This episode dives into the weekend Championship clash between Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United. Mark and Danny discuss former Argyle goalkeeper and potential future England No. 1, Michael Cooper, who has made an impressive start with the Blades. They also touch on the circumstances surrounding his “murky” transfer. Recorded prior to Argyle’s midweek home defeat to Swansea, the conversation examines their struggles away from home under Wayne Rooney. Meanwhile, Sheffield United boast an unbeaten home record with eight wins from nine with Cooper yet to concede a goal at Bramall Lane. With 24 hours more rest than United, what are Argyle’s realistic prospects for the trip north? Can under-pressure Rooney finally turn things around?

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Sadly it’s another midweek therapy session with Chris and Mark.

Desperately looking for some positives minutes after the final whistle, there is straw clutching focus on fewer goals conceded and a semblance of a shape. But there is also a sense of resignation that the performance was reflected in, if not flattered by, the result.

Brief discussions on the absence of Al Hajj, the lack of attacking creativity and, inevitably, the managers position round off an existential crisis of an evening. 

Next stop what is likely to be a top against bottom against the best goalkeeper in the league. Buckle up.

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Here to dissect another surreal evening at Home Park where Plymouth Argyle and Watford shared the points from a Desmond.

A flat and often uninspiring performance punctuated by two world class moments of quality are the focus. Many questions that are hard to answer - did the new formation work and is there praise due for changing things up? Should we, or Rooney, now really be concerned about underlying data or just delighted with team spirit? Does a home crowd have a responsibly to lift the team or does the team have a responsibility to lift the home crowd?

Join Alex, Chris, Mark and Tom for a ramble through these considerations and a quick look forward to Norwich on Tuesday. Just don’t call it a free hit.

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PILGRIMS: UNFILTERED

In our second episode of Pilgrims Unfiltered, Archie is joined by special guest Callum McOnie to talk all things Mustapha Bundu. 

Callum, who played with Bundu for Newquay, shares his experiences on and off the field from England trials to having Graham Potter in your living room.

Unmissable insight and a fascinating story.

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The last Pilgrims Podcast before boring boring internationals. Inverted full backs, squad rotation and the vice captaincy vacancy feature, along with mentions for Mousehole FC and 80s RomComs. Schuey Spiel returns, and it's a longer than a Hazard goal kick.

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Join us for a brand-new Pilgrims Podcast! The panel dissect more late heartbreak, and discuss who, if anyone, is to blame. Furthermore, Argyle's performance earns big praise from the pod, being dubbed "the best of the season", albeit one that has nothing to show for it. In order to obtain more points, do we need to see a change of approach, now Argyle are playing at a higher level? Other matters discussed include the new formation, who is thriving in it, and who is struggling to adapt. Lastly, there is a alternative game of Schuey Spiel, which leaves some pod members not knowing what day it is!

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Join host Mark Lovell as he welcomes sports writer Simon Burnton from the Guardian to discuss the forthcoming Friday evening feast against Watford. Special mentions for Andre Gray and Argyle’s bitter 1984 FA Cup semi-final defeat against Elton John’s club.

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Join us for a brand-new Pilgrim Pod! The pod dissects an enthralling game at Home Park, as Southampton snatched a gut-wrenching last-gasp winner. Hazard’s performance earns him praise, along with bargain of the summer Morgan Whittaker! However, just how did the game slip away from Argyle? Cause for concern or simply beaten by the better team? The pod discusses all that and more. 

*Birmingham preview pod coming out mid week.

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Another international break, so we dive into Argyle’s recent struggles and how they balance against last season. We discuss our predicted finish, chances of survival, and revisit the “5 Things Argyle Must Do” to assess Rooney’s progress. We also analyse January transfer rumours, provide updates on players out on loan, and consider Joe Edwards’ coaching journey during his injury recovery. Plus, a look ahead to Watford and the big double-header at home. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss the quiz to round it off!

