Rub Of The Greens; A Man's Passion For His Club.

[Giggles]

A Place.. Which was once a fortress... A Place which away teams were scared to vist...
Billy Davies March 2006: We're delighted to come away from here with a point, its a tough place to come and they are a very good side.

But Now.... Times have changed... Once a club, fighting for Premier League football... Now battling for every last point.
Ian Holloway November 2007: I'll never leave this club, I love it here, I want to get to the Premier League with this side [Just days before leaving for Leicester City]

Plymouth Argyle FC.
Rub Of The Greens; One Man's Passion For His Club.


'It was 8.30am as my phone was ringing, at this point I was still asleep.. With no job, after being made reduntant from my job at the Airport. I ran down the stairs, but I was too late. I checked to see if they left a message.. They did... 'Hi this Keith Todd from Plymouth Argyle Football Club, please ring back Connor, when you get this message'

And from that point, 08:32 on Monday 6th July, Connor Clarke's love with Plymouth Argyle kickstarted.

I took office on a bright sunny Tuesday Morning. It all come as a surpise to me, Just a season ticket holder to Manager. I knew this wasn't any Sunday League side, I was managing a club in the 2nd Tier of English Football. I told the board we could survive in the Championship... A Transfer budget of £375,000. I knew where the team needed players in, Full Back Positions, Wide Positions & Centre Midfield. It'll be a tough task, but I can cope.

Keith Todd: Now fans will be suprised, but we hired Connor because of his love & passion for the club. These days thats something unique in football.

 

[Chris]

Nice start mate.

Best of luck.

 

[Giggles]

Thanks Mate,

Already making some transfers & getting pre-season underway, so next update should be sometime tonight.

---------- Post added at 12:18 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 08:43 PM ----------

Pre Season Review.​

My new reign as Plymouth Argyle manager had well and truly begun. I'd already seen the Gossip of me being sacked by Christmas, but that didn't put me off. Agents phoning me up wanting me to buy there players.. Players I haven't seen before... But I was loving working with my Coaching team of Paul Mariner & John Carver, and all the Players.
Pre-Season was mainly good. We brang some players in, and got some wins. I'm hoping its sign of things to come.​

Transfer Update​

Joe Dugeon- Left Back. Season Long Loan. [From Man United]

Connor Clarke: The lad can defend, attack & has got a good long throw.
David Gray- Right Back- Season Long Loan [From Man United]

David Gray: Its great to be back, I love it here.​

Ben Alnwick- GK- 450k [From Spurs]

Connor Clarke: Ben's Premier League Quality, we all know that.​

Craig Cathcart- CB- Season Long Loan [From Man United]

Craig Cathcart: Last season was great here, I'm back for more.​

The transfer market is a hard thing to get your head around at first. 3 Season Long loan signing's from Manchester United, have really added to our team- Me & Sir Alex must be best mates! Ben Alnwick for just 450k, seems like a right bargain! Ben's a fantastic goalkeeper, and I'm delighted to have him.
The one thing I had problems with during the Pre-Season was finding a striker, we had many players turning us down. We brang in Christain Veiri on a trial, he played one friendly, before being 'Poached' by Aberdeen- Which has outraged Me. I suppose thats a welcome to football.​

Pre-Season Matches​

V Queen Of The South- Away- Win 5-0. [Cooper, Summerfield, Judge, Mackie, D.Johnson] An emphatic win for my first match in charge, 4-0 up at half time. We played some great stuff too.​

Luke Summerfield picking out a pass.​

V Hereford- Away- Win 5-1 [Noone, Fallon 4] 0-0 At Half Time, but after 10 Subs, things changed in the second half. Noone's wonderful cross shot goal, followed by 4 Rory Fallon goals. 2 Games, 10 Goals.​

Rory Fallon going in for a header.​

V Wolves- Home- Loss 4-0- Our only home Pre-Season match of the season, and we took a real thumping. Our defending was awful, but we had many chances- If only we'd taken them.​

Michael Kightly scoring the 1st of Wolve's Goals.​

V Tiverton- Away- Win 4-0 [Mackie 2, D.Johnson, Fallon] I started playing the team I expected to start our first league match, and with some success. A Good Performance, and a good score-line.​

[Can't get a picture in here???]
Chris Clark put in a good performance on the Left Wing.​

V Eastleigh- Away- Win 4-0 [Clark 2, Jordan OG, Mackie] Another good performance, with another good win. The performance of Chris Clark, could only be praised & once again Jamie Mackie looked lively.​

Romain Larrieu, giving orders to defenders, during the 4-0 Win.​

V Truro- Away- Win 3-0 [D.Johnson, Judge, Cooper] Our final pre-season friendly, ended with another win. Damien Johnson the master-class from Midfield. ​

Man of the Match, Damien Johnson.​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre Season give us 21 Goals to shout about, and alot to look foward to into the new season. I'll be hunting down for a new striker during August, and from our matches [Crystal Palace, QPR, Cardiff, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday] I'll be looking for 7-9 Points. We play Dagenham & Redbridge away in the Carling Cup, I'll be looking to progress there.​

