THE ULTIMATE PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 2018/2019 SEASON PREVIEW Brought to you by Argyle.Life
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CONTENTS Argyle Preview 4-45 The Squad 6-33 Derek Adams 34-35 Transfer Report Card 36-37 The Line-up 38-39 The Academy 40-45
League One Preview 46-71 The Opposition 47-69 Predictions 70-71
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THE SQUAD
Player Reviews 2018/2019
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Matt
THE SQUAD
1 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Conceded: Clean Sheets:
Position Map
2 2 210 1 1
MACEY Macey becomes the second player in the squad to have experienced European football, having kept a clean sheet - making an excellent save along the way against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League in his last senior appearance. A prodigious talent as a teenager, Arsenal beat Everton to his signature as a 19-year-old when he left Bristol Rovers. However, he may have made the wrong decision, with first team opportunities hard to come by at the Emirates while a host of academy talents have broken through at Goodison Park. Macey has not made a Premier League appearance for the Gunners and his career appears to have stalled. He does have some lower league experience under his belt, most recently from a short spell with Luton towards the end of the 16/17 season. While he improved during his time there, he and his defence struggled to deal with set pieces, but he will have learned a lot from those trials. As a young goalkeeper with such little first-team experience, he may similarly struggle to impose himself at Home Park, but as he finds his feet he should also find his voice.
Player Persona
What he must work on is his distribution. Whereas Remi Matthews helped launch attacks using precise long-range passes, Macey is yet to prove he has such accuracy. However, where he excels is in positioning his huge frame as well as possible to minimize the chance of being beaten. He combines this with good handling and sharp reflexes to form a man-mountain between the posts. Though Argyle’s ‘keeper curse has already struck down Harry Burgoyne - whose Argyle career appears to be over before it has even started - Macey will have to quickly get up to speed to adapt to his new defence and marshal them effectively, starting with the first game against Walsall.
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Born: 09/09/1994 Signed: 30/07/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 199cm Clubs: 4 Career apps: 19 Conceded: 26 Clean sheets: 5
Joe
RILEY Of Argyle’s departures this summer, finding a replacement for Oscar Threlkeld looked an exceedingly tough ask. He was solid defensively but offered width and creativity in attack, and - at 24 - was still improving every season. Yet, in Joe Riley, Derek Adams can surely be satisfied that he has found a replacement fit to the task. An established right-back at this level, Riley was first choice for first Bury and then Shrewsbury before he lost his place to new signing James Bolton last season. He proved himself to be excellent backup nevertheless, taking his chance whenever he was afforded one and offering impressive cover in midfield and at left-back when required.
2 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
20 14 1327 2 1
Position Map
While there is no guarantee that Riley will start ahead of fellow new signing Tafari Moore, he does fit the profile of the position that Adams wishes to play him in. With Carey and Lameiras tending to drift around the opponent’s third, the full-backs are required to push forward and provide width when in possession in order to act as a passing option and stretch the opposition to create space. This style of play is right up Riley’s street: he likes to get forward and take on an opponent, and has displayed consistency in his crossing that has led to him averaging an assist every nine matches over the past four seasons. As well as possessing the required attacking instincts, Riley is also more than competent defensively, positioning himself well and rarely making mistakes. Riley, it seems, is well suited to the task at hand and, with Moore waiting in the wings, Adams will be hoping to inspire him to his best ever season in football.
Player Persona
Don’t be surprised if he succeeds.
Born: 13/10/1991 Signed: 10/06/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 183cm Clubs: 5 Career apps: 149 Career goals: 5 Career assists: 17
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Gary
THE SQUAD
3 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
Position Map
49 49 4710 1 3
SAWYER In an age of high footballing staff turnover there is something refreshing about Gary Sawyer’s name appearing on the Argyle squad list for another season. The ex-Argyle trainee returned as Adams’ first signing as Argyle manager, following time at Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient. Since then, aside from a spell out injured, Sawyer has been the first choice left-back as Argyle marched up the football pyramid. However, for some supporters the announcement that Sawyer was sticking around for another year came as quite the surprise, as they expected Aaron TaylorSinclair to remain instead. As it turned out, Sawyer stayed to battle for the left-back spot with another denizen of the double-barrel in Ashley Smith-Brown, who joined from Premier League champions Manchester City. With Adams using the rarely seen ‘transfer fee’ to bring ASB to the club, it’s not exactly a stretch to suggest that he may see the 22-year-old as someone who can bring quality to the first team. So where does that leave Sawyer? Well, we know from experience that Sawyer is a reliable, if unspectacular full-back. Defensively sound, he perhaps does not offer the agility going forward that Adams is after, particularly important in the narrower system deployed by Argyle in the second half of last season. Though he offers great delivery from the wing - he ranked 6th for chances created last season - the ability to beat a man isn’t part of his skill set.
Player Persona
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Therefore, it remains to be seen whether ASB - who is more attacking and less able defensively - will be able to displace Argyle’s longest serving professional. Will it be experience or athleticism that defines the left flank next season?
Born: 05/07/1985 Signed: 25/06/2015 Nationality: English Foot: Left Height: 183cm Clubs: 5 Career apps: 385 Career goals: 7 Career assists: 21
Yann
SONGO’O Opinions are firmly split on Songo’o. For many, last summer was the time for him to depart but, for others, his versatility makes him a vital component in this squad. Despite starting the season out of the team, once injuries and suspensions started to kick in Songo’o won his place and began to put in consistent performances from defence and midfield. Yet, once the team settled down again after Christmas Songo’o was relegated to the bench until injuries began to flare up again. Should Songo’o have been retained then? He could well have remained as a backup defender but Adams has already signed up four centre backs, making him fifth choice and unnecessary in that position.
4 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
39 30 3061 0 1
Position Map
In which case, can Songo’o play as backup to Fox? In a word, no. Fox’s position is that of a deep lying playmaker. He sets the tempo from the base of midfield, but receives defensive protection from the more advanced central midfielders. Consequently, from that position last season Fox averaged 38 successful passes with a 77% success rate, but less than a single tackle, per-90 minutes. However, Songo’o’s style of play is the inverse: he averaged just 13 successful passes at 62%, but made more than double the tackles. So while he can come on to help the team see out a game, he’s not actually a backup to that position because, if Fox were to be injured, the team would have to adjust its style of play significantly to accommodate the change. There’s little doubt that he is a valuable squad player, but if Adams recruits another midfielder as he plans to, then will Songo’o even have a place on the bench? Time will tell.
Born: 17/11/1991 Signed: 19/07/2016 Nationality: Cameroonian Foot: Right Height: 186cm Clubs: 7 Career apps: 131 Career goals: 6 Career assists: 2
Player Persona
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Ryan
THE SQUAD
5 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
Position Map
30 29 2752 4 2
EDWARDS Rarely has a player endeared himself so quickly to the Green Army as Edwards. The centre-back from Morecambe was not exactly a household name when he signed, but was well-known to followers of League Two as a reliable defensive presence for the Shrimpers for three seasons in a row. At the time, he was just coming off his best season to date, having been voted both the fans’ and players’ player of the season at the club. Having previously played at League One level as a youngster on loan from Blackburn, his run of success in the fourth tier was enough to earn him a move to newly promoted Argyle. His initial run in the team was positive, putting in particularly good performances against Charlton and Southend, which featured a goal, an assist and a spectacular goal line clearance. His first few months of the season were largely solid but unspectacular. During the defensive upheaval of the first half of the season - which Edwards played a part in with two red cards himself - he never quite managed to produce his best form, though his own personal performances were amongst the best in the side at that time. As the team began to settle down during the Autumn revival, Edwards started to turn in some pivotal performances in backs-to-the-walls displays against Blackburn, Wimbledon and Bradford.
Player Persona
However, he really came into his own in December and January, with a number of excellent defensive displays in which he emerged as a defender comfortable at playing the ball out from the back, as Argyle transitioned to a slightly less direct style of play. This improvement was made all the more commendable as it later emerged that Edwards had discovered a lump in his testicle before Christmas and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer during this run. In his final game before treatment was set to begin, with the diagnosis unknown to fans and players alike,
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Born: 07/10/1993 Signed: 13/07/2017 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 196cm Clubs: 7 Career apps: 212 Career goals: 6 Career assists: 12
Edwards put in a fine performance and won Argyle a point with an excellent volley from a narrow angle at the far post, his wild celebrations masking the news that was set to break. The heroic performance was a testament to the character he had shown throughout the whole season. Edwards dealt with his illness stoically, admitting with frankness that not being able to play football was the hardest part of the ordeal. He has also worked tirelessly with the Teenage Cancer Trust to promote the good work they do since thankfully getting the all clear towards the end of last season. Returning fully fit for the start of pre-season, he announced his return to the side in style with a trademark set piece header minutes into his first game back. Indeed, with Sonny Bradley departing this summer, we may well see Edwards don his magic hat. Though he only scored two goals in his nearly 150 game career before joining the Greens, with a better quality of set-piece delivery he netted four in 30 starts last season. The hat might not be the only article of clothing imaginary or otherwise - for Edwards to pick up next year. Having captained the side in his first game back against Parkway, and the permanent destination of the armband still undecided, Edwards may yet be the one to lead Argyle out in the new season. I think we’d all shed a tear in that eventuality.
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Jamie
THE SQUAD
6 2017/18 Appearances: 29 Starts: 28 Minutes: 2581 Goals: 3 Assists: 1
Position Map
NESS Jamie Ness arrived at Home Park last summer from fellow League One side Scunthorpe with a well documented injury record, having played just a dozen times for the Irons in the previous 2016/17 season. Nonetheless, when fit, he had proven himself to be a very useful allround central midfielder, as good in defence as attack. Just like his career to date, Ness’ time with the Pilgrims started with injury problems, though he did manage to start nine consecutive matches early on before succumbing to injury once more. Thus, his return to the side against Doncaster in January 2018 raised many eyebrows given they had lost just twice in his 15 game absence, with the arrival of the eye-catching Toumani Diagouraga seen as something of a turning-point. Yet, with the classy midfielder having departed, Ness took his opportunity with both hands, forging a solid midfield trio with Fox and Sarcevic as Argyle began to mount a serious play-off push by winning six on the bounce. Not known for his goal scoring abilities, he began to add that to his repertoire with three important finishes within a series of impressive performances, including two in a man-of-the-match display against Bristol Rovers. In the space of a few months, the Scotsman had gone from seemingly an outsider to a vital cog in manager Adams’ 4-3-2-1 system, providing the balance between Fox’s more conservative, possessionbased approach and Sarcevic’s attacking instincts.
Player Persona
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Unlike last season, Ness will go now into this one with a full pre-season under his belt and will be ready to kick on come the season’s curtain raiser at Walsall, and maybe finally put his stop-start career behind him.
Born: 02/03/1991 Signed: 22/06/2017 Nationality: Scottish Foot: Left Height: 177cm Clubs: 6 Career apps: 144 Career goals: 8 Career assists: 5
Antoni
SARCEVIC Like many who have joined in the past few seasons, Sarcevic arrived at Home Park with his career seemingly stalling. Twenty months on, and he is flying high once more, having established himself as a clear first choice in Adams’ midfield, netting himself a brand new two-year contract in the process. Sarcevic started out largely as a creative midfielder, playing as one of the attacking focal points for Chester and Fleetwood. Yet, as he climbed the divisions he began his transformation into an allaction central-midfielder, first at Fleetwood and then at Shrewsbury. This transformation certainly didn’t work as initially planned, and contributed to his back-to-back departures.
7 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
35 29 2640 3 3
Position Map
However, since relocating Sarcevic from a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 to one of two centre midfielders - supported by Fox as the pivot - Adams has extracted his best form, possibly in his career. Unshackled of the burdens of defensive midfield, Sarcevic is free to focus on his three greatest strengths: stamina, pressing, and attacking movement. In terms of distance covered, there can’t be many who ranked higher than Sarcevic last season. In possession, he is always on the lookout for an opportunity to burst forward and open up the opposition; out of possession, he is the one who leads the defensive press, guiding his teammates on when to step up and when to drop. Indeed, his relentless pressing saw him record the most tackles per-90 minutes last season. At the other end of the pitch, Sarcevic’s intelligent running off the ball helped Argyle find the perfect balance in midfield, drawing in the opposition to create space for Carey and Lameiras while providing support for Taylor up-front.
Born: 13/03/1992 Signed: 26/01/2017 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 183cm Clubs: 5 Career apps: 285 Career goals: 41 Career assists: 24
Player Persona
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ARGYLE 2018/19
David
FOX
THE SQUAD
8 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
Position Map
48 44 4134 1 4
For a midfielder, Fox is rarely involved in any goalmouth action; in fact he spends most of his time closer to Argyle’s defenders than their attackers. Yet, without observing his role in the side, many cannot comprehend his importance to the system that almost took Argyle from the threat of relegation to the end of season play-offs. Fox’s career really began to take off on the first day of the 2009/10 League One season. He put in such a good performance during Colchester’s 7-1 demolition of Norwich that when his then manager, Paul Lambert, joined the Canaries, Fox was made a firm transfer target, eventually joining the next summmer. He became a regular at Carrow Road as they won promotion to the Premier League the very next season, and remained a firm first choice until Lambert - the man who had signed him twice and trusted him in his midfield - departed. From then on, Fox’s career was in a downward spiral, capped in 2016 as he captained Crewe to relegation from League One. Then came the move that revitalised his flailing career. He joined Adams’ Argyle after impressing on trial, and though he played an important role in the 2017 promotion season, it was last year that he really emerged as one of the most important players in the team.
Player Persona
With Argyle permanently changing to a 4-3-2-1 formation, Fox was moved to his best position - the deep lying playmaker, or regista. For the first time since his Norwich days, he was deployed in a system that truly complemented his range of skills, and he flourished. In England, the regista is one of the most underappreciated positions and this reflects on many fans’ impressions of Fox. Many miss his influence on the team entirely, while some do understand his role
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Born: 13/12/1983 Signed: 22/07/2016 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 175cm Clubs: 9 Career apps: 380 Career goals: 18 Career assists: 42
is to make Argyle “tick” but fail to appreciate just how important that is. As one of two linchpins in this system - along with Taylor - Fox’s role is quite simply to retain possession. Just compare his performances in the position last season to Songo’o’s. Fox made more than double the passes per-minute - far more than any other player in the squad for that matter - and at a significantly higher success rate, but Songo’o made more than double the defensive interventions per-minute. For many, Songo’o’s destructive performances were a demonstration of the true purpose of a defensive midfielder, yet they failed to recognise he was only making more tackles because Argyle were exerting less control on matches without Fox to control possession. By simply being able to retain the ball better, Argyle reduced the threat of the opposition and increased the amount of time their own dangermen got on the ball. Playing with a regista, defenders who otherwise would otherwise “hoof” the ball forward instead have a easy passing option, one who has the ability to guide the ball further forward with greater skill and accuracy. Fox positions himself so well when doing this, and is so adept at shimmying away from markers that he is rarely caught in possession. Thus, as the metronome of this team, Fox occupies a special position in this system and it was vitally important that he was retained this summer. In fact, though there is a lot of competition, bringing the best out of the aging Fox, and the entire team in the process, must go down as one of Adams’s greatest managerial accomplishments.
