Pilgrims Podcast

Devon is Green and White! A win in the local derby to start the season! Was it worth €45 FML? Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Tom to review a winning start to competitive football in the 26/27 season.Part One is all about the game and it's good to be back. Never a stellar performance, but lots to like with some creative play, creative and impactful set pieces and some comical errors. Also some challenges, particularly converting the chances that were created, some nerves and some defensive lapses, but the late late show leaves everyone happy. There is a deeper dive into Trigger 2.0 and his baptism of fire and how he may, or may not, provide a like-for-like comparison with the departed Tolaj, and a Cooper 2.0 deep dive from Mark Lovell. Craig from the Mansfield Matters Podcast also joins us by voice note to talk all things Will Evans.Part Two opens with everyone offering their new season resolutions (more data, less data, more love-ins, more arguments?) before some more traditional thoughts on the season ahead. Injuries and wage caps, kids v experience, who may take the Baidoo spot and end-of-season predictions. From there: crisps.Finally, in Part Three (remember them?), the pod looks ahead to the League One opener at Home Park, which sees the visit of Stockport County. Chris from The Scarf Bergara Wore podcast sends his thoughts with a voice note ahead of the game. The pod then looks further afield at Argyle's opening set of games, asking whether cool heads will be needed during what is ranked as the toughest opening run in the country. There is also a look at Argyle's seemingly never-ending injury crisis and the question of just what exactly could be at the root of it.They round off by putting out a call for their international listeners in a quest to find out whether they truly exist or whether it's just Bob in Stonehouse with a powerful VPN. Either way, thank you for listening. We look forward to bringing the season to you. If you do wish to get in touch, please see the links attached.COYG

Only days to go before the season kicks off with a barnstorming local derby under the lights as Archie is joined by Alex, Chris and Mark for a review of recent friendliest and the big game ahead.The return of Tolaj and Randel brought the best out of a stable squad with focus on what look to be positive new additions. White impressing with a controlled performance, Hartridge impressing, two goalkeepers of varying stature and some solid all round structure. Shame about the injury. The visit to Tavistock brining a different kind of joy with fan and player engagement, some great youth performances and (touch wood) no hamstrings seem to have been damaged.Next - a new feature for the season with a question from the quite brilliantly named pastyboy. Before anyone complains, we are laughing at the perfection of the handle and our own lack of preparation in case there is any doubt. Anthony - you will always be the first, thank you for your question. If you'd like to ask a question for upcoming episodes please email or contact us via the usual social channels, all of which can be found here.After a debate about the use (or lack of) youth players, and potential incomings, focus turns to the season ahead and the big game under the lights live on Sky on Monday. With a solid squad, a manager with a plan, and enough summer to refresh the senses, we can't wait to get going. What could possibly go wrong....?COYG

The World Cup is over, the League One season is a few weeks away. But we have missed recording to welcome to a random summer special. Tom hosts and is joined by Chris, Mark and One Team in Devon’s James Stables for a ramble.There remains a frustration for what could have been after a typically English exit from a very USA, USA, USA World Cup. Some are still feeling the pain, others have already moved on but thoughts turn quickly to the real football ahead.Stables starts with stability and a summer of relative calm so far, which could bode well for the season ahead. The Tolaj exit is seen as inevitable and hopefully a step in the direction of reduced peril and has freed up budget for the welcome return of Alex Mitchell. It has been publicly stated that a striker search is underway but will the assets remain in the famous 4-4-2? And if so will this be a challenge for Michael Baidoo or do we have an underrated star waiting in the wings?Finally, everyone plays Head Coach with how they may start the season but let’s face of it none of us know what will happen or how it will play out, and that’s the joy of it all.Only 3 weeks to go, COYG.

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…