Pilgrims Podcast

Archie is joined by Belgian football consultant Scott Coyne to discuss the recent appointments of David Fox as Head of Football Operations and Tom Randle as Head of Recruitment. The pair explore what each role is likely to involve and how Randle’s position may, in fact, more closely resemble that of a Sporting Director. They compare the British and European footballing models, reflecting on the structures Miron Muslic was used to during his time in Belgium.The conversation then shifts to what these changes could mean for Miron’s future at Argyle, and how his role as Head Coach might align with the responsibilities of both Fox and Randle. There’s also time to touch on reported interest from QPR, and to look ahead to what League One life might look like under Muslic.

In Part One the pod looks back at the last week post Leeds, delving into managerial rumours surrounding Miron Muslic and the whisperings that he is maybe staying? The conversation shifts to player contracts, retention strategies, and the challenges of recruitment in the wake of relegation. The hosts also review the retained list, highlighting the importance of key players and the impact of contractual clauses. As they look ahead, they consider the future of the club and the strategies needed to navigate the upcoming season.In Part Two, James Stables hosts the alternative One Team In Devon end-of-season awards, as they reflect on a tumultuous season for Plymouth Argyle, analysing the team's performance, key decisions, and standout moments. They discuss the disappointing results, the controversial appointment of Wayne Rooney, and the redemption arcs of certain players. The conversation also highlights memorable comebacks and the Throw Under the Bus Award, culminating in a discussion about the goal of the season.Support the show

And that’s that. Alex, Archie, Chris and Mark gather for the 150th Pilgrims Podcast to discuss a spirited, eventful, and ultimately appropriate end to Argyle’s two-year tenure in the Championship.Part 1 examines a solid performance against high-quality opposition. Caleb Roberts and his bizarre record of starts against strong teams, the continued rise of Mustapha Bundu, Muslic-ball beginning to take a more recognisable shape, and the somehow inevitable last-minute defeat to the champions all feature. Not a bad way to bring the curtain down, with the added benefit of preventing a claret and blue open-top bus tour. As ever, huge praise for the home fans and, through gritted teeth, for a jubilant away end too.Part 2 dives deep into the Head Coach, his strong words during the week, and the ‘will he stay or will he go’ debate. The apparent appointment of a new Director of Football and a renewed focus on footballing infrastructure—what this means for the squad, and how everyone really feels about a return to League One—are discussed. It’s not as miserable as it sounds.Resurgam.(Hopefully.)

The podcast that no one wanted but everyone was secretly expecting. How to dissect an encouraging, yet ultimately meaningless, win.Archie, Chris, Drew and Mark are joined — heroically — by Preston fan and pod host Josh McLoughlin in Part 1. Inevitably, the focus is on Luton’s Laurel and Hardy-style 90th-minute winner, which had a huge impact on both teams just 30 minutes before kick-off.Argyle rode their luck, Preston ran out of ideas, and somehow dragged themselves back into relegation trouble. Is it worse to be pulled into the battle at the last minute, or to have been stuck in it for five months? What can a head coach realistically say when asked about his future?Either way, it’s 2–1 to the League One Boys — as serenaded by the magnificent Green Army, who are rightly praised after a standout performance in the stands on such an unusual and ultimately disappointing day.Part 2 sees thoughts turn to League One and potential retained players. Who will stay, who will go, what will Muslic do — and will he even still be here? None of us have any real idea, of course, but it's good therapy.Finally, we look ahead to Leeds and one last game in the second tier.For now, anyway.COYGSupport the show

In this episode, Archie, Chris and Drew reflect on Argyle’s 3-1 win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry side — a result that just about keeps survival hopes alive. They break down the team’s performance, key moments in the match, and standout individuals. Naturally, Bundu gets his moment in the spotlight after a superb showing, with two goals and an assist to his name. There are also honourable mentions across the park, particularly for Palsson, Szucs and Randell.In Part Two, the mood shifts slightly as the pod takes a look at the cold, hard data surrounding Argyle’s survival chances. With the infamous supercomputer giving the Greens just a 1% shot at staying up, there’s an air of resignation — but not quite surrender. They outline what needs to happen, results-wise, from Derby and Luton, and discuss how taking it to the final day could give Argyle a puncher’s chance. The conversation also touches on the realities of a potential return to League One, and the enduring joy of football beyond the Premier League — the rawness, the charm, and that closer connection. From dugout interviews to less polished matchdays, there’s something special about life lower down the pyramid. Support the show

Tom is joined by Seve, Mark and Chris to pick apart Argyle’s 2–1 defeat away at Middlesbrough. The panel reflect on a frustrating afternoon that saw chances go begging, debate the key decisions and goings-on in the game, the exploits of familiar faces in Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker as well as thoughts on the future of the club's recruitment, before concluding on where it leaves the team with 3 games to save their season.Support the show

It’s back on! Sort of!Join Archie, Chris and Mark after a huge win that keeps the season alive. There is debate as to whether the plan was executed perfectly – low risk, hit them late – or whether Muslic’s rigid approach can lead to huge highs and some dreadful lows.Overall, there is praise across the team, especially in the second half, with formation changes, impact subs, and another late show making for an unforgettable day.James Stables aka One Team In Devon also sends in a voice note with his full-time report.Part two includes a discussion on a high-profile end-of-week press conference about marquee signings, the virtual return of the prodigal Dewsnip, and a look ahead to a crucial run of games. For now, it feels good to have a chance to do that.On to Boro: Morgan, we are comingSupport the show

Mark, Dan, Chris and Tom discuss Argyle's victory over Norwich City and eighth league win of the season, being a second successive game of improved output that just about keeps the Greens in the fight to stay in the Championship. The panel discuss what positives they've taken from the win and whether it'll be enough to avoid a drop back to League One, and whether there are signs of what Muslic-ball might look like going forward, in either division.Attention then turns to the midweek game away to Swansea City, and what the permutations are for our relegation rivals and how that can improve the Pilgrims' survival prospects.

Archie, Alex, and James Stables—aka One Team In Devon and BBC Radio Devon co-commentator on the day—break down another tough week for Argyle, starting with a battling 0-0 draw away at Watford and whether the first half showed genuine encouragement or just flattered to deceive. They discuss key moments, tactical decisions, and whether the subs once again hurt momentum. Attention once again turns towards Michael Baidoo after yet another underwhelming display. The pod grapple with his underwhelming performances, and fail to believe that he's simply not very good, so what are the underlying issues ?Final-third decision-making, or rather the lack of it, takes centre stage as the pod dissects what stopped Argyle from taking all three points. BBC Radio Devon commentator and friend of the pod, Michael McCann, sends in his full-time report, offering a more glass-half-full perspective on events.In part two, the pod looks at the club’s messaging during the international break, particularly the latest "Chairman’s Chat"—a reflective and insightful letter where the possibility of relegation is openly acknowledged. There’s also time for a look ahead to Norwich, with the pod caught between daring to dream and getting bogged down in Opta’s 97% chance of relegation.In part three, James and Archie dive into James’s latest newsletter, unpacking the butterfly effect of Foster’s sacking and the knock-on impact it has had on the club’s trajectory.Support the show