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Ryan
THE SQUAD
9 2017/18 Appearances: 23 Starts: 22 Minutes: 2042 Goals: 6 Assists: 5
Position Map
TAYLOR Argyle’s very own “Ginger Zlatan”, upon arriving in Plymouth Taylor became a highly influential player; in fact, there’s an argument to be had as to whether he is the most important player in Adams’ current 4-32-1 system. After a promising start to his career at Rotherham, he earned himself a transfer to Championship side Bristol City but the move did not work out and he eventually joined Portsmouth and then Oxford, each time for 18 months, helping the latter win promotion to League One. With both sides, Taylor became a classy focal point for the team - reliably holding the ball up and feeding it into their dangermen while chipping in with goals and assists. Though he was injured for the U’s promotion run in he was fit in time for the start of the next season, but played less frequently in League One and departed for Argyle in January. At Home Park, Taylor immediately excelled, scoring in an excellent debut performance against Exeter. Unlike the year before, he was able to celebrate on the pitch when Argyle were promoted but the next season, after he was injured on the first day, Argyle failed to kick on and the team sat bottom of the league by time he returned. Starting 20 consecutive matches, Argyle rocketed up the table to 5th before his season was curtailed another injury, and the side subsequently missed out on the play-offs.
Player Persona
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If last season proved anything it’s that this system vitally needs a target man of quality. Taylor aside, no other player was able to fill this role, and that reflected on results. With him in the team, Argyle won three-times more matches on average, scored more than double the goals per-game and conceded one-third fewer. Adams clearly recognised that this summer and promptly moved to bring in Ladapo and Dyson as direct backup.
Born: 04/05/1988 Signed: 30/01/2017 Nationality: English Foot: Left Height: 188cm Clubs: 7 Career apps: 214 Career goals: 59 Career assists: 34
Indeed, though Carey and Lameiras are the playmakers in the system, Taylor and Fox are the linchpins; collectively, they provide them with the platform to launch the vast majority of Argyle’s attacks. To get the ball into the oppositions’ third, the ball mostly goes either through Fox at the base of midfield and into the feet of a more advanced midfielder or long and direct to Taylor at the tip of the attack. A veteran at playing the target man role, Taylor regularly guides the most aimless of clearances towards one of Argyle’s attackers, retaining possession and creating the opportunity for the side to go on the attack. Taylor is far more than a target man though. As well as offering a physical presence, he is skilled with the ball at his feet and thus a passing option when Argyle are in possession. In fact, only four players created chances at a faster rate last season than Taylor, demonstrating the fact that he can play the role of the creator too. The main criticism levelled at him is that he’s not a finisher, and though this team is not built to rely on one, Taylor is actually quite prolific for Argyle. Only Carey and Fletcher scored goals at a faster rate last season, despite the fact that he attempted shots less frequently. Unsurprisingly then, Taylor’s 21.5% conversion rate was 4th highest out of the entire squad last season. Though it is crude statistical work, had he been fit over the entire season and maintained his goal-rate, he would have scored 23 times in all competitions. A master targetman, a potent creator, and an astute finisher, if Taylor can keep himself fit for the entire season then he will surely establish himself as one of the best all-round strikers in League One.
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Graham
THE SQUAD
10 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
Position Map
48 47 4448 16 16
CAREY Since his arrival in July 2015 as Derek Adams’ fourth signing, Carey has gone on to embody the revival of Argyle just as much as the Scotsman. Blessed with a wand of a left foot, Carey has consistently led from the front – involving himself in more than 30 goals in each of the past three seasons – and won numerous accolades in the process, including two Player of the Year awards and places in the Team of the Year in both of the past two seasons. Just as in the case of Adams, Carey has embodied the loyalty that is so desired in modern football, having signing a new two-year contract amid Championship interest after Argyle won promotion. Indeed, the renewal of Carey’s contract was the single most important piece of transfer business conducted during 2017. What makes Carey such a valuable player is his precision, determination and adaptability. So adept is he with the ball at his feet that he has played in every position across midfield for Argyle, even in a false-nine.
Player Persona
From his most common position - attacking midfielder - he has been the creator-in-chief. He controls Argyle’s transition from midfield to attack, finding the space he needs to hurt the opposition or play others into it, as well as having a keen eye for goal. It’s not for nothing that Carey has topped Argyle’s charts for goals, assists and chances created for the past two seasons. Indeed, Carey has created 31% of Argyle’s chances during that time 114 in total. When he can’t find a way through, that usually leaves one option: shoot. Unsurprisingly, Carey is also the best distance shooter in the squad, and has scored 45% of Argyle’s goals from outside the box over the past three seasons. In fact, a third of Carey’s goals since he arrived at Home Park have come from long range, and have been worth 19 points
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Born: 20/05/1989 Signed: 03/07/2015 Nationality: Irish Foot: Left Height: 183cm Clubs: 6 Career apps: 338 Career goals: 60 Career assists: 76
alone; it’s not uncommon for the Goal of the Season competition to be a Graham Carey highlights reel. Additionally, Carey is probably the best dead-ball specialist Home Park has seen since Akos Buzsaky, and one-tenth of all goals since he arrived have come directly from his set pieces. While all this makes him the deadliest weapon in Adams’ attacking arsenal, Carey also stands out as a complete midfielder because of his versatility. In the last season alone he played not just in attacking midfield, but as an out-and-out winger, a centre-midfield and a deep-lying playmaker. When Argyle lost Taylor to injury at the end of the season, Carey even doubled up as a target man, winning 45 aerial duels over three games, more than any of his teammates. Yet, what really sets him apart from his fellow attackers in League One is his defensive attributes. Having featured as a left-back and a wing-back during his time in Scotland, Carey has an understanding and appreciation of the defensive requirements demanded of him by Adams, which makes him so much more valuable than a luxury attacking midfielder. This is demonstrated by the fact that Carey has scored or created seven goals just from winning back possession in the opponent’s half. It often goes underappreciated, but Carey’s work in the defensive phases are very valuable to the system that Adams’ deploys. Therefore, it is with very good reason that Carey is heralded as the poster boy of Home Park. The Irishman remains one of the hottest properties below the Championship, and no-doubt will be aiming to reach that level for the first time in his career in 2018/19.
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Ruben
THE SQUAD
11 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
Position Map
37 27 2531 6 11
LAMEIRAS Though he was initially interpreted as evidence of Carey’s imminent departure, Lameiras was a player who arrived at Home Park as a speculative gamble but emerged over the course of the season as a key component of the side as Argyle chased promotion. He was not short of potential in his youth, coming through the famed academy system of Tottenham after moving to England from Portugal as a child. One mixed bag of a loan spell in Sweden and an underwhelming permanent move to Coventry City later and his star, far from being on the rise, was starting to become a bit dim. Hence, when Argyle announced his arrival last July he was not greeted with wild enthusiasm. Mixed reviews from Coventry supporters did not bode well with his seemingly diminishing CV and rumours of Carey’s departure. The green army needn’t have worried - Carey stayed and the two would eventually thrive together. However, after a promising pre-season, Lameiras was mostly fighting for scraps off the bench as a winger or false nine when the real action got underway.
Player Persona
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There were certainly highlights in this period: his assist on the opening day, his performance against Chelsea’s u21s and his half-hour off the bench against Exeter. Yet, these moments were few and far between. His one league start during this period was a disastrous performance in the 3-0 loss to Doncaster. The general feeling was that if he was used as a centre-attacking-midfield he could have potential, but he was never going get the opportunity while Carey was around. When Argyle’s mini-revival began in Autumn, Lameiras was still nowhere near starting, and so Adams informed him that he could leave if he wanted to. After one trial match at Oldham, Lameiras decided to return and fight for his place. He was given only his second league for Argyle on the last Saturday before Christmas against… Oldham.
Born: 22/12/1994 Signed: 08/06/2017 Nationality: Portuguese Foot: Left Height: 175cm Clubs: 4 Career apps: 117 Career goals: 13 Career assists: 17
Lameiras thrived alongside Carey as an inside forward playing off Ryan Taylor in the newly unveiled 4-3-2-1 style, coming inside and leaving defenders trailing. Though he wasn’t involved in any of the goals, he performed well enough to pick up the man of the match accolate in the 4-1 drubbing. There would be no looking back, he started every game for the rest of the season and firmly emerged as a scheming, if inconsistent, creator capable of unlocking any defence. What he lacks in raw pace, Lameiras makes up for in devastating skill. His eye for a final pass is keen. His moves do not always come off, granted, but those that do can produce some fantastic assists: his mazy dribbles to create goals for Taylor and Carey against Walsall and Bury respectively, or his defence splitting pass to set-up Sawyer’s winner at MK Dons. Last season, no player in green recorded assists at a faster rate than Lameiras, who created a chance on average every 105 minutes. Paradoxically, the exciting thing about Lameiras is that you often feel he has not yet reached anywhere near his best level. For all his good performances last season, the only game where you could look back and say that he was at his absolute best was against Southend. There are so many areas of his game where he can learn from Carey and grow, like his defending and game management. So, as he continues to improve all the areas of his game, Lameiras can surely only get better, and as he does more interest from higher divisions will follow. However, it must be a relief to know that, for the time being at least, if Argyle were to lose Carey, there is someone who is ready to step up and fill his boots. Together, they may well be the best pair of attackers in the entire division.
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Niall
THE SQUAD
14 2017/18 Appearances: 6 Starts: 6 Minutes: 476 Goals: 0 Assists: 0
Position Map
CANAVAN 6 ft 4 centre back Niall Canavan became Adams’ second signing of the summer, joining after his release from League One strugglers Rochdale. To link Canavan to last season’s struggles, however, may be doing him a disservice seeing as he managed only 225 minutes of league football as injuries ruled him out of most of their campaign. Therefore, his return to football in his new surroundings carries a fair amount of intrigue. Yet, as Adams has shown consistently throughout his tenure, the recent campaigns of a player’s former teams are not the best measure of their abilities. Bradley arrived having narrowly avoided back-to-back relegations with Crawley, Edwards’ Morecambe finished in 18th before he jumped up a division to join Argyle and now Canavan and Wootton look to compete for a starting berth having both been involved in relegation battles last season. Canavan certainly does have some promising pedigree at this level. After having been a key part of the Scunthorpe side that won promotion from League Two in 2014, he spent 18 months with them in League One before eventually falling out of favour and joining Rochdale, where he played an important role as they finished just short of the play-offs for two consecutive seasons.
Player Persona
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Where Canavan will fit in is a conundrum. Having played regularly at left centre-back throughout his career, unlike Edwards and Wootton, he could find himself in direct competition with the left-footed Peter Grant. This has certainly been the case in pre-season, and it may mean that, when the season gets underway, his experience at this level will win him a spot in the team, as could his superior goal scoring rate and height advantage.
Born: 11/04/1991 Signed: 08/06/18 Nationality: Irish Foot: Left Height: 191cm Clubs: 4 Career apps: 227 Career goals: 19 Career assists: 4
Conor
GRANT Argyle’s first signing of the summer transfer window, Grant will be hoping to fare better than the two previous holders of that distinction, Ryan Donaldson and Lionel Ainsworth, neither of whom enjoyed great seasons at Home Park. However, the early omens for Grant are undoubtedly positive. Derek Adams made every effort to sign him in the January of 2018 and would almost certainly have succeeded but for a bizarre rule stipulating that appearing for Everton’s u23 side in the Checkatrade Trophy counted as a first-team appearance.
15 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
19 15 1236 0 1
Position Map
Regardless, Grant now finds himself an Argyle player, and on a permanent contract to boot. Like so many in this squad, he certainly fits the profile of an Adams signing: high potential as a youth player, tick; failed to live up to initial promise, tick; released with his career stagnating, tick. Grant did enjoy a good loan spell at Doncaster, a team who - whilst their ex-manager will hardly be on the Christmas card lists of any Argyle fans inarguably play good, passing-based football during his time there. However, he failed to continue his good firm during his second spell with the club and then underwhelmed at Crewe last season too, as his progress ground to a halt. That could all change now, with Grant in line to start at Walsall if Sarcevic is unable to prove his fitness. As a central midfielder who neither sits deep like Fox nor pushes on like Carey, he is similar to Jamie Ness: a well balanced midfielder, who will provide defensive cover, maintain possession and offer creativity going forward. Being exactly the kind of replacement that Argyle were missing last season, it’s unlikely Grant will be offered a better opportunity than this to relaunch his footballing career.
Born: 18/04/1995 Signed: 07/07/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Left Height: 176cm Clubs: 6 Career apps: 81 Career goals: 6 Career assists: 9
Player Persona
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ARGYLE 2018/19
Joel
THE SQUAD
16 2017/18 Appearances: 35 Starts: 26 Minutes: 2319 Goals: 6 Assists: 1
Position Map
GRANT How would you define Joel Grant’s 2017/18? On the one hand, he was an important part of the team that began the turnaround in October, was the joint-second highest goalscorer, and his versatility enabled him to feature in a variety of different roles throughout the season. On the other, he wasted a series of great shooting opportunities, only created three chances for his teammates in the entire season, and had no obvious position in the new 4-3-2-1 formation. Having been initially signed to compete with Wylde for a position on the left-wing in a 4-2-3-1, Grant was only twice overlooked in favour of the Scot. However, once the system changed against Oldham, he was immediately out of favour. Whereas Ainsworth was then called upon when Argyle needed something different in attack, Grant was only called upon to defend a lead. The only exception came after Taylor was injured and Grant made two starts as a lone striker. However, he was unable to replicated the target-man approach needed, and Adams quickly changed formation to deploy Lameiras as a false-nine instead. With the striking experiment failed, that leaves him competing this season with Ainsworth and Wylde for a backup position to Carey and Lameiras - all four of whom created chances at a faster rate than Grant last season - for a position that Adams hasn’t appeared to favour him in.
Player Persona
24
Yet, Grant has displayed promise from a narrower position in pre-season, combining his positioning and dribbling abilities with a greater awareness of his teammates to create chances for himself and others. If he can do that against a higher level of opposition, then he will stand a great chance of getting regular minutes once the action gets underway in August.
