Progress Report

Defenders Jamie Richards and Aaron Bentley, and midfielder River Allen are all being borrowed by clubs currently, and the manager believes that getting playing time away from Home Park can opnly aid their development. 

“I think the most important thing is the lads are playing,” John said. “Aaron’s got to grow up. He’s got the potential to be a decent player but he’s got to grow up and that’s why I’ve sent him out on loan.

“It’s beneficial to all of them. They all need to be playing football, Jamie likewise. Just because they’re not playing here doesn’t mean I don’t think anything of them, but they all want to have good footballing careers and they need to be playing, whether it’s here or not.”

Allen, on loan at Conference South side Gosport Borough, has made three appearances since his switch earlier this month while Richards, on loan at Vanarama Conference side Dartford, has impressed Darts boss Tony Burman with his performances since arriving at the end of January. Bentley, who only completed his move last week, made his debut for Alfreton Town on Saturday.

“I want them to be successful in their football careers,” the Pilgrims boss said. “We have found it difficult with our Under-21 games being called off all the time.

“It’s difficult arranging friendly games and the next step is to go out and play regular football - that’s what they’re getting at this moment in time.”