Trials And Tribulations

Plymouth Argyle. The name conjures up so many good memories, from a team in the 50s that were the match of most bar the elite half dozen in the First Division, to League Cup semi finalists twice, FA Cup semi finalists once and Champions or promotees of the bottom two divisions on a number of occasions.

Home Park was feared by opponents and we had respect which was well deserved. Yes, there was turbulence and upsets but that happens at any club, but Plymouth was generally associated with good, strong football.

What does the name say now? Sadly, it projects a picture of a team really struggling in the fourth tier and who have tumbled out of most cup competitions all too quickly for years now, including recent fateful dates with non-league sides on an almost regular basis. Those woes have been going on now for five years and it`s more than any Green can stand.

I don’t know about you but I’ve had enough. I’ve been patient, I’ve empathised with the management and I’ve accepted that money has been short, but everyone has their breaking point.
Sadly, a managerial change is probably now required, likeable though Carl Fletcher is, but there will have to be other changes as well.

Whoever comes in has to realise that this is a blood and guts division with the really tough guy teams at the top. Pretty football will not work in L2 and players of modest physical stature will not get the team out of the mire (we are one point above the relegation zone). The clever stuff will have to come later.

Surely, this is crunch time for PAFC – we cannot afford to descend to the Conference because, that way, lies years of struggle to get out. Look at the ex league clubs in there and you`ll see what a battle royal they’re having.
Yes, we do have some cultured young players but they neither have the experience nor the physical presence to compete against the brawn of this division.

Please would someone at our beloved club get some sense of urgency.
Change is needed so let’s get on with it. Crowds are dwindling and you fear each match at the moment.
It can’t go on.