Born: 26/08/1987 Signed: 23/06/2017 Nationality: Jamaican Foot: Right Height: 175cm Clubs: 7 Career apps: 340 Career goals: 55 Career assists: 26
Lionel
AINSWORTH It’s fair to say that Ainsworth’s first season in Plymouth didn’t go quite as planned, as injury and a change in playing style left him spending more time out of the team than in it. The winger was actually one of the more eye-catching signings of summer 2017 given his successful time at Motherwell, where he scored 27 goals and produced 29 assists in three-and-a-half seasons. However, it was Jervis who was afforded the opportunity to start the season from the right-wing and when Ainsworth appeared to be edging himself into the first-team he was struck down by the first of a series of small scale injuries. By the time he returned, the style of play had changed and he was competing with Carey for a place in the team, a fight he was never going to win.
17 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
24 5 803 0 2
Position Map
However, Ainsworth proved himself to be an able backup to Lameiras in Argyle’s new system, proving to be Adams’ go-to-player when the Portuguese wasn’t quite at it. The winger’s quick feet, ability to take the ball past his opponent and awareness in the final third meant that when Argyle found themselves chasing a result against Doncaster, Wigan and Fleetwood, Ainsworth was the attacking replacement to whom Adams looked for inspiration. Though Ainsworth only made three league starts last season, there are signs to suggest that he might have something to offer this side next season. The most obvious one is that no other member of the team – not Lameiras or Carey – created goalscoring chances at the same rate as Ainsworth, who created 1.23 per-90 minutes. If he can force his way onto the pitch, he may yet show that he has a role to play in this team.
Born: 01/10/1987 Signed: 30/05/2017 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 166cm Clubs: 15 Career apps: 355 Career goals: 49 Career assists: 57
Player Persona
25
ARGYLE 2018/19
Calum
THE SQUAD
18 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
Position Map
0 0 0 0 0
DYSON Vacuum cleaner magnate James Dyson uses some of his immense wealth to fund maths classes for children to produce the engineers and scientists of the future. Maybe he should give some lessons to new striker Dyson, who said that he would “give it 110%” for the club. Here’s hoping he’s better hoovering up those chances than he is at his sums. The lanky Liverpudlian was released by Everton this summer, following loan spells at Stockport, Chester and Grimsby, where he was named Young Player of the Year in 2017. His 16 games at Grimsby were his only games at EFL level, scoring four goals, three from the spot. Penalties aside, Dyson only converted 5% of his shots with the Mariners. Dyson has not been prolific at either youth or senior level, but has repeatedly received plaudits for his strength, endeavour, intelligence and ability to bring others into the game – sound familiar? He is unlikely to displace Taylor, but as Ciftci, Jervis, Blissett and Joel Grant’s all prove last season, we need some decent backup. Expect Dyson to compete with the more mercurial, quicker Ladapo for a spot on the bench behind the flame-haired talisman.
Player Persona
26
Though players like Riley and Wootton have joined Argyle with plenty of senior experience, others such as Dyson are riskier proposition, especially because injury limited him to just three appearances for Everton’s under-21 side last season. Though he is unlikely to be an expensive gamble, Ruben Lameiras’ form last season showed how low-rolling can lead to big jackpots. As a player who has won the U18 and U21 Premier League titles, Dyson could be the next to demonstrate this.
Born: 19/09/1996 Signed: 11/06/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 187cm Clubs: 5 Career apps: 31 Career goals: 7 Career assists: 1
Freddie
LADAPO Not many players can consider themselves a journeyman at just 25-years-old but that’s very much the case for Freddie Ladapo, with Argyle becoming the 15th different club of his career as he finally looks to settle in the Football League. Ladapo started at Colchester but failed to break into the side before suffering the same fate at Kidderminster. The Englishman finally made his breakthrough at Grays on loan and then later Margate permanently, scoring a combined 40 times in 75 games for the two, which attracted the attention of Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
19 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
10 4 361 0 0
Position Map
He would later have semi-successful loan spells with Oldham and Shrewsbury before joining Southend permanently from Palace in January 2018, only to be released at the end of the season following a disappointing few months. Despite his less than stellar career, Ladapo is a very typical Adams signing: a player with clear talent who needs the right manager to bring out the best in him. More times than not, the Scot has achieved this, with Ruben Lameiras a prime example from last season then a castaway, now a target for Championship clubs. With Argyle’s 4-3-3 formation it is likely that only one of Ladapo, Taylor and Dyson will be able to start, yet this does not mean he will be short of opportunities. Competition may be fierce, but Ladapo has already demonstrated his potential in pre-season with his hold-up play, aerial presence and creativity, albeit against weaker sides. This is exactly the kind of play that Carey and Lameiras will thrive off next season, and the kind of football that made Taylor one of the most important players last season.
Born: 01/02/1993 Signed: 10/06/2018 Nationality: Nigerian Foot: Right Height: 183cm Clubs: 14 Career apps: 152 Career goals: 44 Career assists: 4
Player Persona
27
ARGYLE 2018/19
Gregg
THE SQUAD
20 2017/18 Appearances: 28 Starts: 15 Minutes: 1643 Goals: 3 Assists: 2
Position Map
Player Persona
28
WYLDE Wylde endured a difficult season back at Home Park last season with both fans and the Scotsman himself hoping for a more fruitful 2018/19. The 27-year-old returned to Home Park following a year away at Milwall during which he found himself surplus to requirements throughout the campaign. Yet, there was excitement when the winger was brought back by manager Derek Adams. Despite lacking a consistent end product there was no doubting the former Rangers man has pace in abundance, something Argyle had missed the previous campaign. His season certainly started well, as he came off the bench to score in the opening day defeat at Peterbrough, but that would be the highlight of his season as he found himself behind Grant, Carey and - by December - Lameiras. At this point, Argyle had also changed formation and witnessed an upturn in results, leading to Wylde’s departure to Morecambe on loan for the rest of the season. Though it was assumed that Wylde would be departing this summer, he impressed Adams sufficiently for him to be included in his first team plans for the new season. The biggest concern is his adaptability to the new system. The 4-2-3-1 formation with which Argyle started last season suited a wide player like Wylde, but when the formation changed to 4-3-2-1 the winger was unable to prove himself as an attacking midfielder. Wylde has since enjoyed some success from a similar position while at Morecambe and in pre-season for Argyle, but can he translate that into the upcoming campaign? That remains to be seen.
Born: 23/03/1991 Signed: 28/06/2017 Nationality: Scottish Foot: Left Height: 178cm Clubs: 9 Career apps: 212 Career goals: 17 Career assists: 28
Kyle
LETHEREN Who’d have thought that when Letheren signed as Argyle’s second backup ‘keeper last September, he himself would needed to be backed up by a further four? Within the remarkable circumstances of last season, it’s easy to forget that Letheren played an important little supporting role against the backdrop of the main drama. Since departing Argyle after a debut-less first spell in 2009, Letheren joined Kilmarnock but rarely featured for three seasons before moving to Scottish Championship side Dundee in 2013. The very next season, he kept 19 league clean sheets - a post-war record for the club - and won the supporters Player of the Year award. No doubt his best moment came in stoppage time on the final day of the season, as he pulled off a superb fingertip save that won them not only the match, but simultaneously the league title and, therefore, promotion. It was hence dubbed “the save the won the league”.
21 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Conceded: Clean Sheets:
8 8 737 10 1
Position Map
Yet, in Dundee’s first season first season back in the top flight, Letheren was unfortunate to be twice struck down with injuries before finally losing his place in the team and departing for Blackpool. He started the season as first choice, but soon lost his place and was released at the end of the season to join York City following their relegation to the National League. Though he couldn’t keep them up, Letheren won his second Player of the Year award before his release, whereupon he finally returned to Home Park, making his long awaited debut against Wigan eight years after first joining the club.
Player Persona
A very good shot stopper, Letheren certainly has the capacity to push Macey for the starting spot next season, but will have to work on his footwork and kicking if he is to really establish himself as a League One level ‘keeper.
Born: 26/12/1987 Signed: 05/09/2017 Nationality: Welsh Foot: Right Height: 188cm Clubs: 10 Career apps: 114 Conceded: 129 Clean Sheets: 37
29
ARGYLE 2018/19
Tafari
THE SQUAD
22 2017/18 Appearances: 13 Starts: 13 Minutes: 1084 Goals: 0 Assists: 0
Position Map
MOORE Like several other members of Argyle’s squad this year, 21-year-old Moore is another player who has moved away from a big club in search of first-team football. Having been with Arsenal from the age of 12, Moore has enjoyed a pair of productive spells, most recently with Wycombe during the second half of last season. In what is probably the most hotly contested position in Argyle’s team, Moore will go head-to-head with fellow new signing Riley for the chance to play at right-back. Though they are similar players, being substantially taller and stronger will give Riley a clear physical edge in the battle for a starting spot, as Adams teams always values defensive solidity highly. Nevertheless, opportunities will present themselves to Moore, he just needs to be sure that he takes them when they come as he did at Adams Park. Though he was only afforded the chance because of Wycombe’s injury crisis, in his 13 starts in League Two, Moore demonstrated good defensive awareness, maturity when under pressure and a keen attacking edge. His crossing from the wing was particularly impressive, as was his decision making in possession; add his quick acceleration into the mix, and he has all the makings of a modern full-back. The main negative that was highlighted from his loan spell was his weakness in aerial duels, which may take some time and work in the gym to rectify.
Player Persona
30
Just as Oscar Threlkeld - another exciting, hardworking, energetic full-back - developed into one of Argyle’s most impressive and consistent performers last season, Adams shall be hoping that Moore can follow a similar career path in the coming seasons. At the very least, there should be more confidence in the options at right-back this season.
Born: 05/07/1997 Signed: 28/06/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 173cm Clubs: 3 Career apps: 40 Career goals: 0 Career assists: 1
Ashley
SMITH BROWN Shock; awe; excitement. #PAFC exploded as Argyle paid a transfer fee for a promising, young full-back from one of the best academies in the world. Smith-Brown, who had been with Man City since the age of 5, was a regular for England’s youth teams and is certainly one to watch. The 22-year-old’s career has not kicked off yet, unlike many of his former City teammates who have already established themselves at League One level and higher. His only successful spell came on loan to Dutch second division side NAC Breda, who he helped win promotion back to the Eredivisie. He was set to build on this with a loan spell at Hearts last season, however injuries limited him to just two starts before he switched to Oxford but underwhelmed and lost his place in the team.
23 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
12 11 927 0 0
Position Map
Though Smith-Brown is naturally right-footed, this won’t stop him from marauding up and down the left flank, as his ability with his weaker foot makes him Argyle’s most two-footed player. His style contrasts with Sawyer’s, who is superior defensively but more conservative going forward. Yet, with Sawyer being caught out by quick wingers more frequently last season, the athletic Smith-Brown may find opportunities easier to come by. Still, if he is to displace him, he will have to work on his defensive awareness, which has been lacking in his professional career so far. He has been too reactive, failing to anticipate passes and movement and thus being caught out. He will need to improve this by learning from his more seasoned teammates - like Sawyer, who excels at reading the game - and through match experience.
Player Persona
Regardless, Smith-Brown will definitely get opportunities to impress, and if he takes them then Adams might find himself in possession of one of the league’s most promising defenders.
Born: 13/12/1983 Signed: 26/06/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Both Height: 177cm Clubs: 4 Career apps: 42 Career goals: 1 Career assists: 2
31
ARGYLE 2018/19
Peter
THE SQUAD
24 2017/18 Appearances: 34 Starts: 31 Minutes: 2828 Goals: 2 Assists: 0
Position Map
GRANT The third Grant of this squad, Peter made his name soon after joining Falkirk in the summer of 2014. He suffered a slow start for the Bairns but he finally cemented a position in central defence in January 2015 and subsequently played every minute of their run to the final of the Scottish Cup, scoring their equaliser at Hampden Park. Throughout the calendar year of 2015, Grant started in all but one of Falkirk’s 43 matches, having firmly established himself as a core member of the first team despite his relatively tender age of 21, before disaster struck – he tore a cruciate ligament for the second time in his short career. It would be 11 months and 40 matches before he was fit to start another match, ruling him out for virtually all of 2016. However, Grant battled back, regaining his place in the team within weeks of returning to fitness, breaking up a defensive partnership that had established his side in 3rd place in the process. Falkirk finished that season in second, losing to Dundee United in the play-offs semi-final. At his peak, Grant was a commanding centre back for Falkirk: tall, strong, vocal. Mental strength can certainly be counted among his assets too – you need plenty of that to come back from a cruciate ligament injury not once but twice.
Player Persona
32
And the opportunity will certainly be there for Grant to win a spot in the team. Whereas continuity reigns throughout Argyle’s midfield and attack, the only remaining centre back of last season is Edwards, who himself is returning having been absent since January. There are positions to be won ahead of the curtain raiser at Walsall – and Grant is certainly competing for one of them.
Born: 11/03/1994 Signed: 27/06/2018 Nationality: Scottish Foot: Left Height: 188cm Clubs: 4 Career apps: 122 Career goals: 9 Career assists: 1
Scott
WOOTTON It is not especially often that Argyle sign a player who has either played in the Champions League, been valued at £1m, or started in a high scoring game between Manchester United and Chelsea - and yet Scott Wootton fits all three of those criteria. However, his career has been on a gradual decline for some time. He joined Leeds from Manchester United in search of more game-time but never truly settled under multiple managers, and after a spell at right back and a messy contract renewal negotiation he ended up joining MK Dons in 2016. A ruptured ACL meant he barely kicked a ball in his first season, and he followed this up by being sent off on the first day of last season. 43 appearances later and he was released following a disastrous season that was capped with relegation to League Two.
25 2017/18 Appearances: Starts: Minutes: Goals: Assists:
43 42 3744 0 0
Position Map
It’s hard to determine how blame is to be portioned for Wootton’s poor season - MK’s midfield was a shambles defensively, and the defence packed with incompetence, but Wootton certainly didn’t help himself with a string of errors and lapses in judgement. His worst offences last season came from mis-judging lofted passes, poorly positioning himself to deal with crosses and a near-total lack of leadership and communication, things that Adams’ certainly won’t stand for. As a manager who specialises in reviving careers, is this one of his most difficult challenges? A declining career that was once so full of promise, it will be fascinating to see how Wootton adapts to the style, culture and attitude at Home Park. He certainly seems to have won favour during pre-season, but will he start at centre back when Argyle begin their campaign against Walsall on the 4th August? Will the Adams magic work once more?
