some expensive summer signings yet to truly light up the stage — but there are clear signs of progress. Is this a good team that underperformed? A mediocre one hitting par? Or both, given the scale of change and injuries? Either way, it really was our pleasure, beaches.Belated Happy Valentine’s Day. We love you Argyle, we do. 💚 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Argyle’s attempt to rectify a difficulty season was ruthlessly exposed by a competent, confident Lincoln side in a(nother) disappointing afternoon at Home Park. Tom hosts and Chris and Mark join to review a challenging, but perhaps forgivable, performance.Part 1 looks at the game itself. Was it really a strong first half performance which fell off a cliff, mirroring the last away outing? Or were the signs there earlier, with a team hurting from half a first team unavailable through injury? Huge praise for the goal, work rate and turnaround of Bim Pepple cannot disguise that his injury papered over the cracks of a team that struggled after an electric first 20 minutes. A series of horror goals and a late counter perhaps show Argyle what patience can deliver with a ruthless performance by a very good, and very large, away team. Part 2 sees some sympathy for a goalkeeper who just does not seem at the required level and debates the role of loan players over the increasingly absent youth. Home form this season and quite why it makes such a difference is reviewed, as are the upsides and downsides of being a team who seem to do everything other than finish in a boring midtable spot. The playoffs seem way off, could relegation be a factor again? The ghost of Joe Ralls is present throughout - pray for his speedy recovery and a dull couple of months… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex, Mark and Tom discuss Argyle’s defeat to Stockport, their first in a month but steeped in disappointment having been up at half time.  The pod goes from lauding Tom Cleverley’s men for taking the game to the Hatters, to wrestling with the thinking behind the immediate drop in levels from minute 46, including the who, the what, the why and the how.Have the greens fallen too far from the League One playoff picture following this reverse? How big should the club go on reinforcements? And how will those perilous finances impact this season, and next?Also in focus is a big month ahead of league and cup matches for Marie Hourihan and the Argyle Women, as the side’s ambition for silverware and promotion is discussed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Archie and Chris are together across time zones to discuss a 1-1 draw that felt so much better than the final result. Despite the absence of the majority of the established spine of the squad, Argyle produced an electric opening 30 minutes, including a brilliant goal, lots of chances and, sadly, an away goalkeeper in inspired form. Even the freakish equaliser just before half-time did little to suggest that the resurgence is not going to continue. A second half in which energy levels dropped and a few mistakes crept in still contained some solid performances, and a draw feels more a shame than a disaster. How far we’ve come.Part 2 turns to the behind-the-scenes day-in-the-life documentary, giving us all unprecedented access to the head coach. Timing, production and authenticity are all praised – if you haven’t seen it, highly recommended. Finally, the inevitable discussion as the window closes on what we may gain or lose concludes that we don’t really have a clue, do we? But like everything so far in 2026, that’s okay.Seven points from nine against relatively high-quality, in-form teams. Next stop, Stockport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.