Point full of courage for Plymouth Argyle

In the rollercoaster ride of professional football, Plymouth Argyle have endured a painfully turbulent dip over the past two months, culminating in the departure of Head Coach Wayne Rooney on New Year’s Eve.

No wins since the defeat of Portsmouth in early November, combined with heavy losses on the road at Norwich, Bristol City and Coventry ultimate saw the Pilgrims and Rooney reach a mutual agreement to part ways.

It was a particularly sad and unwanted outcome for everyone at Home Park, with Rooney, obviously a global icon in his playing days, forging a tremendous relationship with his players, club staff and the Green Army.

Everybody wanted things to work out for Rooney, who endeared himself to the club since taking over as boss in the summer, but results refused to turn back in his favour and Argyle have decided to take a new path in 2025.

There was little time to adjust to the new realities at Home Park, with club captain Joe Edwards and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell, twice before a stabilising influence as interim manager, taking the team for a pulsating New Year’s Day draw with Bristol City.

The Greens performed with huge endeavour and guts in front of a packed Home Park, deservedly snatching the 2-2 draw when Julio Pleguzuelo pounced with a stoppage-time leveller.

Just a day later, it was confirmed that influential defender Lewis Gibson had departed for Preston North End and striker Andre Gray left after the conclusion of his short-term deal.

The Green Army had barely digested that news when the Pilgrims announced the record signing of Ghana international Michael Baidoo from Swedish club IF Elfsborg. Baidoo, a versatile midfielder, has also played in Norway and Denmark and a statement of intent from the Argyle hierarchy.

Amid the relentless activity behind the scenes, Edwards and Nancekivell were tasked with ending the rotten run of away results with a difficult game at Stoke City, themselves welcoming a new manager in the form of Mark Robins.

On a cold winter’s afternoon, Argyle had to roll up their sleeves to earn a brave point, and the response from those out on the pitch will give the club great heart for the challenges yet to come.

It was far from a technical classic full of chances but the Pilgrims weathered the early storm before asking some gentle questions at the other end of the pitch. Roared on by almost 1,500 travelling fans, a goalless first period was very welcome.

The second period was a dirge, but so what? Argyle needed to restore some belief on the road and a point at Stoke City, a notoriously tough ground to visit, is a great way to start the rebuild in 2025.

There will be no rest behind the scenes with the recruitment of a new manager to hopefully lead the club to Championship safety, although next on the menu is a daunting FA Cup trip to Premier League Brentford. On this evidence, however, Argyle are up for the fight!