Born: 12/09/1991 Signed: 27/06/2018 Nationality: English Foot: Right Height: 188cm Clubs: 8 Career apps: 169 Career goals: 4 Career assists: 1
Player Persona
33
ARGYLE 2018/19
Derek
THE SQUAD
M
ADAMS
It says something about the sweeping changes that Derek Adams has introduced at the club that he now outlives every single player at Home Park and indeed every member of the first team football staff, bar two. He arrived at Home Park like a hurricane in the summer of 2015 and immediately went about putting his blueprint on the team. Adams came to Argyle after a career in Scotland that was as infamous for his eccentricities as it was commendable for his managerial abilities. He was fantastic with Ross County over two spells sandwiched by a spell as Hibernian’s assistant manager - taking them from the Scottish League One to the top half of the SPL and the Scottish Cup final to boot. Equally though, he was riddled by controversy. Famously, he received an 18-match touchline ban for verbal abuse towards a referee and reportedly had a fiery relationship with some players, leading to a high turnover. Argyle were prepared for a one-man firework display…and that was exactly what we got. Any fans doubtful of Adams’ aptitude for the job were immediately won over by a blinding start to his first season, in which Argyle took to the league like a duck to water, sitting comfortably top of the table by November. His one main kryptonite however, was his lack of rotation and this hit the side in full force as the season went on. Argyle gradually declined due to injuries and fatigue and had dropped out of the top three by March. The less said about Wembley, the better. 2016/17 did not have quite the exhilarating drama of the previous year but it was the perfect remedy in the sense that it was a season which was solid, reliable and safe. Argyle may have seemed like they were about to implode due to the scars of the season before, but in hindsight it was clear all along that Adams had learned his lessons. He rotated the team far more than he had done the year before, and added major depth to the squad in January. With games to spare, Argyle got over the line and into League One. 17/18 saw his greatest challenge yet. Bottom of the league with 5 points from 12 games in October, the majority of the fanbase had began to turn on him. Yet, and here credit must be given to James Brent and the board, Argyle stood by their manager and the next few months saw one of the most amazing sustained runs of form Argyle have ever been on. Argyle shot up the league like a rocket, landing in 5th place in April and just missing out due to, that same problem again, lack of squad depth. This summer, Adams appears to have done a 2016: added much more depth to account for the possibility of injuries. This was another welcome development and one that, if Argyle do get promoted to the Championship this season, is surely to thank. Tactically, Adams is a tough nut to crack. A lot of supporters will tut with resignation at his seemingly ‘defensive’ brand of football, even if they accept that it works. And yes, it’s inarguably true that for large spells of his time here, Adams has played a style that promotes physicality and solidity first rather than free-flowing football. There is however also some evidence to suggest that at heart Adams prefers the passing game. He tried hard to implement a more attractive style in his first six months, before pivoting to a long-ball game when the going got tough. Equally, the 4-3-2-1 system that has been introduced allows much more possession than before, with the big man up front in Taylor enabling Carey and Lameiras to thrive with the ball at their feet. Let’s hope for more of the same.
34
Played 446 Won 197 Drawn 112 Lost 137 Win Percentage 44.2%
35
ARGYLE 2018/19
THE LINE-UP
THE LINEUP
4-3-2-1 SAWYER LAMEIRAS CANAVAN MACEY
NESS
FOX
EDWARDS
TAYLOR SARCEVIC CAREY
RILEY Argyle’s likeliest formation going into the first game of the season against Walsall is the same 4-3-2-1 that they deployed to such good effect in the second half of last season. Carey and Lameiras operate as inside forwards, floating between the opposition’s midfield and defence, with both full-backs pushing high up the pitch when in possession to provide width. Taylor should continue as the player leading the line and provide the platform for Argyle’s attackers. When building possession from the back, Fox will drop into deeper positions to receive the ball and get Argyle moving forward. Meanwhile, the midfield duo further forward protect Fox in defence but push forward to expose spaces created by the front three in attack. Though it is not clear who will start, performances during pre-season seem to indicate the Edwards will be first choice, with Canavan seeming to edge out Wootton as his partner. Smith-Brown has thus far been unable to displace likely captain Gary Sawyer, and Riley’s physical advantage should see him claim the right-back spot ahead of Moore. Conor Grant should start the season, but once Sarcevic fully recovers from injury expect him to reclaim his position alongside Ness and provide the same combination of high-pressing and attacking movement that brought a greater balance to Argyle last season.
36
The reason this formation succeeded last year is because it allowed Argyle to play all their best players in their best positions. With all of last season’s midfield and attack retained for this season, it would be mad to change formation now.
4-2-3-1
Previously Adams’ favourite formation, 4-2-3-1 was a feature of the first two years of his tenure until Argyle’s dreadful run at the start of last season. Though the summer recruitment has geared the squad towards a 4-3-2-1 formation, there remains the personnel to switch back if circumstances demand it.
LADAPO
AINSWORTH
Those who appear to be heading into the start of the season outside of the starting XI actually fit this formation better than their teammates. Songo’o is more comfortable in a defensive midfield role, rather than as a deep-lying-playmaker, and the width in this formation allows the wingers – Grant, Ainsworth and Wylde – to play in a formation more suitable to them.
SONGO’O
Unlike Argyle’s main formation, this one operates in a more static style that makes it harder to break down, but more reliant on individual skill create goalscoring opportunities.
J. GRANT WYLDE
C. GRANT
SMITH-BROWN
MOORE
P. GRANT
WOOTTON
LETHEREN
3-4-1-2
This is a formation that has been under-utilised by Adams’, despite the trend for three-man defences returning. Particularly in 2015/16, when he had all the pieces in place to change formation when needed, it was rarely used despite its success when called upon.
TAYLOR LADAPO
Though the formation does not allow for Carey and Lameiras to play at the same time, it should be a viable alternative if either is unavailable.
CAREY
SMITH-BROWN
MOORE
C. GRANT
NESS
CANAVAN EDWARDS WOOTTON MACEY
However, the main issue with this formation is that it limits the ability of the team as a whole. While Carey and Lameiras could be incorporated into the 4-3-2-1, one of them would have to be marginalised. Additionally, Adams does not have the personnel to play a midfield two without exposing their weaknesses.
With more defensive support behind him, Smith-Brown can bring more of an attacking threat at wingback than Sawyer, while Conor Grant should start ahead of Sarcevic to help control possession better in the absence of Fox. Playing off Taylor, Ladapo could use his speed and strength to break in behind the opposition’s defensive line. Like the 4-2-3-1, this formation is limited because there are a lack of players who specialise in these positions. Riley, Smith-Brown and Moore could fill the all important wing-back positions, but Argyle lack the quality of midfielders required and could find themselves playing too conservatively to offer a substantial threat at the other end.
37
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
TRANSFER
TOP FIVE’S
Freddie
B+
LADAPO
A great signing on paper. The former Crystal Palace man will afford valuable backup to Ryan Taylor, who Argyle struggled without last season. A lively pre-season has suggested that he can offer an alternative to Taylor as a quicker, deadlier striker, though still retaining good link up play.
Ashley
B-
SMITH-BROWN
The 22-year-old may struggle to displace captain Gary Sawyer in the upcoming season. However, with age on his side, as well as key pace and strength attributes, SmithBrown will have time to improve his defensive awareness and technique as he attempts to get his career off and running.
Peter
C
Once tipped to break into the Scotland squad, the 24-yearold still has plenty of time to develop despite the fact that he hasn’t quite been the same since a cruciate ligament injury in 2016. He is a strong, vocal player and has captained Falkirk numerous times before. Adds good depth, but is he good enough to start?
Niall
B
CANAVAN
A solid League One defender, Cavanan featured just three times in the league for Rochdale due to injury last season. He is the sort of solid centre-back that will enrich Argyle’s squad with his composure in defence and threat from set-pieces.
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GRANT
Conor
C+
GRANT
Possessing a good eye for a pass, yet playing as a more advanced midfielder than David Fox, Grant will provide tough competition for Ness and Sarcevic. After five loan spells, totalling 75 appearances, a permanent home and Adams’ leadership could finally get the best from him, making him a gamble worth taking.
REPORT CARD Matt
C-
MACEY
At 23-years-old there is still a lot of development needed, especially for a goalkeeper but, at 6ft 6in with an athletic frame, he will provide a large yet agile presence in the box. However, there are more experienced ‘keepers available and even if he improves over the season Argyle will need a new player next season once his loan ends.
Scott
D
WOOTTON
Wootton arrives with plenty of pedigree but a stumbling career. He has yet to hit the heights expected of him and very much deserves to receive a huge portion of the blame for MK Dons’ disastrous campaign last year. He must improve quickly or he will struggle to hold down a spot in Adams’ team.
Tafari
C+
MOORE
Moore is a young full-back with pace in abundance. The 21-yearold impressed in the latter half of last season on-loan to Wycombe. Potentially a punt given only half a season of league experience but with competition high this season, particularly in defence, it should keep the youngster on his toes.
Joe
B
RILEY
The 26-year-old is another versatile player who can start in both defence and midfield if required. The fullback adds another option from set pieces, along with Fox and Carey, and is known to be a good crosser of the ball when he gets forward. His spot in the side will largely depend on the form of unknown quantity Tafari Moore.
39
ARGYLE 2018/19
RESERVES
THE ACADEMY
Jordan
28
BENTLEY
Alex
29
FLETCHER
Age: 19 Position: CB
Age: 19 Position: ST
The younger brother of ex-professional Aaron Bentley, Jordan made his debut for Argyle as a first-year apprentice in a 5-0 victory against Hartlepool.
The most accomplished of the current crop, Fletcher announced himself last year with 2 goals on his full debut.
A member of the U18 side that won the Youth Alliance League in 2016, Bentley made quick progress through the academy before earning his professional contract last summer. After a loan to Sutton United failed to work out, the defender was making progress in training until a collision with Remi Matthews resulted in a broken leg that will keep him injured until autumn.
Target: Recover from injury and start 20 matches for the reserve team.
Michael
31
COOPER Age: 18 Position: GK
Last season’s winner of the Richard Phillips award, to many fans Cooper is the most talented player to emerge from the academy in many years. Instrumental in Argyle’s run to the FA Youth Cup 5th round, Cooper was a regular feature in Argyle’s reserve sides last season and even made his professional debut against Blackburn. Additionally, Cooper was an undroppable part of the Milk Cup squad who finished in third place in 2014. Set to stay at Home Park next season, he should set his eyes on nothing less than being Argyle’s backup ‘keeper.
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Target: Become Argyle’s backup goalkeeper.
In total, he made 8 professional starts and 19 appearances, scoring 3 goals. Only Toumani Diagouraga could better Fletcher’s 25% conversion rate, and nobody came close to his record of a goal every 200 minutes. After scoring for fun in the academy, there seem to be signs that he could transfer this form into the senior side. With his path to the first team blocked, Fletcher should join another team on loan and establish himself as a first-team player
Target: Make 15 loan appearance and score or assist 2 goals.
Cameron
32
SANGSTER
Ryan
LAW
33
Age: 18 Position: CM
Age: 18 Position: LB
Sangster has been heavily involved with the first team for each of the past two pre-seasons and even made two professional appearances last season as an apprentice.
Along with Cooper, Law was the only 14 year-old to play every minute of Argyle’s 2014 Milk Cup campaign.
As well as featuring on the bench alongside the professionals 11 times, the midfielder made more than 40 appearances across every format that the U18s and reserve side participated in. Sangster also starred for Argyle in the Youth Cup from Fox’s deep lying playmaker position and, with no other players recruited as backup, could find himself called into action if Fox is injured or suspended.
Target: Start 25 matches for the reserve team and make 5 first-team appearances.
Last season, he was a regular in the SWPL and Central League and put in several excellent performances. He also started every match of Argyle’s run in the FA Youth Cup. Having helped keep Man City at bay for 120 minutes, he then stepped up to score the first penalty in the shootout too. While he will benefit from a season in the reserves, he will have to start thinking about securing a loan move sooner rather than later.
Target: Start 40 matches for the reserve team or as a loanee.
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ARGYLE 2018/19
RESERVES
THE ACADEMY
Dan
34
ROONEY
Luke
35
JEPHCOTT
Age: 19 Position: CM
Age: 18 Position: WG
Rooney has been an accomplished midfielder for the academy, winning the Youth Alliance, starring in the 2014 Milk Cup run and receiving an u19 cap for Northern Ireland.
Initially a striker, Jephcott has found himself playing on the wing more often than not in the past few years, as Jake Jervis did.
A skillful player, had can play as a holding, box-to-box, or attacking midfielder. However, while this has helped him in the youth team, he will need to settle into a position this year to focus his development. Like Alex Battle, Rooney has achieved as much as he can in reserve football, and needs a loan spell to take the next step in forging a professional career.
Target: Make at least 10 loan appearances.
It was while playing through the middle that the Welshman first caught the eye, scoring five goals in as many games at the 2015 Milk Cup. However, Jephcott has not emerged from the academy as a consistent goal scorer in the same way that others have. With Battle looking to find a loan club, now is the time for Jephcott to show that he can take his place as Argyle’s chief goal scorer in the SWPL.
Target: Score 25 goals for the reserve team.
Alex
36
BATTLE
Harry
37
HODGES
Age: 19 Position: AM
Age: 18 Position: RB
With his future finally decided, Battle needs to continue to do what attracted Bolton in the first place: score and assist goals.
The son of academy director and ex-playing legend Kevin, Harry Hodges has prove that it is not his name that has seen him progress at Home Park.
Unfortunate to only be offered a development contract in 2016, Battle did what he could to stand out last season: he was the highest scoring midfielder in last year’s SWPL with 20 goals and probably the most prolific player outright, as well as a consistently impressive performer for Argyle in the Central League. He has progressed as far as he can with Argyle’s reserve team and needs a loan spell to take the next step forward in his career.
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Target: Make 15 loan appearance and score or assist 2 goals.
He captained the U18 side last season and will look to resume that leadership role within the reserve squad. However, he couldn’t always hold down his position, most notably being dropped in favour of Tom Purrington against Man City and Burnley in the FA Youth Cup. With some promising options coming through the academy, Hodges will need to kick on this season to keep his footballing dream alive.
Target: Start 30 matches for the reserve team.
APPRENTICES 2ND
Max
CHILDS
Year
GOALKEEPER
1ST
Year
Harry
TOWNSEND
GOALKEEPER Isaac
BURDON
Year
1ST
2ND
Year
Andrew
BURN
RIGHT BACK
CENTRE BACK
With the lack of defenders among the 2nd years, this season will be a serious opportunity for Burdon to show why he deserves to become a professional in 2020.
If you follow the progress of Argyle’s youth team, you might have noticed both the centre backs who helped guide Argyle to the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup - Elliot Crawford and Harry Downing - were released this summer, as well as first-year professional Callum Rose, who enjoyed success on loan at Dorchester. It is likely that Andrew Burn, now a second-year apprentice, was part of the reason behind that decision.
