Every One's a Winner

Adams has been meticulous in his preparation for his debut campaign with the Greens since the start of July and right through to the previous weekend, as he scouted the Dons to create a game plan ahead of their fixture.

 

“We watched Wimbledon last week and they were very direct,” said Derek. “They like to get the ball into the penalty area very quickly, from the wide areas and even from the back. 

 

“We’ve let the players know that. We’ve watched videos together to tell them to see that. We’ve worked on it in training, so they know what’s coming. They’ve got a front three that are powerful, and we’re aware what type of game it’s going to be. 

 

“If we can pass the ball as well as we did against the likes of Forest Green, we will do well. If we pass the ball quickly and at a higher tempo, we’ll have a good opportunity. 

 

“What you have to have as well is players who are capable on the ball and have good control. We’ve certainly got that, but we’ll have to be ready for an aerial battle as well.”

 

With a settled first team in mind, a squad eager to impress and a focussed mind-set, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic as an Adams-led Argyle side prepares for the curtain to be raised on their campaign. In the eyes of the boss, winning football matches is all the matters from this Saturday until May next year.

 

“I’ve known nine or ten players [of the starting XI] for a while now,” said Derek. “We’ve looked through the pre-season games and had an idea of the formations, and I don’t think there’ll be too much of a surprise to the supporters with the team on Saturday.

 

“My target is to win promotion, and the majority of teams in the division will be exactly the same – and I’m no different. I want to win as many games as I possibly can. 

 

“That’s always been my philosophy, and we’ll work on a weekly basis to try and do that. I’m not going to set points targets or anything like that, because the target is to win every game. That’s just the nature of how we go about things.”