Pilgrims Podcast

It’s been almost a month, and Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom are together after a game for the generations, and to try and talk about Argyle.Where else to start but a magical night (or early morning) for England in the Azteca? In one of those games that grabbed hold of you and refused to let go, the conversation moves through the MORON who claimed not to be excited and who couldn’t sleep when it was finished, the world-class talent, the tactical astuteness of the coach, the agony and the ecstasy of added time. Where does the game rank in all-time England performances? What could come next? How has the World Cup landed in the USA? Has there been a better example of thriving under pressure? What will the score be against the rowing Norwegians? So much has been said and written about the game that we have added nothing new, but it was a joyous experience to record. And we managed to avoid politics, almost…Part two looks forward to a new season that will be here before we know it. An exciting League Cup draw, a solid group of signings, and could Michael Baidoo represent the ultimate redemption arc? It’s hard to focus with a World Cup in full flow, but everyone - even if they don’t really know it yet - is excited for 'real' football to return.On to Norway! On to Tavistock! We’ll be back again soon as one competition draws to a close and another gets ready to begin. It’s the circle of football life, Clive.

In this episode of the Pilgrims Podcast, host Mark Lovell is once again joined by Plymouth Argyle Director of Football Derek Adams for a wide-ranging and lively World Cup special.Derek and Mark look ahead to Scotland’s huge test against Brazil in Miami and it promises to be a proper examination in stifling heat. Conditions, tactics, and mentality all come under the duo’s spotlight. Can Scotland stay in the game long enough to cause a shock, or will Brazil’s quality (Neymar?) tell in the end? Derek breaks it all down in detail. Defensive structure, game management, and what it might take to survive against elite opposition on the biggest stage. Liverpool away at Anfield anybody?There’s also plenty of focus on England’s impressive start under Thomas Tuchel, with praise for their tactical flexibility, squad depth, and the way the Three Lions dismantled Croatia in their opener.Beyond the matches, the discussion goes deeper into modern coaching. How in-game decisions are made, how systems evolve mid-match, and what separates good tournament teams from great ones. Derek also reflects on his transition into his role at Plymouth Argyle, offering insight into life behind the scenes as DOF.Packed with analysis, big opinions, and a touch of nostalgia for World Cup moments gone by (without hydration breaks).

Join host Mark Lovell as he sits down with Plymouth Argyle Director of Football Derek Adams for a wide-ranging look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.From Scotland’s long-awaited return to the biggest stage for the first time since 1998, to England’s hopes under Thomas Tuchel, the pair reflect on some of football’s most memorable World Cup moments. From Archie Gemmill’s wonder goal and the Tartan Army in Argentina, to Maradona, penalties, heartbreak and near misses, Adams shares personal stories from Scottish football, including fascinating insights involving Sir Alex Ferguson, Jock Stein, and Scotland’s World Cup squads of the past.The conversation also turns to the modern game, with discussion on tournament expansion, climate concerns in North America, VAR, goalkeeping, Harry Kane, Scott McTominay, and whether Scotland can finally break their World Cup curse.A nostalgic, entertaining and thought-provoking World Cup special from two lifelong football men.

No games but lots to talk about as Archie is joined by Alex and Chris for a ‘no Argyle summer limbo’ special. Where else to start but the complicated and challenging topic of the Argyle Women’s Team and the decision not to renew contracts for the season ahead. A season of success, commercial challenges locally and internationally in the sport and the leaked email are discussed at length and, we hope, with sensitivity to all sides. Other news includes the re-signing of stalwart Joe Edwards for the season ahead, the exit of Conor Hazard and one new arrival. Then a frankly baffling for all sides existential debate on whether it is possible to like a kit on its release. Well done if you make it this far. Finally, attention turns to the imminent World Cup. Thoughts on the tournament to come, favourite England and World Cup memories memories and some happy related ramblings have at lease one of the panel - who claimed ambivalence - to suddenly be excited for the weeks ahead. Typical.Keep an eye on your feeds for some upcoming World Cup specials with even more special guests but in the meantime, enjoy the summer. Not long until fixture release day…

Summer? What summer? We’re still here, as the game at the top level continues to eat itself with VAR, spies and money. Archie is joined by Chris, Michael and One Team in Devon’s James Stables to dissect his latest newsletter, titled Five Things Argyle Need to Do for a Successful Summer.We start by defining and exploring the concept of a rebuild. There seems to be less chaos despite nine formal exits, four loanees not being retained, and several contract offers on the table. Stick or twist? Where does fate play a role? What does a “spine” really mean? And where do the retained young players fit into the puzzle?Next, it’s on to player trading. There are moving parts as ever, but there is also a sense of strategy and stability, valuable assets, and evidence that players can develop and improve their value. It could be a lot worse, and there is a path towards a positive reset of money in and players arriving to fit a plan. And what could that plan be? Would it be madness to move away from a successful setup and strategy to experiment with another stylistic shift?Finally, off the field: is this when investment arrives? Noise means nothing, but there is more of it than ever and, after a poor 18 months, there is now some stability, improved recruitment, a great catchment area and fantastic facilities on the way. And how should the club approach communication when there is often very little to actually communicate?Did I say finally? A summer quiz! Some normal questions and some kind of weird bidding game to finish the epic.Next stop: to be confirmed, as news breaks and World Cups begin. Enjoy your summer…

Alex Hinde hosts Archie and Tom for a deep-dive review of Argyle’s utterly chaotic 2025/26 season.From the summer overhaul and the appointment of Tom Cleverley, to a squad seemingly built for multiple systems at once, the trio work through the key moments that shaped one of the most bizarre seasons in recent Argyle history.They discuss the early-season collapse, the departures of key off-field figures, the atmosphere around Home Park during the darkest moments of the campaign, and the truly unexpected return of Derek Adams. There’s also a look at the tactical reset which transformed Argyle’s fortunes, Bim Pepple’s remarkable rise, and the late-season surge which somehow left the Greens minutes away from the play-offs on the final day.Most of all, the episode asks the big question: how exactly did Tom Cleverley survive, and how did Argyle go from looking broken in November to one of the form teams in the division by spring?Even by Argyle standards, this was a truly bonkers season.