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Regulars Chris, Mark, and host Archie are joined by guests Michael Savage (The Guardian) and Seve to break down the latest draw, doubling our away points tally at Derby with help from the returning Randell. Dissecting the familiar defensive lapse, we also ask whether recent performances against promoted teams and relegation rivals are acceptable. The bluntness in attack, and how fringe players like Wright, Sorinola, and Pleggy are faring, are also considered. We then evaluate Rooney’s start as Argyle manager, his approach to attacking football, and his media presence. Are we seeing progress or cause for concern?

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Join host Mark Lovell as he welcomes Derby County Writer Leigh Curtis from the Derby Telegraph to dissect the massive six-pointer at Pride Park. Leigh provides all the latest info on our relegation rivals and the pair discuss Wayne Rooney’s time at Derby, both as a player and manager. Former Pilgrims and current Rams defenders Curtis Nelson and Sonny Bradley are given honourable mentions, also touching on the famous double over the Rams during Argyle’s magnificent League One title winning campaign.

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Join host Mark Lovell as he welcomes football commentator supreme Ian Darke to pick apart the Dockyard Derby as Argyle edged past Pompey at Home Park. Considered among the best football commentators of his generation, Ian a lifelong Pompey fan, provides his thoughts on Argyle’s vital win against our relegation rivals. Wayne Rooney, Michael Obafemi, Paul Mariner and Norman Piper all come under the microscope, as well as an iconic moment in USA soccer history.

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Is it all about the points, or should we be more concerned by another poor performance? Chris and Alex try to distract themselves from the unfolding U.S. election by discussing another late win in a genuine ‘six-pointer’ at home to Portsmouth. Against the backdrop of the team’s ongoing injury crisis, the pair manage to find some reasons for optimism, but the fragility of the squad and the recent poor form simply cannot be ignored.

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Join host Mark Lovell as he welcomes Portsmouth News Chief Sports Writer Neil Allen to dissect the Dockyard Derby as Plymouth Argyle host Pompey. Neil, who has written five Pompey books, provides all the latest info on our relegation rivals as the pair dive into the key match-ups for the massive six-pointer at Home Park. The intense rivalry between former bosses Derek Adams and Paul Cook also comes under the spotlight, touching on previous famous games in the Battle of the Ports.

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How do you analyse a game where one side barely plays football? The panel takes a shot, doing their best to justify a second-string Argyle side camped out in their own penalty area. The game’s context becomes a central focus, with a string of poor performances behind and two huge games looming ahead.

After a quick Ko-Fi plug (link below), the panel dives deeper into Tuesday’s crucial match and the upcoming away fixture at Derby. Would a strong home performance and a solid away showing next week redeem this surreal outing? It may be too early to panic, but nerves are creeping in all around. It’s never dull.

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Join host Mark Lovell as he welcomes the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Chief Football Writer, Graham Smyth, to unpack Plymouth Argyle's challenging Championship clash at Leeds United. Graham provides the latest insights on the title favourites, as the two journalists dive into the key match-ups at Elland Road. In particular, Wayne Rooney, Darko Gyabi, and Adam Forshaw all come under the microscope.

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Join host Mark Lovell on the latest Pilgrims Podcast as he chats with The Athletic’s Senior Football Writer, Stuart James. This episode dives into the midweek Championship clash between Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City. Stuart, a former Guardian & Observer journalist and ex-pro at Swindon, shares stories from his trial with Argyle in the ‘90s and reflections on the life of former Argyle goalkeeper Alan Nicholls.

The conversation also features insights into Swansea's manager Luke Williams, and key players Matt Grimes, and Josh Key formerly of Exeter. Former Swans Morgan Whittaker and Michael Obafemi come under the spotlight, too.

Mark and Stuart analyse Argyle’s form under Wayne Rooney, including whether their postponed game against Oxford might give them an edge against a Swans side fresh from a 1-1 draw on a heavy pitch at Luton. What are Argyle's realistic prospects this season, and can Rooney turn things around?

