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.

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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 d...

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.

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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A short review of a frustrating night in Leicester. Archie is joined by Chris and Mark right at the final whistle to discuss an underwhelming 2-0 defeat.

It all started so well (sort of) with Russell Martin + VAT tippy tappy in your own 6 years area crab ball being pressured with great success and creating a series of half chances. Was it a lack of execution, a predatory striker or confidence that meant we were unable to take advantage? Either way the guile was not matched by the goals and a daft two minutes effectively put the...

Archie is joined by Tom, Liam and Dan to discuss a comprehensive 2-0 win over Bradford City. The pod reflect on a performance which offered plenty of positives, with Argyle scoring just before half-time through Julio Pleguezuelo after some confusion around the new quick throw-in law.

Part One also looks at the impressive second debut of Bakinson, White's deflected strike to seal the win early in the second half, and the praise that went around for a number of outstanding individual performances. Centre-backs, goalkeeper, midfielders — there was plenty to like. You could say it was all go...

Every point's a prisoner. But one from two games, not the launch out of the gates anyone wanted. Tough gig trying not to get carried away, good or bad, after two games, but Archie tries to keep a level head with Chris, Mark and Tom.

Alanis Morissette levels of irony as Wiredu leaves, only for ever-present Boateng to limp off after three minutes, seemingly for a lengthy period on the sidelines. A scrappy game saw Wycombe on top before Argyle had their best period of the game, including a fantastic goal for the deserving Will Evans...

A Home Park humbling! Stockport County came, saw and conquered as Argyle suffered a 3-1 defeat in the opening League One game of the season. Was it just one bad day at the office, or did it expose some deeper problems? Archie is joined by Seve and Alex to pick through a disappointing start to the 26/27 campaign *( and Chris sticks to his word - and sends in a voice note discussing another defeat).

Part One is all about the game and a performance where Argyle were second best from the outset. Stockport's shape, midfield control and...

Devon is Green and White! A win in the local derby to start the season! Was it worth €45 FML? Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Tom to review a winning start to competitive football in the 26/27 season.

Part One is all about the game and it's good to be back. Never a stellar performance, but lots to like with some creative play, creative and impactful set pieces and some comical errors. Also some challenges, particularly converting the chances that were created, some nerves and some defensive lapses, but the late late show leaves everyone happy. Th...

Only days to go before the season kicks off with a barnstorming local derby under the lights as Archie is joined by Alex, Chris and Mark for a review of recent friendliest and the big game ahead.

The return of Tolaj and Randel brought the best out of a stable squad with focus on what look to be positive new additions. White impressing with a controlled performance, Hartridge impressing, two goalkeepers of varying stature and some solid all round structure. Shame about the injury. The visit to Tavistock brining a different kind of joy with fan...

Archie and Tom sit down with Plymouth Argyle Head Coach Tom Cleverley for an exclusive interview ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, beginning by looking back on a remarkable first season in charge at Home Park.

From a difficult start to a remarkable turnaround that left the Greens seconds away from the play-offs, the gaffer reflects on the highs, the lows and the moments that shaped his first year in charge. When did he realise something had to change? Why did the switch to 4-4-2 prove so successful? Was there ever a point where he wondered if...

The World Cup is over, the League One season is a few weeks away. But we have missed recording to welcome to a random summer special. Tom hosts and is joined by Chris, Mark and One Team in Devon’s James Stables for a ramble.

There remains a frustration for what could have been after a typically English exit from a very USA, USA, USA World Cup. Some are still feeling the pain, others have already moved on but thoughts turn quickly to the real football ahead.

Stables starts with stability and a su...

It’s been almost a month, and Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom are together after a game for the generations, and to try and talk about Argyle.

Where else to start but a magical night (or early morning) for England in the Azteca? In one of those games that grabbed hold of you and refused to let go, the conversation moves through the MORON who claimed not to be excited and who couldn’t sleep when it was finished, the world-class talent, the tactical astuteness of the coach, the agony and the ecstasy of added time. Wher...

In this episode of the Pilgrims Podcast, host Mark Lovell is once again joined by Plymouth Argyle Director of Football Derek Adams for a wide-ranging and lively World Cup special.

Derek and Mark look ahead to Scotland’s huge test against Brazil in Miami and it promises to be a proper examination in stifling heat. Conditions, tactics, and mentality all come under the duo’s spotlight. Can Scotland stay in the game long enough to cause a shock, or will Brazil’s quality (Neymar?) tell in the end? Derek breaks it all down in detail. Defensive struct...

