Banton Belief

JOHN Sheridan believes that this week’s signing of Jason Banton demonstrates the burgeoning ambition at Home Park.

Banton, 21, became the first player in four years to transfer to the Pilgrims from another club when he joined from Premier League Crystal Palace and his new manager said: “It shows our intent.

“Full credit to the chairman and the board – as soon as they knew he was available, they gave me the go-ahead to go and get him. They are helping me as much as they can to bring players in.

“He is a really good addition.”



There are not many in the Green Army who would argue with those last six words. The mercurial Banton, who is in line to play in Saturday’s home Sky Bet League 2 match against Southend, was a revelation during a loan to Argyle at the back end of last season, when his 14 game-spell – and six goals – helped to prevent the Pilgrims from dropping out of the Football League.

“I’m very pleased to get him,” said John. “Obviously, I know a bit about him. I thought he did really well and was a big part of us staying up.

“I like him as a player. I think he’s a bit of a maverick – he plays off the cuff – but he’s a match-winner. He proved that last season.



“He hit the ground running because I just let him come in and play, to go out and express himself. He scored some goals for us – important goals.

“Now he’s signed permanently he will be working with me a little bit longer, I’ll get a bit of discipline in him because, if he gets that, it will make him a better player, as well. There’s a lot there. If I can get the best out of him, I think we’ll have a really good player on our hands.

“It suits us better to get him in permanently. He’ll get used to me a little bit more and I’ll try to get things out of him.

“I’ll try to add things to his game, and help him because I think he’s a very good player, and an exciting player, for this division.”