The defender has consistently featured in age groups above his own and, though he has mostly played in the centre of defence in the past year, the lack of other right-backs among the apprentices could see him return to the position that he started in. It was from full back that he played every minute in the 2015 Milk Cup aged just 13, and when he returned the next season he went a step further and captained the side - which included half of this season’s apprentices - despite being one of the youngest of the group. He even finished as the top scorer, with four goals in five games. Having already made his debut for the U18s and the reserve side too, Burdon is better placed than any other 1st year to win himself a contract.
1ST
Year
Oliver
TOMLINSON
CENTRE BACK
A confident, ball carrying defender, Burn made a number of appearances in the Youth Alliance League, Merit League and SWPL despite serious competition form Crawford, Downing, Rose, and Bentley, among others. However, the biggest threat to Burn picking up a professional contract will come below him, as first-year apprentices Tomlinson and Burdon will both be looking to win a contract in 2020, a fact that will be considered when Adams decides who stays and who goes next year.
1ST
Year
Reuben
COLLUM
LEFT BACK
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ARGYLE 2018/19 THE ACADEMY
2ND
Year
Tom
PURRINGTON
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
Last season, he played every minute of Argyle’s FA Youth Cup run despite only being a 1st year and thoroughly impressed in every round. Additionally, he was the only player of his age group to start a match for Argyle in the Central League, was ever present for the U18s, and frequently appeared in the SWPL. Purrington is the highest rated of this current group and it would take something quite extraordinary for him to miss out on a contract next year.
Michael
PECK
Year
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
1
ST
Year
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Joe
SEERY
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
Year
Adam
RANDELL
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
The younger brother of Ben, Tom Purrington is comfortable at the right and centre of defence as well as in midfield and has been a regular feature of the youth team for some time. Having achieved the rare feat of playing every minute of a Milk Cup campaign at the age of 14, Purrington was promoted to the U18s a year early and immediately became a regular starter in the Youth Alliance.
2ND
2ND
1ST
Jude
BOYD
Year
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
2ND
Year
Rio
GARSIDE
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER Possibly the most exciting attacking player of this current crop, Garside is an expansive leftfooter who can play all across the midfield and has a penchant for set-pieces. Hoping to mark his tenth anniversary in the academy with a professional contract, Garside captained the U14 & U15 teams and impressed at the Milk Cup. Beginning the 2015 edition as a substitute, he came off the bench on the opening day to create the winning goal and subsequently started the rest of Argyle’s game that year, all from left-back. The next year Garside was back, this time as an attacking midfielder, scoring one goal and adding four assists - all from set pieces. Since then, he has become a regular at U18 level and regularly demonstrated his ability to score and create goals. All that’s left is for Garside to confirm his best position in the side and reestablish himself as their creative spark for the season ahead.
1ST
Year
Mani
SKETT
WINGER
Now that he has progressed to an apprenticeship, and with Billy Craske departing permanently and Battle looking to do so on loan, Skett should find that his path to more starts with the U18s and reserves is now much clearer. With all these extra minutes, Skett will have the opportunity to showcase his speed and skill on a more regular basis, but also use the experience to add a cutting edge to his game. If fellow winger Aaron Goulty is to miss out on a contract next summer it could well be because of Skett, his main competition.
Year
WINGER
Year
Rubin
WILSON
STRIKER
Like some of the others in this group, Skett has regularly player up an age group during his time in the academy. Having made just two starts at the 2016 Milk Cup aged 14, Argyle saw enough promise in Skett to promote him to the U18s only a few months later, scoring on debut.
2ND
1ST
Aaron
GOULTY
2ND
Year
Klaidi
LOLOS
STRIKER Lolos may have only joined Argyle’s academy last October after being scouted while on trial at Birmingham City, but he quickly made up for lost time and went on to establish himself as the first choice striker for Argyle’s under-18s. A strong forward in the mould of Ryan Taylor, the Greek led the line in what proved to be a mostly successful season for the apprentices. He topped the scoring charts for the young Pilgrims with 14 goals and put in a series of thoroughly impressive performances as Argyle reached the FA Youth Cup. Starting as a lone-striker in a side that played very deep to restrict their more technically skilled opponents, Lolos was able to hold the ball up to relieve pressure or distribute it to on-running attackers. His best performance came against Fulham, as he repeatedly caused them problems on the counter: he opened the scoring in that game and nearly added a second before the category one academy won the tie in extratime. Now entering his second year in the academy, Lolos will look to build on his promising first and push for a professional contract in May.
45
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW THE OPPOSITION
LEAGUE ONE 46
Team Previews 2018/2019
ACCRINGTON STANLEY Manager
Creator
Rarely has a manager ever gained quite such a cult status at any one club as Coleman has built up at Stanley. His first spell at the club saw an excellent three promotions as the Lancashire club rose from the 7th tier to the fourth. Sandwiched by an underwhelming spell at Rochdale, the 55-year-old has overseen Accrington’s most amazing achievement yet, promotion to League One.
Every good finisher is aided by a good playmaker and McConvile is inarguably Kee’s tonic, playing in behind and providing goals and assists. McConville is an example of how perseverance can benefit late bloomers in football. Released by Barrow not long before joining Accrington, he often was on the bench in his early seasons but is now first choice and a target for fellow League One clubs.
JOHN COLEMAN
Key Player
SEAN MCCONVILLE
BILLY KEE
2017/18: 1ST(P)
The progression of Billy Kee from solid, dependable lower-league striker to one of the best players in the bottom two divisions has been startling to behold. His season for Accrington last year was truly phenomenal. Despite only standing at 5”9, he led the line as a target man, interlinking their play to assist 11 goals while netting 26 of his own.
A season that no Accrington fan can or will ever forget. One of the ‘smallest’ sides in League Two, they often begin seasons reeling from the loss of key players - this time it was Shay McCartan to Bradford. However, Accrington once again rallied beyond their means but this time went even further: winning the league in stylish fashion and pushing the boundaries of overachievement even further.
Key Transfer JACKSON
PIERO MINGOIA
KEE
MCCONVILLE
MINGOIA
The little playmaker, who was at the heart of Accrington’s near miss with promotion in 2015/16, now finds himself back at the club and in League One to boot. Able to play in any position behind the striker and an excellent footballing technician, Mingoia will slide straight back into the team and look to strike up a relationship with fellow attackers Kee and McConville.
Target BROWN
CONNEELY
WOOD
RODGERS HUGHES
RICHARDS -EVERTON
MAXTED
SURVIVAL Simple as that. Whilst Accrington were a small fish in League Two, in League One they’re such a small fish as to be only observable under laboratory conditions. His squad lack depth and have once again had to accept the departure of key first team players, but have the quality in their first team to survive. If they can keep their team fit and firing, then they’ll be in business.
47
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
AFC WIMBLEDON
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Rock
Ardley has stood by Wimbledon and vice versa for nearly six years now, making him the third longest serving manager in English professional football, behind Gareth Ainsworth and Jim Bentley. Having saved them from relegation back to the National League in his first year in charge, he led them to promotion to League One in 2016 and restored the club the level it was at prior to its relocation.
Oshilaja scooped all three of Wimbledon’s player of the year awards in 2017/18, capping his most impressive season to date. Like many defenders in this division, the 25 year-old is tough and uncompromising, while providing an aerial threat. He still has many areas of his game to work on, but with another full season in the bank he may become a target for sides with loftier aspirations.
NEAL ARDLEY
DEJI OSHILAJA
Key Player
JOE PIGOTT
2017/18: 18TH
With Taylor departed, it is hard to pick a player who will be as important to their League campaign as he was last year. In a team that will aim to be greater than the sum of their parts, Pigott have an important role as a creative forward, able to link up play and create chances, but also one who can finish when the ball comes his way.
Wimbledon struggled last year, ending all but four match days in the bottom third of the table. In the end, survival was more comfortable that had appeared it would be. Defeat at Fleetwood saw the Dons enter April very much staring down the barrel, but an unbeaten run of six matches followed that saw them secure safety with a game to go and avoid the nervy final-day showdown.
Key Departure PIGOTT
LYLE TAYLOR
APPIAH
BARCHAM
PINNOCK
Wimbledon have made some good signings, but the piece of business that looks set to define their upcoming season more than any other is that of the departure of their dangerman, Lyle Taylor, to Charlton. The Dons struggled to cope without Tom Elliott but could fall back on the prolific Taylor to score that goals that saved them last year - what will they do this time around?
Target WORDSWORTH
TROTTER
PURRINGTON
WATSON
OSHILAJA KING
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NIGHTINGALE
SURVIVAL The summer transfer window has been largely a success at Kingsmeadow, with the incomings balancing potential with experience and excitement with pragmatism. However, while they look a better allround team than last season, with Taylor departing they are likely to find that they are missing the finishing touch. Without goals, they would have to rely heavily on their defence to maintain their League One status.
BARNSLEY Manager
Stopper
The former mining town of Barnsley is not somewhere you would expect to see exotic football, but Stendel takes over from José Morais to become the club’s second foreign manager this year. He has talked of the influence of Jürgen Klopp’s successful ‘gegenpressing’ on his coaching, however, in his only senior job he was sacked by Hannover after less than a year in charge.
Long-serving goalkeeper Davies was a vital part of the Barnsley side that climbed from the base of League One to the outskirts of the Championship within a single calendar year. An outstanding shot-stopper and leader at the back, Davies will be vital for any promotion challenge his side hope to make. Indeed, he may even take over the captain’s armband this season after leading the team in recent friendlies.
DANIEL STENDEL
Key Player
ADAM DAVIES
BRAD POTTS
2017/18: 22ND(R)
Signed last summer from Blackpool, Potts is an attack-minded midfielder who plays predominantly from centre-midfield. Born in the north-east but made in Carlisle - he was one of few to enjoy any success last year and Barnsley have ensured that they retain his services for the upcoming season. Having progressed quickly over the past four years, he will now look to demonstrate himself to be midfielder of Championship quality.
Barnsley had a tumultuous season, with new Chinese owners taking over in December and the loss of manager Paul Heckingbottom to Leeds in February. Morais too his place, but made some odd signings and couldn’t halt the slide in the slightest. This culminated in Bolton beating Nottingham Forest in stoppage time to relegate Barnsley on the final day after their own 4-1 loss to Derby County.
Key Transfer BRADSHAW
KENNY DOUGALL
MOORE
THIAM
ISGROVE
Barnsley’s only first-team signing so far, the Australian holding midfielder joins from Sparta Rotterdam. He played 29 times in the Eredivisie last season and will be eyed as a replacement for Gary Gardner. A defensive midfielder, he will be tasked with turning over possession and quickly feeding the forwards as they attempt to transition defensive positions into quick counter-attacks.
Target DOUGALL
POTTS
PINILLOS
CAVARE
PINNOCK
LINDSAY
DAVIES
PROMOTION While they have lost club captain Andy Yiadom and not been particularly active in the transfer market, Stendel will be expecting his team to compete at the top end of the league. Strikers Tom Bradshaw and Kieffer Moore have a good record at this level and they will be ably supported by arguably the strongest midfield in the division featuring the likes of Potts, George Moncur, Dougall and more.
49
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
BLACKPOOL
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Playmaker
In what must be seen as some form of stability, the Seasiders are preparing to enter a third consecutive season under Bowyer. The 47-yearold’s tenure thus far has been somewhat successful, with a slump down the leagues arrested with promotion from League Two in 201617. How much he can build on that success, and consolidate in League One last year, remains to be seen.
The 27-year-old has had successes at various clubs, most notably Accrington and Fleetwood – winning player of the year in 2016 at the latter – and he is now preparing for his second full year at Bloomfield Road, having been very much a regular last year. Ryan blends the defensive instincts of an old fashioned destroyer with a modern playmaker, regaining the ball then knowing what to do with it.
GARY BOWYER
JIMMY RYAN
Key Player
MARK CULLEN
2017/18: 12TH
Cullen scored the goal which saw Blackpool win promotion back to League One against Exeter City at Wembley in 2017. Unfortunately for him, he endured a largely frustrating year last time around with a hamstring injury limiting him to just nine appearances. However, Bowyer has shown faith in the 26-year-old, and if Cullen can recapture his pre-injury form he can be the key man for his side this year.
12th place, 15 wins, 15 draws, 16 defeats. It’s fair to say Blackpool’s season could not have been more average. Having been promoted the previous year, that is no bad thing – a more obvious consolidation of position I cannot think of. However, a relatively high squad turnover and the continuing off field problems mean Bowyer has a huge challenge to build upon that this year.
Key Transfer CULLEN
RYAN
DELFOUNESO
O’SULLIVAN
BUNNEY
TURTON
JOHN O’SULLIVAN With Sean Longstaff, Blackpool’s secondtop scorer from midfield last season, heading back to Newcastle, the Tangerines are fairly desperate for something more to be offered from the centre of the park. Step forward John O’Sullivan. If Blackpool are to be successful this year, the 24-year-old simply has to offer the goal-threat from midfield that Longstaff managed last year.
Target
SURVIVAL SPEARING ANDERTON NOTTINGHAM HENEGHAN HOWARD
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In all honesty, most Blackpool fans will have their eyes on developments off the field for another year. However, on the pitch, most supporters would find themselves happy with staying in League One. Top scorer from last season Kyle Vassell has departed, along with a whole host of regulars from that campaign. Bowyer will have done successfully if he steers his team to any position above 21st.
BRADFORD CITY Manager
Rock
The Irishman, who shares his name with one of his country’s founding fathers, became the youngest manager in the EFL upon taking the Bradford job in June. Last season, he was playing for Halifax of the National League. To choose such an inexperienced figure as manager is a risk, but Bradford had few avenues to choose from after failing to agree to new terms with Simon Grayson.
After two impressive seasons competing at highest level in Scotland, O’Connor rejected European football for Bradford and was immediately appointed vice-captain. A strong and versatile player, he can play in the centre of defence or screen the back-four from midfield. If he can finally nail down his best position, he should emerge as a leading player in the division and a key man defensively for Bradford.
MICHAEL COLLINS
ANTHONY O’CONNOR
Key Player
MATTHEW KILGALLON 2017/18: 11TH The left-footed centre-back has played Premier League football for three different teams – his experience at a high level shows in Bradford’s back line. He will turn 35 in January, but he can’t lose pace he never had. In a side that is looks like it will be overly attacking, Kilgallon’s abilities and leadership will be important to prevent the defence becoming the soft-underbelly of the team.
Anyone who was at Valley Parade in November to see Bradford batter Argyle and somehow contrive to lose wouldn’t have predicted them to finish below the Greens. Alas, they did. Simon Grayson failed to galvanise the Bantams after he replaced Stuart McCall, who arguably had his side overachieving. McCall’s ousting further damaged relations between the fans and the clubs.