Join host Mark Lovell as he sits down with Plymouth Argyle Director of Football Derek Adams for a wide-ranging look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

From Scotland’s long-awaited return to the biggest stage for the first time since 1998, to England’s hopes under Thomas Tuchel, the pair reflect on some of football’s most memorable World Cup moments. From Archie Gemmill’s wonder goal and the Tartan Army in Argentina, to Maradona, penalties, heartbreak and near misses, Adams shares personal stories from Scottish football, including fascinating insights involving Sir Alex Ferguson, Jock Stein, and Scotland’s World Cu...

No games but lots to talk about as Archie is joined by Alex and Chris for a ‘no Argyle summer limbo’ special. 

Where else to start but the complicated and challenging topic of the Argyle Women’s Team and the decision not to renew contracts for the season ahead. A season of success, commercial challenges locally and internationally in the sport and the leaked email are discussed at length and, we hope, with sensitivity to all sides. 

Other news includes the re-signing of stalwart Joe Edwards for the season ahead, the exit of Conor Ha...

Summer? What summer? We’re still here, as the game at the top level continues to eat itself with VAR, spies and money. Archie is joined by Chris, Michael and One Team in Devon’s James Stables to dissect his latest newsletter, titled Five Things Argyle Need to Do for a Successful Summer.

We start by defining and exploring the concept of a rebuild. There seems to be less chaos despite nine formal exits, four loanees not being retained, and several contract offers on the table. Stick or twist? Where does fate play a role? What does...

Alex Hinde hosts Archie and Tom for a deep-dive review of Argyle’s utterly chaotic 2025/26 season.

From the summer overhaul and the appointment of Tom Cleverley, to a squad seemingly built for multiple systems at once, the trio work through the key moments that shaped one of the most bizarre seasons in recent Argyle history.

They discuss the early-season collapse, the departures of key off-field figures, the atmosphere around Home Park during the darkest moments of the campaign, and the truly unexpected return of Derek Adams. There’s also a look at the tact...

It’s all over. The large opera singer has sung. Summer is here. It feels worse than a pulsating win, but win we did. So for the last time this season, Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Tom to review a chaotic League One afternoon in an equally chaotic one parter.

Anyone in the typical Argyle camp would have been their central element after a counter attack and an absolute worldie (hate that word) saw Argyle 2-0 down. The nerves in the stands, at home, watching on phones translated to the pitch with some world cl...

Welcome back! Part Two starts with the Fans Forum fallout, and then, to the play offs - with the women’s team securing a place and the men’s team in the mix going into the final day, it’s still - still - an exciting time. Will others help us out? Will we show up? Will we - ultimately - make it?  

A quick random review of THAT 2004 QPR game and what all it meant tees things up for a week of wait and see. Only another 5 days until we find out. 

COYG

A big week ahead so we have split into two this week. 

It’s back on! A circus afternoon at Home Park and Argyle have made it to a meaningful last game of the season, for the third year running. It will need some freaky results but not the 19-0 win from last year - Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and Tom to talk it all through. 

It all starts so well. A sublime pass and a perfect finish amongst one way traffic against a relegated team - and life is looking good...

So that’s that (sort of). 

Archie is joined by Chris and Mark minutes after the final whistle for a rapid review of the game that all but cements another season in League One. 

A frantic start and an offside let off after a quick free kick and - corner time - some chaos and a fantastic finish from a deserving, redeemed Brendan Wiredu. Some high quality counter attacking and at half time the dream is on. 

With limited blame and some frustration, the second half became something of a siege...

Archie and Tom are joined by pod debutant Graham Clark to discuss Wimbledon 1 - Argyle 3 - a game that had it all. A barnstorming start with Argyle taking an early lead, a wobble, and then substitutions that worked in Argyle’s favour for once. The tide turned, and it ended up being a very convincing win.

The joy doesn’t stop there, as the trio look around at other results on the day, all going in Argyle’s favour and giving those play-off hopes another boost — if not fully reignited, then certainly fuelled further.

In Par...

So, twenty-four hours on and time to review the ultimate draw that felt like a defeat. Against the old enemy. How can an equaliser in injury time feel so flat? Archie is joined by Alex, Chris and Mark to get into it.

Let’s start with the weather. Did anyone mention it was windy? A first half of minimal football, maximum chaos saw Argyle slowly grow into the game creating the better chances. One great save and some half chances but at half time, Argyle had slightly the better of a messy 45 minutes. A random ball of...

Bank holiday football in the sunshine and Chris and Mark have ducked out of work and Easter holiday family obligations to review a near perfect afternoon in South Yorkshire. 

Drama and doom set the pre-match tone with two enforced changes - a calf injury for Bim Pepple and Herbie Kane out for the season and back in Huddersfield to recover. At least he could travel up on the team bus, FFS FML.

An even start with Argyle slowly growing into the game, rewarded with a fantastic goal close to the half way point (w...