COYG!​

 

[PafcLad]

great to see a argyle story good luck mate

 

[Giggles]

Thanks Mate

Any more suggestions on players I should buy, bearing in mind I have Nothing in the Transfer Kitty & Not allowed to buy any players on loan under the age of 24 oO)

 

[PafcLad]

if you're looking for a straiker i'd sugges Marlon Harwood on loan

 

[Giggles]

if you're looking for a straiker i'd sugges Marlon Harwood on loan

Nope, Sheffield Wdnesday already have him on loan :S

I'll have the start of season Update Tomorrow Night, and I have an exciting striker signed on Loan

 

[Giggles]

August 2009.
'He walked into my office and shouted: "CLARKE. WHAT IS THIS?"
I looked at him and said.. "What?"
"YOU BOY, HAVE HAD PICTURES OF YOURSELF IN THE PAPER.. DRUNK"
"Well surely we can have One Night off?"
"ON A TUESDAY NIGHT?"
I just couldn't respond to that, I took the Paper and seen the Pictures. It didn't look good, and I had really Knocked down Myself & the whole football club. I knew very well from that moment, my Job was at serious risk.
​

Looking away from the Pictures in the Local Paper, August wasn't that bad. It was about looking for a good striker, who can do more than just score- And I think I found that. Obviously the team still need time to gel, but from what I have seen, I've been impressed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

August 2009- Transfer Update.​

After signings in Pre-Season, I was only looking for a striker. But because of a low Budget, I had £0... And the other Major Problem? A Silly rule ment I couldn't have a Loan Player under the age of 24, because I already have 4. I moaned to the Local Press "Its a pathetic rule- Young players who won't be getting first time football at their parent clubs, denied the chance at Clubs like us, who need players. Pathetic" I'm not sure the FA Will be too Impressed, but I'm only speaking my opinion. However I did find one striker....
​

Nathan Tyson- Striker- 3 Month Loan [From Nottingham Forest]

Connor Clarke: Nathan's play is alot more than just goals...

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

August 2009- The Matches.
​

V Crystal Palace- Away- Win 1-0 [Fallon] Rory Fallon's second minute strike, give us the lead- And we kept it until full time. Our defence was solid, and we generally played well.​

Connor Clarke: A Great win away from home, we defended very well.
​

V Dagenham & Redbridge- Away- Win 2-0 [Mason & Fallon] Carling Cup Round 1- We did what was expected of us here, with no slip-ups. We played well in the first half, but couldn't get the goal we needed. Sub Joe Mason headed in on the 67th Minute. Judge was sent off for a Second Yellow, before Rory Fallon made it 2 on the break-away.​

Connor Clarke: Its dissapointing to have Alan banned, but other than that a good win.
​

V QPR - Home - Draw 1-1 [Fallon]- A Hard earned draw at Home Park, Rory Fallon got us off to the Perfect start, scoring after 6 Minutes. QPR Levelled through Martin Rowlands after 33 Minutes- Both teams battled for the win, but none could break through.​

Connor Clarke: Maybe we could of win, but a point will do today
​

V Cardiff- Home- Draw 1-1 [Judge]- Alan Judge come back from Suspension, to give Argyle a lead at Home Park. After 9 Minutes a Craig Noone cross found Judge, who's shot fired home. It wasn't until the 83rd Minute Cardiff found a deserved goal, Kelvin Etuhu scoring from 18 yards out.​

Connor Clarke: Our defending was poor, we was all around poor- We were lucky to get a point.
​

V Derby- Away- Loss 3-2 [D.Johnson & Arnason]- Argyle blew a 2-0 lead in the first half, to end up losing 3-2 at Derby. Damien Johnson scored a well placed shot in the first 60 seconds, and Kari Arnason headed in from a corner in the 19th. But after that Argyle lost concentration and a Rob Hulse hatrick give Derby all 3 Points.​

Connor Clarke: We had a great lead, but somehow blew it. For me thats not good enough, it shows a lack of focus & effort.
​

V Portsmouth- Home- Win 4-2 [Summerfield, Tyson, Cooper, Arnason- Carling Cup Round 2] A Stunning win from the Pilgrims, knocking Premier League Portsmouth out of the Carling Cup. Luke Summerfield & Nathan Tyson scored within 11 Minutes to give Argyle an early 2-0 Lead, but Minutes after the 2nd, Pompy hit back with Kevin Prince-Boateng. Kenny Cooper made it 3-1 with a smashing effort after 27 Minutes. Things stayed like this Up until Michael Brown scrambled in the ball after 81 Minutes, but Argyle sealed the win 3 Minutes Later. Kari Arnason heading in from the Corner. A Wonderful Win for Argyle.​

Connor Clarke: What a win, fantastic performance and a massive Thanks to the Fans
​

V Sheffield Wednesday- Home- Draw 0-0- Day after the Lord Mayors Show.. Nuff' Said.
​

Connor Clarke: Dull Match, Poor Performance.