Key Transfer
JACK PAYNE
DOYLE
PAYNE SEEDORF
SCANNELL
Londoner Payne made 23 appearances for David Wagner’s promotion-winning Huddersfield team in 16/17. It’s a surprise that he couldn’t find a Championship club. Perhaps his 5ft5 frame put teams off. A player who is able to score but specialises in creating chances, he has enjoyed great success with Southend, Oxford and Blackburn at this level, and what he lacks in size he redeems in precocious talent.
Target AKPAN
WRIGHT
CHICKSEN
MELLOR
KILGALLON
O’CONNOR
O’DONNELL
MID-TABLE While Bradford have been very active in the transfer market, Charlie Wyke will be hard to replace. Eoin Doyle has arrived, but his best form has come with a strike partner, and without the physical presence of Wyke, he - and Bradford - may struggle. Collins has little experience in coaching, let alone management. Bradford are too good to go down, but it’s hard to see them in the promotion picture yet.
51
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
BRISTOL ROVERS
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Captain
Clarke has, without a doubt, one of the best managerial records in the Football League. Two successive promotions from the National League into League One with a win rate of just under 50% after 4 seasons in charge. Now the manager of an established League 1 side, the 40-year-old’s next big challenge will be to take the club onto the next level and into the Championship.
Over 200 appearances in professional football at the age of 23 speaks for itself. Lockyer counts both as Rovers’ captain and their key defensive rock at the back too. The centre-back was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest over the summer and, considering he is already starting to consistently make the Wales squad, that’s no surprise. An extremely important player for the Gas.
DARRELL CLARKE
Key Player
TOM LOCKYER
LIAM SERCOMBE
2017/18: 13TH
When Billy Bodin left in the middle of last season to move to Preston North End, Rovers lost their most creative player. Step up Liam Sercombe, who has taken on the responsibility at the Memorial Stadium. A technical midfielder with an eye for goal, the 28-year-old bagged 12 in his debut season and will be sure to press on as one of the first names on Clarke’s team sheet.
13th place in League 1 was not bad, although it could have been more, winning only one of their final eleven matches to miss out on the play-offs. Streaky runs of form cost the team dearly, with just 3 wins between mid-October and the start of January and their poor end to the season proving to be nowhere near good enough for a side challenging for promotion.
Key Departure
ELLIS HARRISON
NICHOLS RODMAN
BENNETT
SERCOMBE
UPSON
There is no doubt about the most important player to have left the club. The focal point of the Rovers attack moved to Ipswich this summer for a fee in the region of £750,000. A modern striker, Harrison had the strength, speed, ability and composure to lead the line; he is one of a few players in the side who badly needs to be replaced.
Target
PLAY-OFFS CLARKE HOLMES-DENNIS
LEADBITTER
BROADBENT
LOCKYER
SLOCOMBE
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A replacement for Harrison combined with one of Rovers’ goalkeepers emerging as first choice would mean there is no reason that they cannot challenge for the play-offs. Ed Upson will be an improvement in midfield and Holmes-Dennis replaces the departed Brown at left-back. If the team can avoid the dreadful runs of form that ruined their season over the last year then the play-offs are more than within their grasp.
BURTON ALBION Manager
Finisher
Clough the younger has a long history with the Brewers, stretching back as far as 1998 when he first joined with them languishing in the doldrums of non-league. Burton slowly progressed with Clough at the helm and he departed with them on the verge of the Football League in 2009. He returned for a second spell in 2015, seeing them over the line to the Championship and securing an amazing survival in 2017.
As well as Boyce, Burton will be relying on Lucas Aikins to add goals and assists to the team. He was the top assist maker in League Two in their promotion season of 2014/15 and also showed excellent form in League One. He failed to hit the same heights in the Championship, but offers industry and speed, mostly from the wing.
NIGEL CLOUGH
LUCAS AIKINS
Key Player
LIAM BOYCE
2017/18: 23RD(R)
Boyce is the most important player for Burton yet it is rare we can say that about a player who has played as few games for their club as he has. It was a case of what if for Boyce, who injured himself for most of the season not long after becoming the club’s record signing. When he returned, he improved Burton’s performances and spearheaded their late charge for survival.
There was some sense of inevitability about it for the Brewers, who were punching above their weight and had surely reached their zenith when they arrived in the Championship. A late season rally saw them nearly snatch survival from the jaws of relegation, but they fell ten minutes short as Bolton claimed the Championship’s final spot and Clough’s side are now back in League One.
Key Transfer BOYCE
SCOTT FRASER
SORDELL
SBARRA
AKINS
Whilst Burton’s business has been iffy in some areas, one area of strength is the signing of Fraser from Dundee United. Fraser gained a good reputation in the Scottish Championship and decided to leave the club this summer to try his hand in English football. He brings creativity and dribbling abilities to midfield, but may struggle with the defensive burdens placed upon him in a 4-4-2.
Target FRASER
ALLEN
MCCRORY
BRAYFORD TURNER
BUXTON
BYWATER
TOP-HALF Things have been far from plain sailing for Burton so far this pre-season. Losing Tom Naylor to Portsmouth has been a major blow and a relatively quiet summer has left them with a thin squad. Their pre-season has bordered on disastrous, but - whilst a guide - should not be looked too deeply into and their culture of overachievement should leave them as candidates for a top half finish.
53
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Rock
Still officially a caretaker, Bowyer started his management career at the club he began his playing career with following Karl Robinson’s departure in March. He won six of his 12 games in charge which helped propel The Addicks into the play-off places, playing a high intensity style. This tired his players out over a short spell, so he will need to adapt his plans accordingly for a full-season.
Pearce missed much of last season through injury but on his day, the no-nonsense defender is one of League One’s best and his partnership with Patrick Bauer could well prove vital to Charlton’s promotion chances. The London side lost just six times in the former Leeds man’s 25 appearances, conceded just 26 goals whilst he was on the pitch. The 30-year-old adds vital experience to a relatively young Addicks side.
LEE BOWYER
JASON PEARCE
Key Player
TARIQE FOSU
2017/18: 6TH
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder excelled during his first season at the Valley, registering a very respectable 13 goals and assists in just 30 appearances. With plenty of time to develop further, his perfect hat-trick against Fleetwood is a example of the threat he poses. Bursting with pace and great dribbling skills, there’s no doubt Fosu will once again prove to be a nightmare for League One defences.
Lee Bowyer took caretaker charge in March, five points from the play-offs, to head their assault on the top-six. Impressive victories against Plymouth, Rotherham, Shrewsbury, Portsmouth and Blackburn saw them achieve this, but back-to-back 1-0 defeats in the play-offs at the hands of Shrewsbury killed any hope of returning to the Championship.
Key Transfer AJOSE
LYLE TAYLOR
TAYLOR FOSU
ARIBO
REEVES
Taylor was highly sought after once his contract expired at Wimbledon. His 24 goals over the past two seasons in a struggling side showed promise after stepping up from League Two with the Dons. Now set to lead the line, and with the likes of Fosu and Jake ForsterCaskey in midfield to supply the 28-year-old, he is likely to have a fruitful season in London.
Target
PLAY-OFFS FORSTER-CASKEY PAGE
SOLLY BAUER
PEARCE
PHILLIPS
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After play-off defeat, Charlton lost important permanent and loan players from last season’s squad, Ahmed Kashi, Jay Dasilva and Ben Amos among them. They have held onto Bauer and Fosu amid Championship interest, and recruited Lyle Taylor from under Sunderland’s noses, but they find themselves woefully lacking depth in their squad. If Bowyer presses them as hard as last season, they’ll start fast but run out of steam by winter.
COVENTRY CITY Manager
Captain
Robins earned promotion back to League One with Coventry at the first attempt after rejoining for his second spell as Sky Blues manager. The former Huddersfield boss oversaw his side’s 3-1 victory over Exeter City at Wembley after they finished sixth in League Two last season. Previous experience at this and Championship level should leave the 48-year-old in good stead for the upcoming season.
The veteran of the squad, Doyle has been a fantastic lower league player for over half-adecade now. The Irishman still has the legs to compete and doubles up as both a tough-tackling, no-nonsense shield in front of the defence, and a composed dictator of the play from the base of midfield. Nine yellow cards spark worries of suspension but for what he brings to the side it’s well worth it.
MARK ROBINS
MICHAEL DOYLE
Key Player
ABU OGOGO
2017/18: 6TH(P)
The former Shrewsbury captain turned down the offer of a new contract at last season’s playoff finalists in favour of joining the Sky Blues on a three-year deal. The 28-year-old will provide vital experience having clocked up over 300 Football League appearances and looks likely to partner captain Michael Doyle in central midfield. His tireless running enables others to enjoy the space they need to impact the game.
A seesaw season saw Coventry’s form sway wildly from unbeatable to pushovers, but they eventually got into the play-offs. From there they kicked on. A 5-2 aggregate scoreline saw off Notts County - with the aid of several questionable refereeing decisions - before another convincing win at Wembley in the final, defeating Exeter City 3-1 to inflict their second consecutive play-off final defeat.
Key Transfer
JUNIOR BROWN
BIAMOU
ANDREU SHIPLEY
ALLASSANI
The 29-year-old arrives as part of a shakeup to the left-side of Coventry’s defence. Making the switch to the Ricoh along with Ogogo, Brown brings experience, attacking instincts and quality to a position that was never settled last year. Unfortunate to miss much of last season with injury after a strong start, Brown represents an upgrade to the Sky Blue’s team as one of a number of positive signings.
Target DOYLE
OGOGO
BROWN
GRIMMER HYAM
WILLIS
BURGE
MID-TABLE After a rollercoaster few seasons for Coventry it would be safe to suggest that both club and fans alike would settle for a season of stability. The loss of 25-goal Marc McNulty to Championship side Reading will have been a huge blow, but with depth and experience in all areas of the squad they should have enough to comfortably stay up, if not mastermind another play-off challenge.
55
LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
DONCASTER ROVERS
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Finisher
Whilst the prospect of referees being shot dwindled, when Darren Ferguson departed at the end of last season Rovers acted swiftly to appoint McCann. Peterborough dispensed with McCann in February after he was unable to continue an excellent start to the season, but could be a superb match for Rovers as they look to build upon Ferguson’s foundations, particularly with the favoured style of possession-based football.
Marquis appeared to embark on a tour of the country throughout the early part of his career before a permanent move to Doncaster gave it the kick-start it needed. One promotion and 40 league goals later, Marquis has hit the ground running at an alarming rate. Rovers may have options up front this season, but players will be competing to play alongside, rather than instead of, Marquis.
GRANT MCCANN
JOHN MARQUIS
Key Player
JAMES COPPINGER
2017/18: 15TH
He’ll be 38 in January, but Coppinger remains as key to Rovers’ chances as he has been since his arrival at the Keepmoat back in 2004. As a player who relies on skill rather than pace, there is nothing to say Coppinger cannot continue to be his side’s main man for many years to come. With him on the field, Rovers are a much more complete unit, and the continuity of his experience will be vital with a new man in the dugout.
Rovers never found themselves in the promotion places, play-off places or the relegation zone last season. It was ultimately a stop-start year, with some encouraging form during the Christmas period immediately followed by a run of eight games without a win. Lower midtable was the result of a very average season. Entertaining? No, but something to build on.
Key Transfer
ALI CRAWFORD
MARQUIS ROWE
WILKS
COPPINGER
CRAWFORD
Crawford arrives at the Keepmoat following several successful years at Hamilton that attracted interest from the likes of Rangers. Capable of playing on the flanks but best as a 10, Crawford was his side’s chief attacking player for the past few seasons as the relative minnows established themselves in Scotland’s top flight. Doncaster have a real player on their hands here.
Target
TOP-HALF WHITEMAN ANDREW
MASON BUTLER
WRIGHT
LAWLOR
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McCann believes he can get Rovers promoted in the next two seasons. If he can ensure the transition from Ferguson’s management to his is as seamless as possible, he may well be correct, but his two-year goal suggests there is still more consolidation to be done this term. A play-off challenge and an eventual top half finish would be considered a successful year.
FLEETWOOD TOWN Manager
Stopper
Possibly the truest enigma in any League One dugout this season. Barton’s fiery 15-year playing career came to a premature end in 2017 after betting-related charges. Now, the hotheaded Liverpudlian aims to make a name for himself all over again. Regularly outspoken, Barton has strong views on the game, and if he can get those across to his players, Fleetwood may have pulled off a masterstroke.
Another whose form picked up during the latter stages of last season, Cairns will be hoping this year is the one in which he truly bursts onto the scene. He has been quietly improving since joining the club, and after being first choice for more than two years Cairns has the platform to emerge as one of the division’s best ‘keepers.
JOEY BARTON
ALEX CAIRNS
Key Player
KYLE DEMPSEY
2017/18: 14TH
A near ever-present for the Cod Army last season, Dempsey truly came into his own in the second-half of the year under John Sheridan, as a slightly deeper set-up allowed for improved performances from him, coinciding in an upturn in results. Experienced in the Championship with Huddersfield Town, the key for Dempsey and Fleetwood now is seeing a repeat of those performances this year.
Make no bones about it, Fleetwood were in trouble for a while, and taking the decision to replace Uwe Rosler with Sheridan in February may have saved their League One status. Taking over a club in freefall, Sheridan did what he did best, steering his side to mid-table safety, seven points clear of the relegation zone, and allowed the club another shot at this level.
Key Transfer
LEWIE COYLE
MADDEN MCALENY
HUNTER
GRANT
SOWERBY
Is this cheating? Perhaps. But Coyle’s return for another spell on loan could absolutely be key to Fleetwood’s campaign. Last season’s players’ player of the year, Coyle has been popular with players, staff and fans alike, with John Sheridan considering him as an example for other players to follow. Town will be desperate to get him fit and ready for 201819.
Target
TOP-HALF DEMPSEY CLARKE
COYLE BOLGER
EASTHAM
CAIRNS
Those within the Fleetwood hierarchy and fan-base know they are never likely to be considered a big club, but there is no reason to believe the success found in significant financial backing is going to stop. Those in control of the club will have the Championship as a goal, but after fears of regression last term, some stability and small progress would probably be acceptable from Barton’s first season.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
GILLINGHAM
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Captain
For a period last season, it appeared Gillingham were doomed. Still reeling from Bradley Dack’s departure, the club found itself parked in the bottom four. Lovell was placed in temporary charge in October, appointed full-time in November, and ended up steering his side well clear of the bottom four. He’s certainly earned his chance to take that momentum from last season into this campaign.
Well-travelled Congolese defender Zakuani makes up another part of that relatively successful Gills defence, and impressed last season to the extent that he has been named captain of the side for the forthcoming year. At 32, and with over 400 appearances to his name, Zakuani clearly has the experience to succeed at this level, and with the armband will be expected to lead the club forward in 2018-19.
