Going Out On Top

TOPE Obadeyi’s final game in an Argyle jersey is one that will likely live long in the memory.

The on-loan Bury attacker, whose temporary deal was extended by a day to allow him to take part in Argyle’s FA Cup third round game at Port Vale, struck a post at 0-0 as the Pilgrims took the game to their hosts.

Vale ended up taking a two-goal lead, but John Sheridan’s battling charges drew level and had chances to emerge victorious.

Obadeyi caused problems for the whole time he was on the pitch, operating firstly on the right flank, but also in a centre-forward role and on the left flank as the game evolved.

Since an injury, he has found starting berths hard to come by of late as Argyle’s results have improved, but with Caolan Lavery not permitted to play by Sheffield Wednesday, a place opened up.

Tope, though, will now return to Gigg Lane; a move which, according to Sheridan, is a shame for Argyle.

“We know the circumstances,” said John, “Bury want him back. I’d keep him if I could keep him, but he’s not my player. I think Tope would like to stay but that’s bye and bye – he’s got to go back to Bury.

“Since his hamstring injury, he has only played a few minutes, coming off the bench, but I thought I’d start him today and he was a threat at times.

“He can play left right or down the middle and has got genuine pace, so he will always cause teams problems.”

With several weeks of the January transfer window remaining, John will look to add to the squad following the departure of Tope, as well as Jamie Reckord, and Hamza Bencherif.

“I’m talking to players,” he said, “I’m trying to strengthen. I think we need one or two players to come in and just give us that little bit extra.

“I’m trying to sort one or two things out with their clubs. I’d like to try to get them in before the Southend game.”