Alex, Mark and Tom discuss Argyle’s defeat to Stockport, their first in a month but steeped in disappointment having been up at half time.

The pod goes from lauding Tom Cleverley’s men for taking the game to the Hatters, to wrestling with the thinking behind the immediate drop in levels from minute 46, including the who, the what, the why and the how.

Have the greens fallen too far from the League One playoff picture following this reverse? How big should the club go on reinforcements? And how will those perilous finances impact this season, and next?

Also in focus is a big month ahead of league and cup matches for Marie Hourihan and the Argyle Women, as the side’s ambition for silverware and promotion is discussed.

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Archie and Chris are together across time zones to discuss a 1-1 draw that felt so much better than the final result. Despite the absence of the majority of the established spine of the squad, Argyle produced an electric opening 30 minutes, including a brilliant goal, lots of chances and, sadly, an away goalkeeper in inspired form. Even the freakish equaliser just before half-time did little to suggest that the resurgence is not going to continue. A second half in which energy levels dropped and a few mistakes crept in still contained some solid performances, and a draw feels more a shame than a disaster. How far we’ve come.

Part 2 turns to the behind-the-scenes day-in-the-life documentary, giving us all unprecedented access to the head coach. Timing, production and authenticity are all praised – if you haven’t seen it, highly recommended. Finally, the inevitable discussion as the window closes on what we may gain or lose concludes that we don’t really have a clue, do we? But like everything so far in 2026, that’s okay.

Seven points from nine against relatively high-quality, in-form teams. Next stop, Stockport.

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Jo Kinnear! Straw hats! EasyJet! Stacey Dooley! Vauxhall Corsas! Eric Morecambe! Lorraine Chase! Your guys took one hell of a beating.

Alex hosts as Chris, Mark and Tom are here to discuss another win and another strong performance. No one wanted to see Joe Ralls leaving so early – let’s hope he’s back soon – but the first half maintained the intensity and creativity of recent away wins. Sorinola perhaps guilty of an extra touch, but praise for the performance and improved tactical know-how. All capped with a goal at the perfect time. GEDDON.

A different test in the second half, of resilience, tactics and spirit. Rotation of players and shape, some heart in the mouth moments and some opportunities missed. And the perfect IN THE SEA moment from Galloway, charging 60 yards to win a free kick and effectively seal all three points. Oh and Hazard too. Could get used to this, as could the Head Coach with a huge moment of reciprocal respect.

Part 2 looks forward, and with confidence. Debate as to what – if budget is available – would help as the window comes to an end. And a review of the ongoing redemption of Tom Cleverley at what in the ground, through the laptop or the phone as a significant human moment. What does this mean for the run-in? Top six feels more likely than bottom three, or it could be anything in between.

Enjoy the ride.

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Won in the pink. What a performance. It falls to Archie, Chris, Dan and Mark to deliver a doom-free review of a 6th away win in 7.

In part one, a deep dive on the game. Argyle came out of the gates quickly and didn’t stop: early disappointment at a sending-off not given was a minor blip amongst fluid play, strong pressing, some excellent quality touches and a deserved goal. Special praise for the goalscorer and his partner, and for the Head Coach for a job well, and relentlessly, done.

Part two broadens the conversation with a review of the batshittery of a Vertu Cup win and a discussion of the challenges that come from mixed comms, even when you are on an upward curve. And then: Bali. Yes, some struggles, but everyone is united behind a good player, a great human being, and wishing him all the best in regaining that special form in the future. Just not against us, please.

A quick look forward to a huge game against Luton, with a genuine full house (including the away end) and hopes high.

Bring it on

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No game, so no pod? You’re not getting off that easily. Alex, Chris and Tom use the (sadly) redundant FA Cup 3rd round weekend to sit back and take stock of some major themes at Argyle and the modern game. At least we don’t lose 10-1.

The differences between sport for passion and sport for fun, use of data and the role of the modern club infrastructure tee up a review of Argyle’s background office (front office for our American listeners) at a crucial point in the season. Will the club benefit from the new hires in the back office, or is it more of the same on the horizon? Should youth take priority over league position, or when you are in fire do you just put it out? We really enjoyed this one without the pressure of a game, we hope that translates as you listen too.

Before a short part two, we are proud to promote a new addition to the Argyle fan canon. We've an exert from Richard Ough's 'Argyle Stories' that looks at Shilton years. The full episode can be found on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7LmBBm0oGhiqVDNQKvq2H7) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ArgyleStories)

Finally, back to the day job with thoughts on a new signing, an up and coming rough run of league games and, of course, a midweek trip to Bristol in the Papa Vertu Auto Windshield Cup.

We’ve missed you, Argyle.

If you'd like to support the pod with a contribution, please go to https://ko-fi.com/pilgrimspodcast

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Here we go, here we go, here we go! Yes, a depleted Burton. Yes, we beat them 4-0 away. But lovely to finish a busy festive season with a 3-0 win. Archie, Chris and Mark are joined by guest Sam Roberts to review a winning home start to 2026.

Part One, the game. Lots to like, right from the start, with a contender for goal of the season the worth of the crossbar away. A goal from a set piece, good delivery on others, and (other than one kamikaze moment at the back), it felt like we were set up for a decent second half. And decent it was, with solid performances across the pitch: more set piece goals and a penalty dispatched in the style we expect from our striker. A doom-free zone and a deserved Ralls love-in. Lovely stuff.

Part Two touches on a disappointing, by no means catastrophic, defeat for the women’s team. Thoughts then turn to the squad: the departure of Law McCabe, talk of an incoming in the week, does the club stick or twist with transfers? And with two weeks until the next league game, it’s hard to predict what’s next.

Except when it’s dull, it’s never dull.

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Games are coming thick and fast and Argyle pick up a point at Stevenage. Archie hosts and Chris and Mark are back to do their best to avoid doom. They try, they really do.

The game: in isolation, more to like than not, with some shape and decent data in the first period. But does more holistic data suggest we should be going for it earlier? A predictable goal from a looping cross, some positive substitutions and an improved final thirty minutes leave some thinking it was an opportunity missed and others a point gained.

In part two, the upcoming six-pointer at home to (checks notes) Burton FFS is the focus. Stick or twist? Will we build on momentum or revert to type at home? There is also a quick detour to discuss Tom Cleverley’s fascinating insight in a recent interview into his coaching philosophy and, as is New Year tradition, predictions for the next game and for the season.

An extended break is to come when everyone will be back at work. Enjoy it while you can, Greens, whether you are glass half full or empty, you’ll miss the flood of games when they are gone.

COYG

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Good riddance to 2025. Alex, Chris and Mark review the first half of the festive season and look forward to 2026.

Part One reviews two home games which frustrated more than excited. The Doncaster high comes crashing back to down to earth with an early sending off and a 10 minute panic. Despite a strong second half showing, there was momentum going into Wycombe. Which fell off a cliff, with a lucky late equalizer. Bah fricking humbug.

Part Two tries to make sense of the first half of the season and look forward to 2026. A cry for positivity is balanced with a pragmatic view that Cleverley the player is manifesting as Cleverley the Head Coach. But with a league so tight, all hope is not lost. Buckle up for Schumacher Part 2, or resign yourself to boring the opposition into submission? Let’s wait and see….

Happy New Year, see you in 2026. Or later this week as it’s also known.

COYG

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