Climate Control

After a near record-breaking beginning to the season, the Pilgrims have suffered a poor run of results and a plethora of injuries – two things not necessarily unrelated. 

However, Derek is determined not to let negativity breed within the setup, just as he not interested in using the excessive amount of rain as an excuse for preparations being disrupted. 

Argyle have trained at Marjon’s all-weather surface this week, as they ready themselves for an away trip to Hartlepool on Saturday. 

“We went to Marjon,” said Derek, “We have been there for the last few days. Our training pitches have been - and are - out of commission at this time. 

“The way the weather has been, with the heavy down pours, it becomes very difficult. Luckily we have a great university in town with great facilities. 

“At my last club we had an indoor training facility where we had a 3D pitch, it was nice to go in there out of the elements, but no we train outside here. We are dealing with the amount of rain that we are getting at this moment in time. 

“It rains a whole lot more here in Plymouth than it does in Scotland. It is really cold in Scotland but it does rain here more!

“I don’t think we’re feeling sorry for ourselves; we have picked up some very good points against Leyton Orient and Dagenham, but unfortunate to not pick up a point against Cambridge on Saturday, with a late goal from them. 

“From our point our view we are just going to keep ticking along and try to pick up as many points as we can. 

“We have done really well so far. We have picked up 40 points in 21 games and it is excellent progress.”