[By the way, Table Update, News Brief & Injury update when I get back in an hour]​

​

​

 

[Brummy123]

Nice start love Plymouth had a great save with them until I got save game could not be loaded

 

[GJLReid]

Looks good mate, I have just started with Plymouth myself, struggling a wee bit as Im currently on a 4 game losing streak. I brought in De Laet, Matic, D'Alessandro, Sears, Emmanuel-Thomas all on loan. I got Michael Ball for free, spent 140k on an Irish regen and got Aitor Lopez Rekarte as a backup. Got chelsea as a parent club aswell

What tactics are you using? they certainly seem to be serving you well so far...

 

[Giggles]

Hi Guys,

My Internet went down over the past couple of days, meaning I couldn't update- So they'll be one tonight.

I'm using a 4-4-2, with Long Ball System, One Target Man (Fallon or Cooper) who will partner the Pacey Striker (Tyson, Mackie, Mason, Whoever really)

They have worked rather well... So as I say, Injury And Table Update coming along with September Update tomorrow.

---------- Post added at 02:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:19 PM ----------

August 2009. The Physio's Table at Argyle.​

Chris Barker. The Left Back was injured through Pre-Season, torn calf Muscle. He'll be out for 3-4 Months. It seems Unlikely Barker will be in Connor Clarke's plan for this season or even next season.

Romain Larrieu. French Goalkeeper Romain, was injured towards the end of the Month, with a torn hamstring. Expect him to be out until February Time.

Reda Johnson. Reda Pulled his hamstring at the start of the month, and will be back in action very soon.
​

September Update coming tonight (K)

​

​

---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 PM ----------

September 2009.

After all the Fall-Out of August, I was looking for things to settle. We were situated Mid-Table prior to the month, and some good results could see us charge up the table.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Matches.

Some tough matches were ahead, however I don't think our month was good-enough. The amount of goals we conceded, we just appeared to lay down and die. The Positive performance's of Nathan Tyson have been one Plus, as we appeared to show our true potential towards the back end of the Month.
​

V West Brom- Away- Loss 4-0. A Desperatly poor performance, West Brom had an amazing 22 Shots. We had 6 with just one on Target. That tells a story on its own. Our defence was shocking, all it added to a heavy loss.​

Connor Clarke: I've seen dogs do better than that
​

V Watford- Home- Loss 2-0. Another Loss, another poor performance all around. Hoskins & Helguson scoring in the 15th and 30th Minute. The Boo's after the Match, proved things weren't going to be easy...​

Dave- Aged 43- Argyle Fan: What a load of rubbish.
​

V Newcastle- Away- Loss 5-2 [Cooper & Tyson] What was always going to be a hard match, wasn't helped from More poor defending.. And being 4-0 down at Half-Time. Cooper's 50th Minute strike give thin hope, before Steven Taylor made it 5-1. Nathan Tyson scored a Consolation effort in the 91st Minute. 3 Losses in 7 Days, things looking bleak!​

Connor Clarke: Things need sorting and fast.
​

V Reading- Away- Loss 3-1 [Folly- Carling Cup Round 3] The thrill of defeating Portsmouth, is now firmly over. Reading thrashed poor Argyle, only helped by Yoann Folly's 93rd minute effort.​

Kari Arnason: The lads are fully behind the Gaffer. No worrys.
​

V Nottingham Forest- Home- Win 2-1 [Fallon 2] In front of the Sky Camera's many of the Argyle fans wanted Clarke out. The perfect way to respond, Rory Fallon with a powerful header after 13 Minutes, Give Argyle the lead. Former Argyle striker Dexter Blackstock scored after 50 Minutes. Things got to the 94th Minute, A Majority of the Fans gone, Clarke's jobs position looking grim. But when Kenny Cooper was brought down, Rory Fallon had no problem in smashing in the Penalty- Relief & Joy.​

Connor Clarke: When your down there, you need luck- Today we got that.
​

V Peterborough- Away- Win 1-0 [Fallon] Argyle recorded 2 wins out of 2- Which Put Connor Clarke's Job in a safe Positon. In first half stoppage time, Nathan Tyson heading on into the path of Rory Fallon, who smashed in another goal for him.​

Connor: Fallon's in great form- Well done to the Lad.

Top Scorer: Rory Fallon- 6 Goals.
September Player of the Month: Rory Fallon
League Position: 15th- 5 Points from Playoffs, 2 Above Relegation Zone.

Injury Update​

Yoann Folly- Broken Ribs- Expected Recovery Time: 2-3 Months.
Damien Johnson- Twisted Ankle- Expected Recovery Time- 3 Weeks.
Romain Larrieu- Torn Hamstring- Expected Recovery Time- 2-3 Months.
Jamie Mackie- Fractured Wrist- Expected Recovery Time- 1 Week.
Reda Johnson- Pulled Hamstring- Expected Recovery Time- Next Match
Joe Dudgeon- Fractured Ribs- Expected Recovery Time- 2 Weeks
Chris Barker- Torn Calf Muscle- Expected Recovery Time- 3 Months.
​

COYG!​

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 03:54 PM ----------

Anybody have something to say?
How I can improve is a big thing I want to hear.