First came the recovery, then the results – now we're having fun
On ending eras and shared experiences
Back in November, we were soundly beaten 3–1 by Huddersfield, sending us to the bottom of League One. Only the football gods could conspire for us to return the favour by the same scoreline, catapulting us further into the play-off picture.
When Bim Pepple parodied the Hardie celebration in front of the Devonport, and Argyle dismantled a play-off rival studded with our former stars, it signalled the start of a new era. We threw off the shackles of what could and should have been in the Championship, and restored belief that we can get back there again.
This is a new Argyle side, with new characteristics, new characters, and new heroes. New crowd favourites. Bim Pepple, Ronan Curtis, Alex Mitchell, Malachai Boateng, Mattius Ross – and, who could have thought it, Tom Cleverley.
The turnaround
Whatever happens this season, the scale of the Tom Cleverley redemption arc needs to be studied.
There were so many elements of the football club on fire at the same time that it was inconceivable that it could be meaningfully rectified. The defence, attack, the entire style of play, the relationship with the fans, squad cohesion, confidence, the injury crisis, home form, away form.
Even as our form improved, I still griped that he seemed unwilling to change things tactically. But Cleverley’s mid-game shift to 4–3–3 to turn the game against Doncaster, and back to 4–4–2 against Huddersfield, soon put paid to that. Dispatching Cardiff and Stevenage in very different ways shows we’re far from a one-dimensional outfit.
TC’s communications have improved just as much as his football. And in a communications masterclass, Cleverley put to bed the first half of the season by shouldering some responsibility for the start to the season. It was an olive branch to those of us who called for his head.
And here’s an interesting thought exercise: If we had been simply passable for the first half of the season, would we have made the wholesale changes that have led to this stunning run of form?
Bringing on back the good times
Winning games breeds harmony. It’s easy to talk up notions of “One Argyle” when we’re on good form. But there’s a swagger about us now, and it’s not just the result of regular wins.
Mitchell and Curtis’ horse antics. Bim parodying Hardie. The season debut (to my ear) of “We’re on our way” and “The Greens are going up” around Home Park was the starter gun on the official play-off push.
We have a great chance, with three goal scorers on our books up front, and a wonderful balance to the team. Unlike 2018, when we ran out of players to mount a play-off challenge, having so many to return is exciting. Adding Tolaj, Galloway, Watts, Pleggy, and even Ibrahim to the mix will only strengthen our hand.
We’re second in the points tally across January, February and March. NTTT Podcast said only “unforeseen circumstances” could stop us reaching the play-offs.
My only caveat: with our track record this season, the unexpected should be expected.
But I’m still determined to enjoy the run-in. Enjoy those warm, sunny April games with something to play for. And enjoy myself as much as the players seem to be.
Cup final disappointment – the true spirit of Argyle
The Argyle Women’s side lost in the FAWNL Cup Final at Loftus Road. In the spirit of the 2022/23 men’s team, let’s hope they bounce back from the heartbreak and use it to get the job done in the league. It would be incredible to have a WSL2 team in the city.
As you can see, the table is really tight, with second place going into a play-off with the Northern division for promotion. Argyle have Oxford (H) and Real Bedford (A), while Bournemouth and Watford face-off on the final day.
With the huge growth of the sport and clear support for what Marie Hourihane has built this season, a successful women’s side is one of the biggest opportunities for the club. COYG!
Finally, before I sign off, I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to Graham Carey and his family after his wife Rachel passed away last week.