STEVE LOVELL
Key Player
GABRIEL ZAKUANI
MAX EHMER
2017/18: 17TH
Now entering his fifth season with the Gills, German defender Ehmer was ever-present last season. He’d been around the block a little in the early part of his career before settling at Priestfield in 2014. Despite their struggles, only seven sides conceded fewer goals in League One last season than Gillingham, painting the defence, of which Ehmer was a key part, in a fine light.
After an awful start, Lovell managed to take his side clear of the drop, flirt with the play-offs temporarily, before dropping back to end the season in the lower reaches of midtable. Now, with the manager preparing for his first full season at the helm, he has a big job on his hands to ensure that Gillingham avoid experiencing a run-in with the relegation zone again.
Key Transfer PARKER
EAVES
BYRNE
PARRETT
GARMSTON
CHARLES-COOK
BRANDON HANLAN “He’s tall, he’s strong and he’s a good finisher” – those were the words of Steve Lovell when he picked up the 21-year-old striker. With the defence secure, it is in attack where Gillingham’s success will be decided, and in Hanlan they have secured an exciting talent. Whether he grabs the goals or keeps the current crop on their toes, Hanlan may be just the man Gills need in their squad.
Target
TOP-HALF O’NEIL LACEY
ZAKUANI EHMER HOLY
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Gillingham aren’t exactly fancied this season, and there is a feeling in some quarters that Lovell and his team are set to experience a downturn during the coming campaign. But with a solid back line, they will fancy their chances, and there’s every reason to suggest they can end the season safe and with nothing to play for once more.
LUTON TOWN Manager
Stopper
Nathan Jones is still quite new to management having only been appointed in his first role, as Luton boss, in 2016. The Welshman was accused of underachieving in his first couple of seasons in charge and despite guiding Luton to promotion last season there are still some who doubt Jones’ managerial abilities. While the 45-year-old has been backed financially, a big budget doesn’t guarantee success.
Goalkeeper Marek Stech kept 17 clean sheets for Luton last season, playing a vital role in their promotion campaign. The 28-year-old should have no problem handling the step up this season, having excelled at this level for Yeovil a few years back. If the Hatters are to do well this season, they will rely on Stech to reach those levels once again.
NATHAN JONES
Key Player
MAREK STECH
JAMES COLLINS
2017/18: 2ND(P)
Striker Danny Hylton received a lot of credit for the role he played in Luton’s promotion last season, but his strike partner James Collins was involved in more goals, despite being on the scoresheet less. Collins’ played a direct part in 30 of Luton’s goals last season, three more than Hylton, and the Hatters will hope their partnership can be just as fruitful this campaign.
Luton came into the season as title favourites, and their odds only shortened when they beat Yeovil 8-2 on the opening day. The Hatters spent almost the entire season in the top three and never really looked like missing out, minus a bad run at the start of September. Though they didn’t go on to win the league, they did enough, finishing eight points clear of fourth.
Key Transfer COLLINS
SONNY BRADLEY
HYLTON
SHINNIE
GRANT
MPANZU
While all of Luton’s business has been good this summer, there are two signings that really stand out. Jorge Grant adds a new dimension to the Hatters already strong attack, while Sonny Bradley adds quality and height at the back. It was difficult to pick between the two with no real weak link in Luton’s side last season, but Bradley’s aerial threat pushes him ahead.
Target
PLAY-OFFS MCCORMACK POTTS
STACEY SHEEHAN
BRADLEY
STECH
Many Luton fans would probably be happy to see their team pushing for the top half this season, but they should really be pushing for a play-off spot. Despite finishing 2nd, Luton’s budget had allowed them to build a League One quality squad last season, and though they have made relatively few signings this year, they have been of good quality, priming them for a promotion challenge.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
OXFORD UNITED
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Creator
Robinson made a name for himself as a young manager who encourages a possession based, attacking style of football. His MK Dons side may have been well backed in the 2014/15 transfer market, but they were unstoppable for much of the season and scored more than 100 league goals in the process. Though he failed at Charlton, with a clean slate and financial backing he could make up for that at the Kassam.
Henry arrived to much promise last season, but underperformed in the first half of the season when starting from wide positions. However, once he was relocated to centre-attacking-midfield in the second half of the season he flourished: in a predominantly possession-based side, he was the pivot between midfield and attack, creating chances and scoring frequently. Robinson will rely on him to turn possession into goals.
KARL ROBINSON
Key Player
JAMES HENRY
CURTIS NELSON
2017/18: 16TH
Nelson was a big miss for Oxford last season, with injury forcing him to miss more than half of their league campaign. In his absence, the U’s defence was regularly found lacking. A strong, fast and intelligent footballer, Nelson can make his team a tougher side to score against, and help improve the young Rob Dickie by providing the leadership that was sorely lacking.
It wasn’t their ability to score goals that kept caused their downfall, it was their inability to prevent them. Lacking leadership and organisation, they were too easy to score against, despite being one of the sides that were easier on the eye. Criminally, it took two months to replace Clotet after he was sacked in January, almost dragging them into a relegation scrap.
Key Transfer
LUKE GARBUTT
OBIKA HENRY CARRUTHERS
HALL
What a coup for Oxford. Garbutt’s career may have stalled in recent years but his ability should surely have made him a player out of their league - quite literally. Oxford have a good record with players from Everton and Garbutt - who is known to bomb forward and defend resolutely - should be no different. If he doesn’t make the team of the season, then he has underperformed.
Target RUFFELS
BRANNAGAN
GARBUTT
MCMAHON DICKIE
NELSON
EASTWOOD
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MID-TABLE Oxford have made some impressive signings but their squad still looks unbalanced and lacks depth. With a good first team they should start strong but as the season progresses they may find their style of play becomes predictable and pedestrian, while injuries and suspension take their course. Like last season, they’ll score lots but run the risk of conceding more.
PETERBOROUGH UNITED Manager
Captain
Alleged serial-promotion winner Evans took over at the club in March but failed in his objective to win promotion. After dispensing with the club’s philosophy of recent seasons and spending heavily on more experienced players, he will need to start fast, or he will soon find himself under threat of the sack. He certainly talks a big game but will need to deliver this season no matter what.
Tafazolli took over as captain after the departure of Jack Baldwin this summer and will look to build on his growing reputation that saw interest from Championship clubs in each of the past two transfer windows. The giant centreback is an imposing figure and will be a threat from set-pieces from what is expected to be a direct style of play.
STEVE EVANS
RYAN TAFAZOLLI
Key Player
ALEX WOODYARD
2017/18: 9TH
Woodyard arrives highly rated from Lincoln City and will attempt to marry the passing abilities of Chris Forrester with the work ethic of Anthony Grant as Evans attempts to build his 4-4-2 formation. Finding the right balance will be crucial to make this work and, though the pressure will be on, if Woodyard can get it right then Peterborough may be onto a winner.
The cub finished outside the play-offs despite occupying sixth spot as late as April. In the end, a late season slump saw them fall away and finish three places below Charlton. Despite starting fast, the Posh failed to really strike form from December onwards, and eventually paid for this. Evans’ appointment certainly didn’t have the desired effect, and he’ll have to do better this time around.
Key Transfer CUMMINGS
MATT GODDEN
GODDEN
DEMBELE
COOPER
With last season’s golden boot winner departing, the onus will be on the prolific Godden to find the same vein of form that saw him net 20 league goals in 2016/17. He made the transition from to professional football seamlessly but might struggle to replicate that this time, especially if he’s played alongside another finisher like Jason Cummings instead of a more creative forward.
Target REED
WOODYARD
DANIEL
NAISMITH
TAFAZOLLI
BENNETT
CHAPMAN
PLAY-OFFS Peterborough appear to have had a strong transfer window but reaching the play-offs will still represent a successful season for a side that is now a regular League One fixture. Despite their healthy resources, they have failed to finish in the top six since 2014 and it will not be easy for them to compensate for the loss of star player Jack Marriott.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
PORTSMOUTH
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Rock
As an experienced League One promotion winner - having achieved the feat with Millwall and Wolves - Jackett was welcomed at Fratton Park as a pragmatic alternative to Paul Cook. However, he did not exactly inspire confidence at all points in his first season at Portsmouth, and probably underachieved given the ability in his squad, budget to hand and context of the league. He must do better this time.
It’s often hard to remember that Clarke is just 21 years old. Having dropped down from Championship Ipswich in search of first team football, he has already made over 100 appearances for Portsmouth, winning player of the year for 2017/18. Since his permanent switch in 2016, he has only continued to improve, taking on the captain’s armband on occasion and becoming one of the best centre-backs in the lower leagues.
KENNY JACKETT
Key Player
MATT CLARKE
BRETT PITMAN
2017/18: 8TH
Indisputably one of the best strikers in League One, Pitman is one of the finest talents the Channel Islands have produced in recent years. With a staggering 24 goals last season, the forward was virtually irreplaceable for Pompey as so much of their attacking play was directed with him as the focal point. Excellent movement met with clinical finishing makes him the player to stop this season.
On one hand, it’s hard to call their season a failure. For a newly promoted side to come 8th in the league, you can never be too critical. However, promoted as they were, Pompey were a side with a squad and spending power enough to finish in the top 6. That said, they were on target to achieve that but a failure to bring in midfield reinforcement in January eventually cost them dearly.
Key Transfer
TOM NAYLOR
PITMAN DENNIS
CURTIS
LOWE
Naylor was one of the few bright lights of Burton’s relegation from the Championship last season, leading the Brewers to reportedly offer to make him their highest paid player ever. He rejected the chance to stay in his native midlands however in favour of a move to the South Coast. As well as quality, Naylor offers versatility - he’s the kind of player you want over a 46 game season.
Target ROSE
NAYLOR
BROWN
THOMPSON CLARKE
WHATMOUGH
MCGEE
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PROMOTION Pompey have once again added well to the squad, using their financial muscle to move on some to be replaced by better quality alternatives. Their pre-season performances have been strong and they have added reinforcements into important areas of the squad to prevent a few injuries derailing them. Though they still depend on Pitman for goals, there should be no excuses for missing out on the play-offs this time around.
ROCHDALE Manager
Playmaker
Having managed Rochdale for ten of his twelve years of management, Hill is now part of the furniture at Spotland. The manager responsible for two of Rochdale’s three promotions, he initially bred a culture of attacking football but that has stagnated recently. Rochdale still try to play the right way, but it yielded fewer points last season and the squad looks weaker now than then.
The playmaker of the side, Camps has been a regular fixture for Rochdale over the past three seasons. Playing from the centre of midfield, Camps uses his movement and vision to create openings for players further forward. Though he was not involved in as many goals as the season before, Camps continued to represent a creative presence from midfield and even took the captain’s armband at the end of the season.
KEITH HILL
CALLUM CAMPS
Key Player
IAN HENDERSON
2017/18: 20TH
Henderson has been Rochdale’s top scorer in each of the last four seasons, showing a consistent ability to put away the chances that his teammates create for him. His intelligent movement off the ball has always helped him find space to shoot, so his aging legs shouldn’t slow him down, but as the team regresses around him he may find chances coming less frequently.
Rochdale enjoyed the proverbial fairytale end to a season that all fans wish for. Joe Thompson, having recovered from cancer for the second time in his career, came off the bench to score the goal that kept them up in their final game of the season. The team had struggled against relegation all year, finishing every matchday in the bottom third of the table, but survived.
Key Transfer
BRAD INMAN
ANDREW HENDERSON
INMAN
DONE
RAFFERTY
PERKINS
CAMPS
MCGAHEY DELANEY MCNULTY LILIS
Inman rejoined Rochdale on a permanent contract this season after spending the last season on loan, scoring eight goals and providing eleven assists. After recapturing the form that initially made him hot property in League One, Hill was able to negotiate a deal to see the midfielder-cum-winger released from his contract at Peterborough and sign permanently at Spotland.
Target
SURVIAL It took final day drama to rescue Rochdale from relegation to League Two, but they may not be so fortunate this time around. The squad still appears to lack quality and depth in a number of positions and Henderson’s prowess in front of goal may not be enough to save them. A midtable finish would be a good result, but their time in League One might have reached its end.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
SCUNTHORPE UNITED
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Creator
After over a decade in coaching, and two caretaker spells, Daws has finally been given a permanent crack at a managerial position. Last season, he stepped in to manage the side after the firing of Graham Alexander and guided them into the play-offs, exciting fans by fitting all of the Iron’s attacking players into one coherent side. Now, has earned the chance to prove himself in management.
Attacking-midfielder Holmes enjoyed his best season to date in 2017/18. With nine goals and six assists, he took over from Josh Morris as the creative hub of the team. Dangerous with the ball at his feet, his greatest strength lies with his mazy dribbling abilities, while his final pass is improving year on year. Championship clubs are already interested, and another season of progress will do nothing to prevent that.
NICK DAWS
DUANE HOLMES
Key Player
FUNSO OJO
2017/18: 5TH
While the Premier League is awash with his compatriots, Ojo is the only Belgian player in League One. He is a cultured midfielder who cut his teeth in the Eredivisie, making 60 appearances for Willem II before joining Scunthorpe. Ojo bares none of the pretentions that may have manifested from his upbringing in a technical league. He is happy to break up play and lay the ball off with precise, quiet efficiency.
After a fast start, Scunthorpe’s season looked to be tailing off before the sacking of Graham Alexander in March. Caretaker Nick Daws galvanised the side, edging out Argyle to a play-off place with an important home victory in April over the Greens. However, after drawing the first leg 2-2, they were to lose on the short jaunt to Rotherham in the semi-final second leg.
Key Transfer
CAMERON BORTHWICK-JACKSON
OLOMOLA HOLMES MORRIS
HUMPHRYS
Remember when he was the next big thing? He impressed as Louis van Gaal’s teenage leftback but has stagnated since. A replacement for the departed Conor Townsend, CBJ will have plenty of opportunities to get his career back on track after difficult spells at Wolves and Leeds. Tall and athletic, he has the physical attributes but needs to improve his footballing intelligence to succeed.
Target OJO
YATES
BORTHWICK -JACKSON BURGESS
CLARKE MCARDLE
GILKS
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TOP-HALF Scunthorpe have been knocking on the door of the Championship for a few seasons now, regularly finding a way to improve their squad and sustain a promotion battle. However, after losing a raft of key players and lacking depth, inexperienced manager Daws has his work cut out for him if he is to sustain a charge for promotion. They could still mount a challenge, but a top half finish is far more likely.
