Forward Thinking

Josh Simpson may have avoided the dreaded morning yo-yo test by becoming manager Derek Adams’ latest recruit only at tea-time on Monday, but his arrival in the Westcountry from assistant-manager Craig Brewster’s former West Sussex stomping ground is a key part of the preparations for the coming season.

“I am delighted to get his signature,” said Derek. “He was formerly at Crawley – he’s been captain there for a number of seasons now – and is a central midfield player, a forward-thinking one, as well. It’s good to get him in.

“Craig was there and gave me good reports on him. We’ve watched him as well. He’s 28 years of age, he’s got good experience, and it’ll help the younger lads in the squad.

“I think it is important we get a majority of the signings in early in the pre-season just to get them for the harmony of the squad and realise the work-ethic we are going to have, going forward.”

With the Pilgrims’ first pre-season friendly – at Elburton – next Tuesday, time is of the essence as far as the Argyle squad’s fitness levels are concerned.

“By the end of the week, we’ll have a better idea of that,” said Derek. “We have good idea of the ones that have looked after themselves over the pre-season; the ones that maybe have a wee bit of work to do. Everybody has improvement to do, fitness wise, through the pre-season – that’s what it’s for. 

“There’s not a lot of time. We have got to get up to speed quickly. So the fitter the players come back, the better it is for them and us.”