Doooom.

We lost, dooooooooooom.

To our former boss, dooooooooooooooom.

Against 10 men for over 45 minutes, doooooooooooooooooooooooom.

Archie, Chris, Mark and Tom discuss a home defeat, at least it’s been a while.

Argyle started well in a game of noticeably improved quality compared to anything pre-Christmas. Bolton played with control, Argyle chasing like men possessed. Some good half-chances, some good saves, some good football from both sides and then, just before half-time, Bolton down to 10 men. Here we go, here we go, here we go.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Rachel Borthwick following her passing.

There’s early chat on the unfortunate cup final defeat for our women’s team against Bournemouth. A valiant display, and a fantastic achievement to reach the final. Now it’s about brushing ourselves off and pushing on for promotion to the second tier.

We also debate the season ticket pricing, which has been a major talking point this week. While there’s sympathy for Simon Hallett, both he and the club are arguably paying the price for a number of poor...

It’s still, still - STILL! - on. A comprehensive never in doubt (sort of) 3 points against play off rivals. A two week break to bring back some of the walking wounded. Authentic, endearing celebrations. What a time to be an Argyle fan. 

Tom is joined by Chris and Dan to start with hot off the press news of a huge win for the Argyle women’s team. Only 1980s ‘watch on teletext’ vibes to go on but a huge win for an over performing team. Long may it continue. 

Back to Saturday’s action, th...

It’s still – STILL – on. A scrappy, nervous night under the lights, but three more points and on we go. Archie is joined by Chris and Mark straight after the final whistle to bring the heart rates down, but keep the energy levels high.

A fairly nondescript first half, with the only real moment of note being a bizarre, almost deliberate-looking miss from a former Torquay player. Thank you, Jamie! But the second half started well and, for the first time, Argyle were clearly on top. If anyone can decipher what is and isn’t allowed from cor...

It’s still on, isn’t it? A great game for the neutral, a point gained but oh so close to being more. Archie hosts and is joined by regulars Chris and Mark, and BBC Radio Devon commentator Michael McCann, to bring some extra insight to a fascinating afternoon.

Not that you would have been thinking too positively after five minutes. A good attack turned into some horrific defending and a cross or a shot and a flap – 1–0 down. But it didn’t feel all doom and gloom, and the Cheltenham Two combined from a well-worked set play...

IT'S HAPPENING, IT'S OFFICIALLY HAPPENING - SOUND THE PLAY-OFF CLAXON!

Mark and Archie reconvene minutes after the full-time whistle at Wigan to discuss yet another Argyle victory – making it five from the last six. And now the two can actually begin to ask, or perhaps not even dare to dream, the very real possibility of a Wembley visit.

It’s a joyous and slightly rambling affair, and not even an interrupting workman can detract from what was not only a fantastic result, but a fantastic set of results elsewhere, leaving Argyle four points off...

If you thought the last game was weird, what did you make of this one? On paper a comfortable win; on viewing and reviewing, at least two of the points feel a little stolen. Tom is joined by Alex and Chris to discuss.

A midfield-less first half hour leads to sustained pressure and a high-quality Doncaster opener. But this is a different side to the Argyle that melted under pressure in 2025, and an equaliser from nothing almost provided a platform for a half-time lead. Credit to the flexibility of some senior players, the manager for the...

We can’t have nice things. After a performance for the ages, a weird game in weird circumstances ends in a weird defeat. Archie is joined by Chris, Mark and special guest Sam Roberts to review the batshittery.

A line-up that was hard to place positionally (more on that later) and a deflected early goal set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Reshuffled players in a reshuffled shape, predictably disjointed. Terrible sentence, but actually exactly how it felt. A change at half-time and a constant rotation in search of a lucky break, which almost came. A pe...

Great result in the week, can they follow it up at home? Oh yes they can! Archie, Chris, James and Seve have the pleasure of discussing a performance for the ages against a very strong Cardiff team.

The game. It started quickly and didn’t relent from there. A chance created from nothing early on set the tone, and even a Watts sitter going straight at the goalkeeper didn’t quell a constant flow of opportunities for both teams. A great move and a fantastic finish from Tolaj, Pepple with a second, set up a crazy run...

Another away day, another win. Archie, Alex and Chris are here for some midweek JOY.

With all that said… this was not as glorious on the eye as some other away wins. A boxing analogy from Michael Savage sums things up nicely – scrappy, relentless and a clash of styles, but still much to like. The loss of another midfielder to another hamstring injury did not impact as many feared, and Argyle worked through the gears to grind out a convincing win. Pepple scoring again, Curtis looking increasingly like a signing for the ages, solid performances all roun...