The boy’s a bit good

Following our humiliation in front of a teatime nation a fortnight ago, coupled with the news that striker Jermaine Easter had unspecified personal problems which could only be resolved by leaving Argyle and leaving Plymouth, it’s fair to say that even the cheeriest of Argyle supporters was in low spirits. It’s never nice to be laughed at by Peter Beagrie: its even worse when you deserve it. Luggy’s “New Revolution” appeared to be in tatters and all those pundits confidently predicting our relegation as part of the pre-season previews were getting to claim their money early. No creativity, no ideas, no chance.

The tide began to turn on Saturday morning, when it became clear we’d signed Blackburn striker/attacking midfielder Paul Gallagher on a season long loan. Gally went straight into the side for the Burnley game, did enough to keep the GA cheerful and helped secure a point (0-0) at a ground where we never, never do anything other than get beat. But nothing could prepare us for Monday’s transfer deadline day. Two crackerjack signings - Nicolas Marin from Ligue 1 Lorient: a right winger with pace, skill and a finish to better Halmosi’s. And, most unbelievably of all, Emile Mpenza, former Man City bull up front: strong, powerful and with a definite eye for goal, signing for a year. While some of are muttering a precautionary “Taribo West” under our breath, all of a sudden, there is genuine excitement about this season and about our prospects. There’s nothing like a couple of high-profile signings to get the football pulse up. And, apparently, there has been a surge of interest in tickets for the Norwich game next Saturday and in season tickets, A fickle bunch, these Plymouthians.

We should strike a note of caution. Both Mpena and Marin have had nothing like a pre-season, so are likely to be severely lacking in match fitness. Argyle also tend to blow it in front of a big crowd. There are still serious questions to be asked about central midfield, where even my championing of Luke Summerfield is starting to wobble a little. Luggy failed to sign Glenn Whelan before the window slammed shut, but from Tuesday, emergency loans of up to three months are possible, which would allow Whelan to join now with a view to a permanent move in January. But the squad now needs culling. Easter presumably is a goner; I would think also Folly; and maybe two or three of the younger pros (Smith, McCrory) may be sent out on loan. There has also been rumours of a surprise departure: Jamie Mackie apparently is less than chuffed with the way things are.

All in all then, it has been a bumpy start to the season. Including the League Cup our record reads, P5 W0 D2 L3 F2 A7. We haven’t scored since the opening day of the season - a full 394 scoreless minutes. Here’s hoping Sturrock and the boys use the international break - and that we put half a dozen past Norwich in a week’s time. Check back later in the week for a full match preview.

Category: Team News

Tags: Team News

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