Congratulations to those involved. I really enjoyed watching the game on Argyle TV, last night. A good product and great alternative, for those who are unable to get to the game. Free access to pre- season games was good marketing.
I think we have a useful squad for league 1- but 4 good players short of a play- off challenge at the moment, in my opinion. We’re probably looking at a 14th or 15th place finish at this time, I’d say.
The defence looks excellent, in my opinion. How ironic, with the team imploding the way it did for the last 1/3rd of the previous season- but I really think the defence may now be the team’s key strength area.
Having said that I do think we’re going to need better linkage between defence and midfield- in order to accommodate the flair that we’re currently lacking ( in order to support Danny Mayor) in our midfield. In due course that’s going to mean recruiting in players with the versatility to be comfortable in defence and midfield.
Ennis has been excellent, but I’d love us to get a big mobile target man- to keep the defenders busy. That would allow Niall the licence to play right across the front line. He could do a lot of damage for us in that role, I feel.
Some sloppiness from Houghton, Camara and Mayor with their passing last night- which put us in trouble at times. But why these friendlies are useful- as learning exercises.
I’m not convinced yet that Randall and Law will thrive in the hurly burley of league 1 action. There’s plenty to come from these two- but Lowe may face a dilemma in the future. Would it be better to came them on the bench, or continue their development with further loan spells ?
Michael Cooper continues to impress- and I’m quite sure that he’s now on the radar of clubs in the championship ( and much higher). There could be a difficult decision later this season, for Ryan Lowe, if a sizeable bid comes in, from one of the big-boys.
There are certainly some dilemmas ahead for Lowe and Hallett. We’re really not that far off, I feel. Is it fanciful to say we might be as few as 8 good players from being competitive, in the championship ? I’m not sure.
Sourcing the players needed for the club to continue its upward trajectory is going to be a very difficult challenge. Dan Scarr are the types that Argyle could be targeting.
The wages in the championship and above have gone so crazy- that this is an issue in itself. If we’re going to target young players that’s another challenge- inspire of the success of recruiting Ennis and Connor Grant it’s ever so easy to end up with players that are not going to be good enough, as we’ve seen in recent seasons.
I would think it might be better to source players with potential and some experience under their belts, from league 2 and the non- league circuit- and then to develop these players in our team.