'Blessing for These Guys'

ARGYLE first-team coach Paul Wotton sees this weekend’s free Saturday as a blessing for his squad.

The Pilgrims do not have a game as it is the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, a competition they were knocked out of in the first round, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Carlisle.

The two-week break between games is a time the manager and his coaching staff are using to concentrate on tactics, working hard, and rehabilitating a few of the injured players before the next Sky Bet League 2 fixture against Cambridge on December 12.

"It could be seen as a little blessing," said Wottsy. "We’ll get a couple of boys back, hopefully. They’re progressing every day and getting better.

“We’ll just keep the boys ticking over and then get a well-deserved rest. They work hard every day in training and are a fit bunch of boys; they deserve their rest."

There will, however, be no weekend off for the Pilgrims' coaching staff.

Wottsy said: “I’m out scouting [this weekend] - Brew [assistant-maneger Craig Brewster]; the gaffer [manager Derek Adams], and Strongy [chief scout Greg Strong] as well.

“It’s a good opportunity for us. There’s four of us, so we’ll go out and watch four different games, whether it’s players or opponents that are coming up. It’s good. Football’s not football without a game on Saturday, so it gives us something to do.”

After an impressive start to the season with 40 points from 20 games Home Park veteran Paul feels he gelled with the new manager and his assistant straight away. “They’re both good guys and I’ve fitted in really well with them from day one," he said. "It’s all good and harmonious.

“The manager’s very professional and thorough; he’s got a lot of attention to detail. From day one, it’s all gone really well. We’ve all got a common interest, which is football and Plymouth Argyle.”