We will build on for the second half of the season

PLYMOUTH Argyle have a solid base to build on for the second half of the season, according to manager Derek Adams.

The Pilgrims will be sitting at the top of League Two at Christmas after their 2-1 win away to Hartlepool United on Saturday.

The club's injury crisis has eased slightly over the past couple of weeks, with centre-back Peter Hartley and goalkeeper Luke McCormick returning to action.

They make up a solid defensive unit along with captain Curtis Nelson as well as full-backs Kelvin Mellor and Gary Sawyer.

Adams told Herald Sport: "I think when you have that solid base then you are going to have a better opportunity of winning games."

Christian Walton was signed on loan from Championship club Brighton and Hove Albion after McCormick suffered a groin injury last month.

Walton, 20, started four games for Argyle, but was on the bench against Hartlepool as McCormick returned to duty.

Adams said: "Luke is a very good presence for us. He's an experienced goalkeeper.

"It's tough on the likes of Christian Walton and James Bittner but Luke McCormick is one of the best goalkeepers in this league."

Argyle are top of the table, on goal difference from Northampton Town, despite injuries to key players such as Hiram Boateng, Graham Carey and Reuben Reid.

They ended a run of four league games without a win when they beat Hartlepool, courtesy of a 90th minute winning goal from Mellor.

Adams said: "We are obviously delighted to be top of the league. Performance levels have been very good and I think we deserve to be there.

"It has been difficult over the last couple of weeks because we have had to change the squad about a bit.

"We have still got the injuries to come back to give us competition.

"What I have got here just now is a very good group of players that want to play in this side."

Adams continued: "Hopefully by the turn of the year we have got a clean bill of health and competition for places.

"We will try to strengthen (the squad) in January as well and see where we can go from there.

I can't see why Argyle can't push on in the second half of the season. They have remained in the top three for the bulk of the campaign so far and should they continue that outlook ( with key playing staff to return), then promotion is nailed on for May '16.

Fighting talk from Starnes............. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

They have to support DA really. Although I suspect it will come in the form of another 'loan' and/or may be accompanied by a major departure or two.

MARTYN-STARNES

Transfer activity

The transfer window opens again on January 2 and we will certainly be looking at opportunities to strengthen the squad as we enter the second half of the season.

Derek and his staff have been carefully assessing their requirements and have targeted potential signings.

Finally, I would like to thank all our supporters for their support this year and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2016.

Read more: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Key players are being moved on which is why all the spin about potential targets. Reid and Carey out and loan players in.

BRENT OUT NOW

I don't think either Reid or Carey will be moving on. Nelson is a different kettle of fish altogether. He's the one soon to be leaving.

I could be wrong though. We'll see.

Nelson has been crap lately if he goes alhough he is a young defender who can get better i wont misss him much. I trust the club get a good fee for him in compo due to his age as no doubt any transfer fee will be small if anything given he is out of contract in may.

Players for sale going cheap, if interested Ring Home Park and ask for Jim (cash only).

I don't think there'll be much movement outwards except maybe some of the loan players.

As for Reid and Carey, with their injuries ?

Freathy wrote:

Key players are being moved on which is why all the spin about potential targets.  Reid and Carey out and loan players in.

BRENT OUT NOW

...........how can you possibly KNOW key players are being moved on. I don't like Harry Potter and his Ku Klux Hangers on any more than you do, but Adams will have a say it what occurs in January.
Some may be pleasantly surprised comes months end.

harvetheslayer wrote:

Freathy wrote:

Key players are being moved on which is why all the spin about potential targets.  Reid and Carey out and loan players in.

BRENT OUT NOW

...........how can you possibly KNOW key players are being moved on. I don't like Harry Potter and his Ku Klux Hangers on any more than you do, but Adams will have a say it what occurs in January.
Some may be pleasantly surprised comes months end.

Try not to bite , dear boy. Sad Act works in mysterious ways. Must say again, I'd be amazed if the fine gentleman doesn't back Adams. Won't be his money though. He doesn't speculate with his own dosh.

Safe to assume Christmas is banned in the Freathy household

Why would anyone want to ban Sad Act, he was one of the original 3 to get rid of!

sufferedsince 68 wrote:

Players for sale going cheap, if interested Ring Home Park and ask for Jim (cash only).

yeah No cheques No bankers drafts only used untraceable 10 pound notes please

Brace yourselves Bristol Rovers Newport County and Woking, Big spending Jimmy is coming for your reserves!

ARGYLE owner James Brent, chairman of the Sky Bet League 2 table-toppers, has promised Boardroom support for manager Derek Adams’ squad-strengthening plans in the New Year.

In an exclusive article published in the Argyle match-day programme for their eagerly-anticipated Home Park Boxing Day clash with Yeovil, James has pledged assistance for Derek when the transfer window opens on January 2.

“I have been asked several times whether the Board will back the manager in the transfer window,” writes James, in the Pilgrim. “‎Of course we will, and we hope that the squad in the second half of the season will be even stronger than the squad which led the league for a large part of the first half.”

The Argyle owner does, however, sound a note of caution which will be echoed by all Pilgrims who remember the pain of the club’s administration at the beginning of the decade.

He says: “Your Board wants promotion as much as other members of the Green Army but not at the cost which financial recklessness might bring.”

To read the full article, make sure you pick up your copy of the Pilgrim at Saturday’s game.

Read more at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Tgwu wrote:

ARGYLE owner James Brent, chairman of the Sky Bet League 2 table-toppers, has promised Boardroom support for manager Derek Adams’ squad-strengthening plans in the New Year.

In an exclusive article published in the Argyle match-day programme for their eagerly-anticipated Home Park Boxing Day clash with Yeovil, James has pledged assistance for Derek when the transfer window opens on January 2.

“I have been asked several times whether the Board will back the manager in the transfer window,” writes James, in the Pilgrim. “‎Of course we will, and we hope that the squad in the second half of the season will be even stronger than the squad which led the league for a large part of the first half.”

The Argyle owner does, however, sound a note of caution which will be echoed by all Pilgrims who remember the pain of the club’s administration at the beginning of the decade.

He says: “Your Board wants promotion as much as other members of the Green Army but not at the cost which financial recklessness might bring.”

To read the full article, make sure you pick up your copy of the Pilgrim at Saturday’s game.

Read more at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Just come across this little beauty from the beginning of the year.

Well it seems Brent was true to his word. We were 13 points clear of 4th position on the 2nd January.

Not much chance of financial recklessness whilst he's in the chair.

I wonder what the two useful idiots think now.

Graiser wrote:

Safe to assume Christmas is banned in the Freathy household

more to the point is promotion banned at home park ?

Elias wrote:

Graiser wrote:

Safe to assume Christmas is banned in the Freathy household

more to the point is promotion banned at home park ?

Yes. It's not worth the financial risk.

Elias wrote:

Graiser wrote:

Safe to assume Christmas is banned in the Freathy household

more to the point is promotion banned at home park ?

Yes, Shut up and be grateful yoom nat a prapper janner, the posh Squire eeeh saved us.