Pilgrims Podcast

Alex, Archie, Mark and Tom pour over Argyle’s success away at Cambridge in response to two straight defeats.A timely formation change was no silver bullet, as the defence was still complacent but Amaechi and Evans shone unshackled by the 442, and Cleverley’s men appeared to be effective in attack still despite one fewer player up the pitch - both from open play and set pieces.The panel discuss what the extra feather in the cap means for the team’s prospects going forward, and later dive into another listener’s question.

In this Pilgrims Podcast exclusive, Archie and Tom sit down with Plymouth Argyle Chief Executive Paul Berne for a special two-part interview.In Part One, they discuss Paul’s transition from a non-footballing career into the world of football and the public eye. Looking back on his first year as CEO, they explore the challenges of getting to grips with Argyle’s perilous financial situation so early in his tenure, as well as the major decision to stick with Tom Cleverley before subsequently appointing Derek Adams as Director of Football.Paul then talks in detail about the restructuring he oversaw and how it proved key to Argyle’s upturn in results last season. Bringing things up to the present day, he explains the thinking behind Derek Adams’ new role as Sporting Director and David Fox’s expanded role as Head of Football Operations and Recruitment, outlining their respective responsibilities and what the changes mean for the club going forward.Stay tuned for Part Two, which will be released on Wednesday morning, when the conversation turns to the Argyle’s women’s team, the current financial state of the club, the club’s transfer policy and the latest on potential investment.

Tom, Mark and James discuss a third home defeat of the season for Argyle, and it was lucky that it was only 2-0 thanks to the brilliant Murphy Cooper.The panel discuss another failure to play against a back three, some poor individual displays, and confusing selections and tactical choices.

Having been in the stands twice in as many Saturdays, Archie is joined by Alex and Tom, with James Greenacre guesting also, to dissect another three points for Tom Cleverley's side at AFC Wimbledon's expense.With Archie having sat alongside Tom in the Moanflower, Alex as Arnie Pie In The Sky, and James in the away end wearing blue and yellow - the panel give their two pennies worth on an unusually flat atmosphere, a game in the balance between two imperfect sides, the Wombles' number nine and Argyle's makeshit and lack thereof, a super Cooper display and a beautifully bizarre winning goal from impact sub Xavier Amaechi to keep the Greens top of the League One table. James gives an update on goings on at Plymouth Albion, who are also leading the way in Rugby Union's National League One, and of whom he is now the CEO. There's also an update on whether anyone else is joining Tom and Archie on HMS Piss The League, and Alex throws a quiz into the mix. Geddon.

The best away team in the league are at it again with a convincing performance and 2-0 win in East London. Archie is joined by Chris, Mark, Sam and Seve to relish the details.The first half was a scrappy affair, with two changes enforced by contracts and injuries. Lots of Orient possession with very little threat slowly started to fade, with a couple of chances for Irow (not Eyebrow, Miami moron) giving a sense of what may be coming after half-time. Special praise for a solid back four, especially Ross, who belied his role as back-up with a confident performance.And it was Ross chaos (Chaross?) that led to a deserved opener in the second half. A good corner, some pinball and the easiest of finishes for Bim, in the right place at the right time. And within five minutes, a second that exemplified Argyle at their best: pressure, quick movement, a wonderful first-time cross and a header straight out of the Dixie Dean era. From that moment, it never really felt in doubt. Minutes for substitutes, including a reminder of Jack McKenzie’s existence, and, to use a hateful phrase, strong game management saw the game to its inevitable conclusion. A purring review of a purring performance and, after a baby break in Bavaria, it’s back for Part 2.Two great questions from TheGalah frame Part 2. The first explores the challenges of balancing first-team success with the development of youth players, and the second the future and current lowly position of the ladies’ team after coming so close to promotion last year. Wouldn’t be Argyle if we didn’t bring a little bit of DOOOOM to balance the frothy euphoria.Finally, thoughts turn to the Autoglass Papa Jersey Mike’s trip to Newport and how ‘seriously’ the club should take it, and the upcoming home game against Wimbledon.Can’t wait.

