Targeting The Left

ARGYLE manager John Sheridan has targeted strengthening the Pilgrims’ left-hand side as he continues to build for the 2013-14 League 2 season.

With doubts over the intentions of out-of-contract Onismor Bhasera – or ‘Lord Lucan’ as John jokingly called him last week – and loan star Joe Bryan having returned to parent club Bristol City, Argyle are a bit shy on the left flank.

Although youngsters Ben Purrington, 17, who has yet to feature in a first-team squad, and Jamie Richards, 19, who has made just one league appearance, are ones for the future, John is keen to beef up his options before the August 3 kick-off at Southend.

John said: “I’d like another left-back because obviously we need to strengthen [there], and I think left side of midfield, as well.

“Baz and Joe did well with us last year and we were strong down there so hopefully we can get something sorted.

“We have got trialists who will be coming in who will be looking to impress me and, if they impress me, I’ll offer them a contract.”

One player who is on trial with Argyle this week is former Pilgrim Ryan Dickson, who has recently been released by Premier League Southampton.

Ryan, 26, has been training with Yeovil Town in last couple of weeks and John said: “Ryan has just come in today. We said: ‘Come in today and we’ll have a look at you.’ 

“We all know his potential and we know he’s been playing at a higher level. He’s a Plymouth lad. I’ll make a decision in the next couple of days or week or so.”

Another new face at training this week is former Cardiff City full-back Martin John.

John said: “He has played at Cardiff; he’s been playing in Spain; and he has come in and worked hard. We’ll keep him till we play some games.

“I don’t try to judge someone on training – I judge them on game situations. I’ll get more out of him then. He’ll be involved in a few of the games because he’s come in and worked hard so I’ll give him the opportunity.”

“I’m just concentrating on letting [trialists] come in and work hard. Hopefully, one of them will impress me enough to offer them a contract and will fill the position we want them to.”

Meanwhile, John has not quite entirely given up on last season’s player of the year, Zimbabwean international Bhasera.

Sheridan says: “No one can get hold of Baz. We’ve made him a very good offer, but the problem is trying to get hold of him and we’ve found it very difficult.

“It’s still 50-50 but I’ve started looking elsewhere. I’m not going to go around the world chasing after a player and, if there is someone on the doorstep, then we’ll look at them.”