SHREWSBURY TOWN Manager
Rock
Taking over from the hugely overachieving Paul Hurst is Askey, who performed similar heroics with Macclesfield last season on allegedly one of the smallest budgets in the National League. Like Hurst, Askey arrives with a firm knowledge of the most talented players outside the EFL and will use that to recruit skillfully into a Shrewsbury side needing reinforcements.
A relatively obscure signing when he arrived in January 2017, but boy did he have a good season last year. He was the proverbial rock at the back, throwing any part of his body at the ball to keep it out of the net. His performance levels were so consistently high that he received interest from Championship sides in each of the last two transfer windows.
JOHN ASKEY
TOTO NSIALA
Key Player
JON NOLAN
2017/18: 3RD
The glaring omission from last season’s final three for the Player of the Year award, only Bradley Dack and Jack Marriott could legitimately claim to have outperformed Nolan over the course of the season. The ginger midfielder was the beating heart of the side: he set the tempo, created chances, make tackles, scored goals and led through example. Shrewsbury are desperate to keep him.
Salop flew out of the gates last season, going unbeaten until late October. However, a wobble set in soon after and they just couldn’t quite keep up the pace as the Blackburn juggernaut eventually overtook them in February. Though they finished with enough points to get them promoted in the last two seasons, they had to settle for the play-offs. They defeated Charlton over two legs but lost to Rotherham.
Key Departure PAYNE
HOLLOWAY
OKENABIRHIE
WHALLEY
DEAN HENDERSON Let’s be honest, this could have been one of a number of players, but goalkeeper Henderson was magnificent for Shrewsbury last year and remains the most obvious player who has not been replaced in the side. Steve Arnold and Joel Coleman have been brought on to replace him, but it will take something special from one of them to make up for his sometimes heroic performances.
Target MORRIS
NOLAN
HAYNES
BOLTON BECKLES
NSIALA
COLEMAN
MID-TABLE The consensus throughout League One this season is that they surely can’t do it again. Askey was a good appointment but he has lost a lot of first-team players, especially key loanees Dean Henderson and Ben Godfrey. With a new manager, new formation and significant surgery to the team, they should finish comfortably mid-table at the very least, but the prospect of a relegation battle does remain.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
SOUTHEND UNITED
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Stopper
In an interview with The Guardian, Powell said his favourite musician of all time was Prince. He must have been partying like it was 1999 after he won half of his first 18 games in charge. The eloquent Powell has an impressive managerial record and has won promotion from this division before, leading Charlton to a whopping 101 points in 2011/12 before stabilising them in the Championship.
Oxley had big gloves to fill after replacing talented stopper Daniel Bentley two years ago, yet he was voted Southend’s player of the season last year – a testament to his consistency between the sticks. After being linked with a move to Millwall, he signed a new three-year contract this summer, with Chairman Ron Martin describing it as “the best [contract offer] a goalkeeper will receive in League One”.
CHRIS POWELL
Key Player
MARK OXLEY
SIMON COX
2017/18: 10TH
It has been ten years since Cox notched 29 goals for Swindon that earned him a move to West Brom, and now entering his third season with Southend he is continuing to show what a complete forward he is. The best finisher in their team, he is also strong enough to play as a target man but best alongside a stronger forward who can allow him to show off his creative abilities and knit play together.
The first half of the Shrimpers’ season was defined by chaos. Troublemaker Nile Ranger was effective when on the pitch but was sacked in January following “reoccurring disciplinary issues”. Two weeks later, his biggest defender Phil Brown was also out the door. Chris Powell joined with Southend just two points above the relegation zone, but skilfully steered them to a top-half finish.
Key Transfer
TOM HOPPER
HOPPER COX KIGHTLY
MCLAUGHLIN
Three years after leaving Leicester in ignominious circumstances, Hopper finds himself on the Essex coast. While he failed to notch double figures in any of his three seasons at Scunthorpe, the tall striker was praised for his target-man play and work ethic. Many Scunthorpe fans were sad to see him leave. He should be a capable foil for the clever finisher Cox and pacey Theo Robinson.
Target MANTOM
DIENG
COKER
DEMETRIOU WHITE
TURNER
OXLEY
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TOP-HALF Southend have signed cleverly, bringing in players with plenty of experience at this level. Target man Tom Hopper, playmaker Sam Mantom and holding midfielder Luke Hyam are all effective players in the prime of their careers. Southend’s form since Powell took over would have been enough to see them make the playoffs over the course of a season. They’ve improved their squad and they should be challenging at the top end of the division.
SUNDERLAND Manager
Stopper
The 2017/18 PFA Scotland Manager of the Year made the switch from Paisley to Wearside this summer after Chris Coleman’s surprise departure. Coleman still had the backing of many Sunderland fans, but was sacked as Ellis Short left a clean slate for the new owner. Ross led St Mirren to the Scottish Championship title in his first full season in charge and will be tasked with achieving similar this season.
A position that Sunderland have needed to strengthen for a long time, Jon McLaughlin is an experienced goalkeeper who has shown he is far above this level. McLaughlin’s record for keeping clean sheets speaks for itself. Last season he managed 13 clean sheets in 29 Scottish Premiership games for a side who finished sixth. His form didn’t go unnoticed, with McLaughlin awarded his first Scotland cap in March.
JACK ROSS
JON MCLAUGHLIN
Key Player
LYNDEN GOOCH
2017/18: 24TH (R)
Gooch had been threatening to break into the Sunderland first team for a long time before being given a proper run in the side, but when he was afforded the chance he rarely disappointed. Gooch ended the last campaign in fine form, causing problems for Championship defenders on a weekly basis and if he can find that form again this season there won’t be many better players in League One.
Last season couldn’t have gone much worse for Sunderland. A slow start under Simon Grayson saw him replaced before Christmas by Coleman. The football and points return improved under the Welshman, but the game management was poor. There are many places Sunderland fans can point the finger, but too many points were lost from winning positions which is why Sunderland now find themselves in League One.
Key Transfer
DYLAN MCGEOUCH
WYKE SINCLAIR
GOOCH
HONEYMAN
O’NEIN
The best transfer in League One: it really is as simple as that. Ask anyone who watched the SPL last season and they’ll tell you that he should have been playing in the Championship, if not at Celtic, Rangers or possibly even the Premier League. An incredibly composed deep-lying-playmaker, McGeouch will run Sunderland’s midfield this season, protecting the defence and instigating attacks.
Target
PROMOTION MCGEOUCH JAMES
MATTHEWS LOOVENS
BALDWIN
MCLAUGHLIN
Sunderland should be looking for promotion, whether that’s winning the title, finishing runners up or winning the play-offs. Ross has assembled a decent squad, while getting rid of a lot of expensive deadwood. It may take a while for the Black Cats to get going, especially given the amount of change at the club this summer, but anything other than promotion should be considered a failure.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW
WALSALL
THE OPPOSITION
Manager
Captain
With the Saddlers struggling last season and the fanbase divided, Walsall appointed club legend Dean Keates as manager. Keates doesn’t have a great deal of managerial experience, having only been appointed in his first role as Wrexham manager in October 2016. However, he took over with the Welsh side a mid-table outfit but left them as a play-off chasing team with one of the best defences in the division.
Most of Walsall’s squad weren’t even teenagers when Walsall last played at a higher level, but Chambers had already featured in the Premier League for West Brom, and though he didn’t play in their 4-1 defeat to Walsall on the opening day of 2003/04 Championship season, he is probably one of few who remember it. Chambers’ experience, composure and leadership could prove crucial in what is otherwise a very young side this season.
DEAN KEATES
ADAM CHAMBERS
Key Player
ZELI ISMAIL
2017/18: 19TH
Having lost the creativity of Erhun Oztumer this summer, Zeli Ismail’s return should help to soften the blow. While he brings a spark in a different area of the pitch, he is certainly someone who can make an impact and cause problems for teams. With Andy Cook to feed off and provide for, Ismail should flourish this season if given the freedom to play how he wants to.
Walsall spent almost the entire season in the bottom half, but never really looked in danger until January. Even then, a four game unbeaten run in February pulled them away from the relegation zone. A couple of defeats later, and with a toxic atmosphere surrounding the club, Jon Whitney was sacked and replaced with Keates who guided the club to safety despite only winning two of his nine games.
Key Transfer
ANDY COOK
COOK GINNELLY
ISMAIL
EDWARDS
DOBSON
Oztumer’s impact was vital for Walsall over the last two seasons, but while his departure was a blow, they have recruited something they’ve been missing since Tom Bradshaw departed in 2016. In Andy Cook, Walsall have a striker with a track record of scoring goals. Admittedly, Cook’s exploits have been in nonleague, but he should be able to make the step up if he gets the service required.
Target
SURVIVAL CHAMBERS LEAHY
DEVLIN GUTHRIE
FITZWATER
ROBERTS
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Given their transfers, it is difficult to see Walsall challenging for a place in the top half. The Saddlers have some good attacking players but look very light at the back going in to the opening game. Keates’ Wrexham side last season were very organised and were difficult to beat, but he currently doesn’t have the personnel available to repeat that. Walsall will struggle without more signings.
WYCOMBE WANDERERS Manager
Engine
The charismatic Northerner, adopted by the Wycombe faithful, may not be on the Christmas card list of many Argyle fans but there can be no denying the quality of the job that the he has done at Wycombe. Now the second longest serving manager in the Football League, his abrasive persona and agricultural style may not win many friends but it does get results on a low budget.
Another product of Southampton’s excellent youth system, Gape has thrived in the lower leagues with Wycombe since dropping down from the Premier League side. A solid defensive minded midfielder, Gape will never be the man who has oodles of assists - indeed, he has only scored once in professional football - but he is the man who allows other players to thrive, while being comfortable in possession himself.
GARETH AINSWORTH
DOMINIC GAPE
Key Player
ADEBAYO AKINFENWA 2017/18: 3RD(P) A player who will haunt the memories of most Argyle fans, Akinfenwa has been a pivotal part of Wycombe’s recent success. Such a direct side as Wycombe inevitably use physicality and the big striker offers that in bucketloads, as well as plenty of goals. Without him, their struggles were well documented - if League One sides can find a way to neuter him, Wycombe will be in big trouble.
After a few years punching respectably around the edge of the play-offs, there was a question of whether Gareth Ainsworth had taken them as far as he could. Some astute business was done; some deadwood shedded and after an underwhelming start, the Buckinghamshire side got the automatic promotion needed to return to League One for the first time since 2011.
Key Transfer
DARIUS CHARLES
AKINFENWA COWAN-HALL
KASHKET
BEAN
SAUNDERS
A consistently solid and no-nonsense defender who had built a reputation as being part of a tight AFC Wimbledon defence, Charles is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch when it comes to Wycombe’s summer signings. Wycombe will be aiming to stay up on the basis of their defensive acumen and they have weakened a relegation threatened opponent in the process.
Target
SURVIAL
GAPE JACOBSON
HARRIMAN
EL-ABD
CHARLES
ALLSOP
Realistically, survival has to be the target. There are some indications that they could be hopeful of better. They have had only one significant loss from the side that got them into League One and have managed to poach Darius Charles from Wimbledon, impressive for a side without a particularly large budget. However, the lack of natural talent in their squad is still an issue and most fans would take 20th now.
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LEAGUE 1 PREVIEW PREDICTIONS
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1.
Sunderland
2.
Barnsley
3.
Portsmouth
4.
Luton
5.
Peterborough
6.
Charlton
7.
Bristol Rovers
8.
Southend
9.
ARGYLE
10.
Burton
11.
Gillingham
12.
Doncaster
13.
Fleetwood
14.
Scunthorpe
15.
Coventry
16.
Oxford
17.
Shrewsbury
18.
Bradford
19.
Blackpool
20.
Accrington
21.
Walsall
22.
Rochdale
23.
Wycombe
24.
Wimbledon
PREDICTIONS Though we expect Portsmouth to run them close, our money is on the superior resources at Sunderland and Barnsley to carry those sides to promotion. We fancy Sunderland will win the title following the high-profile signings of Dylan McGeouch and Jon McLaughlin, combined with a series of sensible, sustainable purchases. Luton achieved promotion from League Two last season with a team that would have had a good run at the play-offs in League One itself. As they have only gone on to strengthen their first-team and squad this season, we expect that they will finish in a play-off position. Peterborough have changed their transfer strategy and bought into Steve Evans’ philosophy. If Evans can put the pieces together - and pre-season suggests he will then they should have a good run at promotion, but likely won’t finish in the top-two. Charlton have a superb first XI, but lack squad depth. Their success this season depends wholly on whether or not they can keep that small group of fifteen players fit and healthy. Walsall have had an unproductive summer and will need a flurry of late signings. They have a strong enough team if pieced together correctly, but it will be a tough task to keep them consistently on the pitch and they will likely suffer as a result. Rochdale have been trending downwards for a little while now, and with yet more players departing to be replaced by those of inferior or unknown quality, it seems unlikely that they will have the consistency to survive this time around following their close shave last season. Wycombe and Wimbledon are in a similar boat: they lack quality in midfield and rely on a direct style to score goals. Both could stay up, but on the opening day it doesn’t look particularly good for either of these sides who - financially speaking - belong in League Two.
Brett
PITMAN Golden Boot Going into 2018/19, last season’s second top scorer is surely the favourite to lead the goalscoring charts this time around. Ronan Curtis has now been added to Portsmouth’s squad to offer the kind of qualities that Kenny Jackett wants from his wingers and that will only help him score even more goals this year, while the midfield has been reinforced to prevent a recurrence of the injury crisis that hampered them in the second half of last season. Additionally, following the departure of last season’s tops scorer Jack Marriott, the odds of Pitman picking up this accolate have only grown shorter.
Adam
DAVIES Golden Glove Adam Davies is an excellent keeper at this level, but he also has the midfield and defence suport required to win this award. Barnsley were nothing special in defence last season, but the embarrassment of riches at their disposal in League One should limit the number of goals conceded. Yet, what makes him our pick is his superb reflexes and handling. When playing in these conditions, ‘keepers have to work hard to maintain their focus and are often only required to make eyecatching saves, and Davies has these skills in his locker.
Brett
PITMAN Player of the Year Pitman was thoroughly impressive last season, often carrying Portsmouth’s promotion challenge. Their form regularly dipped without him in the side, as none of their strikers could offer his blend of leadership, strength, creativity and finishing. Oliver Hawkins led the line well but lacked attacking movement and finishing, while Conor Chaplin lacked the physical presence needed. With the south-coast side likely to challenge for promotion, it makes sense that Pitman could be a big factor in the title race in 2018/19. Should he top the scoring, it’s likely he’ll be the player of the year as well.
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2018/ 2019
CREDITS Nick Saunders Smith Editor James Curno Photography & Design Stan Beal Author Rory Drake Author Sam Down Author Josh Pope Author Adam Price Author Tom Sleeman Author