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Argyle’s latest rollercoaster leaves much to unpack on the newest Pilgrims Podcast. In Part One, Mark and Tom are joined by Seve to break down the 3-3 draw, analysing key substitutions and standout performances as Argyle managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat.

In Part Two, Archie joins to dive into post-game reactions, including insights from the gaffer’s press conference, mixed fan feedback, and renewed calls to focus on long-term goals. With just 12 points from 12 games, the team asks: is it time to stay calm or question sustainability? They also look at upcoming fixtures and what’s needed to get back on track.

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Mark and Tom discuss the defeat to Millwall, and then Mark is joined by Preston writer Josh McLoughlin to preview their trip to play Argyle on Saturday. Josh talks about his love for North End and the two discuss the key match-ups. Ryan Lowe, Paul Heckingbottom, KKH and Peter Ridsdale all under the spotlight too.

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Cardiff 5 Argyle 0. Where do we even start after that debacle? Would things have been much different if Obafemi hadn't missed an early sitter? Cissoko's reckless red card further complicated matters just before halftime, and Argyle were unable to stem the bleeding, suffering a miserable defeat. The pod raises concerns over Argyle's dismal away form in that awful white kit—just one point and one goal so far. The impact of the recent international break on momentum is discussed, along with managing expectations amid the media hype surrounding head coach Mr. Rooney. Argyle's poor record at Millwall is revisited, but there's still a glimmer of hope. The show wraps up with a therapeutic quiz on recent performances and club history.

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Join host Mark Lovell as he welcomes The Guardian's Chief Sports Writer, Barney Ronay, to preview Plymouth Argyle's Championship clash with Millwall. Barney shares his passion for the 'Lions' and breaks down the key match-ups at the Den. The conversation also covers his admiration for Wayne Rooney, along with his recent articles on Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, and even includes a chat about Mrs. Coleen Rooney's upcoming appearance on I'm a Celebrity".

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Former Argyle and Cardiff striker Joe Mason joins the pod to discuss his eventful time at the Welsh club. A boyhood Argyle fan, Joe departed during the difficult administration period and went on to score a memorable League Cup final goal for Cardiff against Liverpool at Wembley in 2012. He provides insights into Cardiff's current struggles, financial issues, his friend Joe Ralls' leadership, and improvements under caretaker manager Riza.

The discussion shifts to "Rooneyball," balancing traditional tactics with modern strategies, and Joe’s thoughts on Andre Gray's mid-season signing, including the challenges of joining a team midway through a campaign. He also shares his experience playing under a high-profile manager, in his case, Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Tom and Archie wrap up with updates on potential investment, TalkSport’s Rooney obsession, Dewsnip’s points target, and a possible January move for Cissoko.

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Another last-gasp winner from Morgan Whittaker at Home Park. Randell's brilliance continues to shine in midfield, while Michael Obafemi’s role as striker raises questions. There’s praise for Argyle’s recruitment and a look at the latest addition, striker Andre Gray. Whisper it quietly, but with nine points in the last five games, Argyle are on the rise under Wayne Rooney.

We also revisit the match-winner Morgan Whittaker. What’s behind the growing fan criticism of Argyle’s top player? A lively discussion follows on this week’s Pilgrims Podcast heading into the international break.

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Pretty much the perfect Friday evening is the focus of the first instalment of a two-part weekend release. Attacking intent, defensive resilience, a bit of luck, and some incredible goals. Home Park is bouncing, the manager is smiling, and the team is united, with everyone pulling in an exciting direction. Part 2, a Burnley preview with ESPN Barcelona correspondent Sam Marsden, will follow on Monday.

Scenes.

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Don’t panic, don’t evangelize – that’s the takeaway from a strong but slightly toothless away performance in the Midlands.

A wide-ranging part 2 covers a former manager’s sacking, the basket case that is the division, a look ahead to a Friday night under the lights, praise for the contractually extended captain, and a word for the competent Assistant Manager.

Finally, a quiz – get your magic 8 balls ready!

