Due to the off-the-field problems that have affected Plymouth Argyle this season, manager Peter Reid has been forced to give opportunities to a number of young players as he has been unable to dip into the transfer market.
Argyle are currently under a transfer embargo, which has prevented Reid from making any signings at all, so his squad currently has a very youthful backbone to it.
The cream of this crop is striker Joe Mason who, following the sale of Bradley Wright-Phillips to Charlton Athletic, is the Pilgrims’ leading scorer with six goals.
Joe was handed his debut against Sheffield United last season by Paul Sturrock and he continued to make fine progress for the Pilgrims following the appointment of Paul Mariner as Sturrock’s successor,
His rise to prominence proved to be a bright spot in a very difficult season for Argyle and he is now a regular under Peter Reid who has spoken highly of him on a number of occasions.
Joe’s exploits have also earned him international recognition from the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, who he qualifies to play for through his grandmother
He was also the subject of a transfer bid from Swindon Town during the January transfer window, but Joe turned down the move stating that he wanted to stay and help the Pilgrims through their current plight.
Since taking charge of the Pilgrims Reid has also given debuts to Jack Stephens and Curtis Nelson, two players who have both seen action on a regular basis.
Nelson arrived at Home Park in 2009 when he signed apprentice forms after he was released by Stoke City and can play in defence or midfield.
He made his debut earlier in the season against Notts County in the Carling Cup and has become a regular in the centre of the Pilgrims’ defence.
Such has been the problems facing the Pilgrims that Nelson has had four different partners at centre back in the 18 appearances he has made in that position this season- Marcel Seip, Bondz N’gala, Reda Johnson and Carl Fletcher.
It is believed a number of Premier League scouts have been to Home Park to assess his credentials and will no doubt continue to monitor his progress.
Stephens, who hails from Torpoint, made his Argyle debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday. He has since been used by Reid on several other occasions after impressing the former Manchester City and Sunderland boss with his performance against the Owls.
In recent weeks they have been joined in the Argyle first team squad by Matt Rickard and Luke Young and, assuming the Pilgrims can recover from their present predicament, these players could be central to building a new Plymouth Argyle side for the future.