Excitement before the game, followed by a lacklustre performance. And Argyle lost at home to Burton. Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and James to review a confusing 0-1 defeat.No changes to the previous (league) starting line-up, with many rested for the cup win against Crystal Palace Under-11s in the week. Tom dials in with a level-headed summary, and there is a creeping sense that things were not as bad as some are making them out to be. A strong start from Burton, but it was Argyle who created the clearest chances, with two tricky headers which, on another day, would have led to a radically different outcome. A potential penalty, some Burton half-chances, but all square at the break.Rinse and repeat in the second half, as Burton slowly ramped up the pressure, and the goal, when it came, did not feel undeserved. It also seemed to set a light under the home side, who created at least three more clear chances, none of which were taken. Whether you're an xG junkie or just a long-suffering fan, you knew it was going to be one of those days. Some praise for Amaechi, and disappointment, for him as much as for the result, that he didn't get a goal to continue the renaissance. All in all, BLEDDY ATYPICAL.In Part 2, the absent Tom is back with a rallying call and, after some 200 episodes, has decided to agree with Archie. A call for positivity is debated, but the mood overall is positive in light of a home defeat. And a long-overdue win for the women's team was preceded by a local moment of unity, raising funds for 18-year-old Torquay player and former Green, Roxy Thomas. Click here to donate if you can.Finally, there is a look ahead to Archie's upcoming away day in Leyton to watch Orient. Will the away form continue? Will Cleverley mix things up (Bakinson is unable to play)? Will Archie get a full night's sleep? Either way, we can't wait. Things wrap up with some Rooney nostalgia and randomness. Wouldn't have it any other way.

In this week's episode, Archie is joined by Alex, James, Michael and Mark as they dissect yet another Argyle win, this time a thumping 4-2 away victory at Blackpool. With goals galore and the goal of the season shortlist growing by the week, there's plenty for the five to sink their teeth into. Particular praise goes to Harvey White, Ronan Curtis and Bim Pepple.They briefly linger on the negative of the two goals conceded, looking at the possible wider theme of Argyle conceding similar types of goals. But they soon return to the overwhelming positives, revelling not only in another superb attacking display but also the various "avenues" Argyle now seemingly have to score from.In Part Two, there's a mix of views, from giddy talk of promotion and the ringing of bells regarding a promotion tilt to a call for calm and everything in between. There's a brief look ahead to Crystal Palace and Burton, as well as a mention of poor Freddie Issaka, who's having a loan to forget up at Gateshead after being subbed off at half-time with his team 6-0 down. There's also time to dig into a few listener questions and, as ever, keep them coming, they're greatly appreciated.In a rare and rogue Part Three, those who remain turn the clocks back 15 years for an admin-themed quiz. Until next week, try to keep your feet on the ground. It's all looking rather good, isn't it?

Everyone looked forward to recording this one, and Tom is joined by Alex, Chris and guest Sam Roberts to review a near perfect 3-0 home win.What a start. The kick off plan - referenced by the scorer and the coach - worked perfectly and a shitpinger for the ages showed parent club Spurs what they are missing. Hard to put a strike like that into words but everyone has a go. There is also a clear sense of a plan (press hard, take risks, exploit set plays) being put in place and executed by 11 confident and capable players, finally coming to a head with the simplest of goals from a goalkeeping error from a long throw. Half time and the only fear became that this was too good to be true.It was not too good to be true. The third goal came from some quintessential Aribusitamunoipirim (h/t Dan Cole) and from there, there was a relatively unique Argyle luxury of changes to rest players, give minutes and to manage out a game with ease. What a day.Part 2 is all about goals - early, best and favourites. With thanks to those of you jumping on the PASOTI thread, some remember better than others some early goals and then everyone answers Pastyboy's question about the best and favourites. Interestingly the theme seems to be 30 yarders by loan players...On to Blackpool and 'hopefully something to moan about'Any contribution towards running costs is always welcome:https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast

Is it March again? Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Radio Devon's Drew Savage to celebrate a swashbuckling away win in South Yorkshire.We start with Drew's view of Drew's match review (Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub for those of a certain generation) before a review of a largely competent first half, playing positive attacking football. A deserved goal - amazing what could happen when you shoot on sight - and what would have been a second but for a marginal offside decision. After a blip of a penalty and the inevitable Alfie May goal (TYPICAL), it became the tale of substitutes. All introductions had an impact with a fantastic cameo from high energy Watts, a resurgent Owen Oseni and a blistering 20 minutes of attacking football. Even a last minute consolation didn't take the edge of a great day.Part 2 looks back over the first five games which - allegedly with Stockport - were the toughest in the division. A consensus that Leicester still feels like a missed opportunity, some good and some bad is an improvement on this season. Some reader questions are revisited (skip this if you have never watched The Bill) including a heartfelt shout out to the art of goalkeeping with Mark Lovell. A quick look forward to Barnsley which, such is the unpredictable nature of the season so far, is more optimistic after today's showing. Especially as Drew takes us back to 4 years to an all time classic away win at Derby. 3-2 wins are just great, aren't they? (And best wishes to Morgan Whittaker: go well in Colorado.)Housekeeping: Appreciate my tired rambling at the end may not have been the clearest. Just to clarify, episodes will possibly be out a little later than usual over the next few weeks, but the absolute latest will be early Monday morning.We’ve had some lovely comments recently from people saying how much they appreciate the early releases and listen on the way home from the game or in the early hours of Sunday. I just wanted to acknowledge that and say thanks ever so much for the kind words. Cheers, all.