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Join host Mark Lovell as he chats with football writer Rupert Fryer about the high-stakes showdown between Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United—the mother of all six-pointers. The discussion kicks off with an in-depth look at Oxford’s progressive head coach, Dessie Buckingham, and the key players to watch as the Yellows visit Home Park.

The conversation also delves into Plymouth Argyle’s current form under Wayne Rooney ahead of this crucial Championship fixture. What are the realistic prospects for Argyle this season? And, more critically, can Rooney turn things around and save his job? Tune in for expert insights, tactical breakdowns, and everything you need to know before this pivotal clash.

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A euphoric full house pours over another afternoon for the ages. The ultimate game of two halves: first-half relegation certainties replaced by a heroic, never-to-be-forgotten second phase. It was a rollercoaster, Clive.

After reliving the joy, focus turns to individual performances. A strong outing for the new number 1, overall squad depth (winners and losers), an improving midfield, and some validation for a certain Wayne Rooney, all precede shout-outs for Centurion Bali and, of course, club captain Joe Edwards. Next stop, another game against the league leaders.

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An improved performance but a galling result with the return of Steven Schumacher.

A slow start was followed by an entertaining game and an improved performance, which bodes well for the future but is frustrating in the present. Solid performances—especially from a rejuvenated Adam Randell—raise the question: is it really about being more clinical?

In part two, there is excitement around deadline day and good wishes to those going out on loan. The consensus is that it’s too early to meltdown, with some frustration that not all supporters are in the mood to back the team.

Sticking with the theme, a hokey-cokey signings quiz sends everyone into the international break frustrated but not panicked.

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Another point gained in difficult circumstances. Standout performances in goal, a world-class strike from a long-serving captain, a lot of heart, and some early loss of composure are judged, on balance, to be signs of progress.

After a brief update from Amos in Blackpool, who gave us the lowdown on our newest recruit, thoughts then turn to other new signings and any more that may come—and go—as the window closes, along with the return of the Helicopter King. Plus, a quick look ahead to another trip to the capital against an in-form Watford.

And—due to popular demand (one request)—the quiz is back. Geddon.

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In this bonus pod, Archie is joined by two guests:

In part one, James from the "Wednesday 'Til I Die Podcast" gives us the lowdown on the Owls and details what's been yet another extremely eventful 12 months for Wednesday since we last spoke. James shares his thoughts on his team's chances this year and, crucially, offers some pub and pie tips for any fans making the pilgrimage up north.

In part two, Aron, a Hungarian sports journalist, joins the pod to discuss Argyle's latest signing, Kornel Szucs. Aron sheds light on Szucs' career thus far and provides an overview of his playing strengths. There's even time for a Kristian Timar update as well!

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Archie, Chris, Mark, and Tom get ready for the Rooney era. Preseason review, how to pronounce Hungarian defenders, new kits, Sheffield Wednesday away, and season predictions.

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In this episode we bring you another collaboration with James Stables, aka One Team in Devon, as we delve into James' latest newsletter, "5 Things I Learned About WazBall at Bristol Rovers." Pod regulars Archie and Mark are joined not only by James, but also by friend of the pod Drew Savage, as they discuss systems, new tactics, Cooper's future, a disappointing defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers, and much more.

"One Team In Devon is a weekly(ish) Argyle fanzine for those who live and breathe Plymouth Argyle. It’s a place for insights, analysis, and celebrating what it means to be an Argyle fan. We’re still exploring ideas about what makes a great weekly fanzine – so please come along for the ride, support independent fan voices, and leave comments on what you like (and what you don’t).

https://oneteamindevon.substack.com/

*Apologies for delay on the release of this pod, due to technical difficulties which I won't bore you with. Bare with regarding Archie's audio as well, he remembers to turn his mic on after around 15 mins, preseason and all that!

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Archie and Tom reconvene to discuss a busy few days for Argyle, with the rumours of Rooney's possible departure causing a stir, to the blockbuster fans' forum announcing impending new investment and support for Rooney. The pair discuss the key takeaways from that evening in St Dennis and leave enough time to discuss a lacklustre FA Cup draw.

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