Thrilled to Bitts

JAMES Bittner believes that he is joining a club that should be challenging for a top seven finish this season.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper is John Sheridan’s seventh signing of the summer and joins first-choice ‘keeper Luke McCormick in the shot-stopping ranks.

“Looking at the ground and the infrastructure at the club it has to be a top seven finish at least,” said Bittner. "It's a huge club, with a fantastic stadium and a massive fanbase. I know the area, I know how big a club this is. I'm very excited to be here."

The former Exeter ‘keeper joins the Pilgrims on a one-year-deal and comes in as an effective replacement for Jake Cole, who was released at the end of last season.

Ostensibly, his role at the club is that of cover to Luke, but he aims to push him to the limits.

“I don’t know Luke personally but I have seen him play and I know about him; he is a great goalkeeper. I am coming in to compete with Luke and push him to try and get the best out of him.”

James worked with former Pilgrim Warren Feeney at previous club Salisbury City, where he took on some coaching responsibilities with the Conference side – and will be looking to do the same in his community coaching role at the Argyle.

“I did some work with the under 18s and the youth set-up at Salisbury and had a good experience doing that; coaching is something I would like to do in the future.”

Learn more about James here.