Having been in a very worrying position a couple of weeks ago, it looked as if Plymouth Argyle could’ve been relegated back to League One at the first time of asking.
However the last three matches have given the Pilgrims a great chance of survival and their recent form doesn’t exactly look like that of a side fighting for their Championship status.
The turnaround in form has coincided with Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell taking temporary charge and since the duo have been in power, Argyle are unbeaten. Seven points from their last three matches has seen them go five points clear of the relegation places and with so few games left to be played this season, they’ve almost reached safety.
It’s a massive scrap down at the bottom of the table currently with just six points separating Plymouth in 16th and Birmingham City in 23rd. Realistically eight teams are still in the fight for survival with all of the teams below Plymouth having a game in hand. The table should further tighten up on Saturday but Argyle fans will be happy that their work is already done this weekend and they can sit back and watch their fellow competitors scrap it out.
Not too many people would’ve predicted the Pilgrims to defeat table toppers Leicester City on Friday night but the Dewsnip/Nancekivell partnership would upset the former Premier League winners, running out as 1-0 victors at Home Park.
Mustapha Bundu’s first half strike would be the only goal to seperate the two sides in what was a great night for Argyle but a fairly shocking one for the Foxes. Leicester had their fair share of chances, some notable ones falling to Patson Daka, but they couldn’t find an equaliser.
After being quite frankly dreadful under former manager Ian Foster, Plymouth have recently displayed some of the form that they showed earlier in the season. Having won just one of their last 11 games under Foster, it was no surprise to see the former England Under-20s boss given his marching orders but it was a gutsy decision given the club had just five games of the season left to be played.
It was certainly a gamble, but it’s one that already looks to have paid off with Argyle within touching distance of preserving their Championship status. Their final two fixtures sees them play Stoke City and then Millwall, both who are also in the relegation fight. A win in either of those, or potentially even a draw would most likely see Plymouth stay in the second tier for next season.
Although their status isn’t yet guaranteed they’re in a great position, one that few would’ve thought they’d have been at the start of April.
It will be an interesting summer for the club with the likelihood of star man Morgan Whittaker leaving this summer becoming increasingly likely. It would be a huge loss but Plymouth can expect a significant fee and one which can help build and shape the rest of the squad for next season.
Having had a few changes in the managerial set-up this year, fans will be hoping for consistency next year and recent performances can at least give them something to look forward to. With seven points from their last possible nine, it looks as if they’ll be back in the second tier next season, which is an achievement in itself.
