As manager Steven Schumacher embarks on his first full season in charge of Plymouth Argyle, the Pilgrims will be targeting another tilt at the League One play-offs after falling short last term.
Argyle went into the final day of the 2021-22 campaign needing to equal whatever result Wycombe Wanderers achieved before they capitulated at home to MK Dons, losing 0-5. It was a result that was uncharacteristic for the Pilgrims, who only conceded 19 goals at home over the course of the season at Home Park.
As well as managing to hold onto Guinea Bissau midfielder Panutche Camara, Argyle have also managed to retain the services of their other big hitters, including goalkeeper Michael Cooper and strike duo Luke Jephcott and Ryan Hardie.
Midfield playmaker Danny Mayor looks set to be a key player again for the Pilgrims, he was nominated for the League One player of the month award in March 2022. Also in the centre of midfield, Jordan Houghton and youth product Adam Randell, who has kicked on after spending the 2020-21 season on loan at Torquay United, could establish themselves as one of the leading central midfield pairing in the division.
The 80 points that Argyle achieved last season must surely go down as the greatest points haul for a team not to achieve a play-off spot in League One. However, a similar return or even a slightly lower haul could be enough to see them reach the top six.
Player to watch: Michael Cooper
After keeping 18 clean sheets in 46 appearances, Michael Cooper was named as the goalkeeper in the League One team of the season in the 2021-22 campaign. In addition to this, he also won the club's player of the year award - which capped a fine individual campaign for Cooper, who also earned plenty of plaudits for his display against Chelsea in the FA Cup. With 100 league appearances in his sights, Home Park surely remains the best for him to continue his career at the present time.
In: Matt Butcher (Accrington Stanley), Mikel Miller (Rotherham United), Fin Azaz (Aston Villa), Bali Mumba (Norwich City, loan), Morgan Whittaker (Swansea City, loan), Nigel Lonwijk (Wolves, loan)
Out: Ollie Tomlinson (Torquay United), Ryan Law (Gillingham, loan)
