Good Job, Joe

PLYMOUTH Argyle’s team-sheet contained a name which might have been alien to many of the supporters who arrived at Home Park for the game with Bradford City on Tuesday night.

Joe Bryan arrived on loan from Bristol City until the end of the season on the day of the game, and his new manager opted to launch him straight into the starting line-up for his new club.

John Sheridan explained that Joe’s pedigree and experience of playing at a higher level this season was a deciding factor in giving him a fast Pilgrims’ debut, as well as the knock on effect of freeing up perpetual danger man Jason Banton.

“Joe’s just turned up,” said Sheridan, “He’s been playing regularly for the Under-21s at Bristol City and he’s played in the Championship 13 times this year. You could see he’s a good footballer with some little touches. I thought I’d just throw him in.

“He just gives us some balance, being left-footed, and enables me to push Jason [Banton] up a little bit and gives us one or two other options.

“I thought he looked balanced an,  by Saturday, when he’s trained with the lads and got to know them, hopefully he’ll be a good addition.

“It was a last-minute thing. Myself and Gary (Owers) went to watch Joe at Bristol a couple of weeks ago and we knew of his availability. He was willing to come and [ristol City manager] Sean O’Driscoll has allowed him to come. I think he’ll add to what we’ve got.”

Bryan played on the left-hand side of midfield for the Pilgrims, in the slot where Banton has been operating since his arrival from Crystal Palace.

In turn, Banton played just off of front man Reuben Reid in the goalless draw, and the man who has already notched four goals for his temporary club came close to adding to the tally, hitting the post in the second half.

The gaffer is obviously pleased with the fact that he has a potential match-winner in Banton on his hands, but warned that he like him to show a little more consistency.

“He does well at times, and then he frustrates me at times, because he gives it away cheaply,” said John, “He did that tonight, but then he does a bit of magic and he’s the one who nearly scores. It was a great strike and hit the post.

“I played him a little higher and further forward tonight. I thought he’s the one that’s been scoring our goals so I thought I might throw him up there a bit more.”