For Keeps

ARGYLE goalkeeper Luke McCormick wants to remain at Home Park for the rest of his playing days - and believes the coming season will be an important one for him.

Luke was Argyle's Player of the Year last season and has made 238 appearances for the Pilgrims; at only 31 years of age, Luke has indicated he wants to stay with the Pilgrims until he decides to hang up the gloves.

"I'd like to be here for the remainder of my career, however long that will be," he said. "The focus is this year to be honest. I'm contracted until the end of the season, so it's going to be a big season for me. Obviously i'm playing for a new deal, because this is where I want to be."

Having been at Argyle for several pre-seasons, Luke is expecting another tough one to make sure the team is fit for the new season. Speaking on Monday as Argyle returned to training, he said: "I think you have to work hard over the summer to be in a reasonable condition when you come back so you're not left wanting. 

"We've worked hard this morning through rigorous testing, and I'm sure there's plenty more hard work to come. I'm sure as the weeks roll on we'll be able to gauge how it compares to others. They are all hard; none of them are easy. It's a necessary evil of being a footballer."

Despite Luke being a constant for Argyle, this summer has seen a shake-up in Argyle's team and staff. New manager Derek Adams has brought in a new assistant, Craig Brewster, and has thus far added five players: Jake Jervis, Gary Sawyer, Gregg Wylde, Graham Carey and Josh Simpson. 

"I've met a few of the new lads," said Luke. "I met the new manager and met his assistant Craig. There's a good optimism about the place, a good feel. Everything's quite positive. I'm sure that will continue into the season which will be great."