All Change For Argyle Ahead Of Opener

06/08/2024 11:20 Share

All Change For Argyle Ahead Of Opener

Plymouth Argyle will embark on a new era this weekend when the 2024/25 EFL Championship season kicks off with a trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday.

The Vertu Motors-backed side secured a second successive campaign in the Championship on the final day of last season, when a headed goal from captain Joe Edwards earned the three points against Hull that were needed to secure survival.

That victory marked the end of a turbulent second half of the season for the Pilgrims, who found themselves pulled into the relegation battle following a difficult run of form in the early part of 2024.

That resulted in the departure of head coach Ian Foster, who himself had taken over from Steven Schumacher after he left to join Stoke City, with Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell taking interim control for the final games as safety was secured.

The biggest change going into the new season is the man who will now lead the team from the sidelines, with former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney taking the reigns.

Argyle will be the third English side to be managed by Rooney after spells at both Derby County and Birmingham City – either side of a stint at DC United in the United States.

Rooney has already looked to make his mark on the Arygle squad after a number of new signings came in over the summer – although arguably the key transfer is one that hasn’t taken place...

Morgan Whittaker was top scorer for Argyle last season as he hit 20 goals in all competition, by far the best return of his career to date and enough to earn him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season.

Whittaker – who worked with Rooney at Derby - has been the subject of interest from Italian side Lazio during the January transfer window but appears set to remain with Argyle for a third successive season, and second since his move from Swansea City was made permanent.

Former Swansea City defender Nathanael Ogbeta was the first player to sign for Arygle after Rooney was appointed, and has since been joined by Victor Palsson – who played for Rooney in the USA – as well as Hungarian U19 international Kornel Szucs.

Muhamed Tijani, Ibrahim Cissoko and Darko Gyabi have also come in on loan to strengthen the squad; the latter returning after a short spell with the Club last season that was cut short by injury.

Amongst the summer departures are defender Dan Scarr, who has moved on to Wrexham after three seasons, as well as wing back Mickel Miller – who has joined Huddersfield following the expiration of his contract.

Pre-season friendlies have included wins against MK Dons, Torquay United and Cheltentham Town as well as a draw against South African side Orlando Pirates during a trip to Spain – with the only loss coming against Bristol Rovers.

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