Simpson Signs

The 28-year old central midfielder, the Pilgrims’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window, was a free agent after rejecting a new deal last month at Crawley Town, and will join up with his new teammates for pre-season training this week.

 

After spending four years at hometown club Cambridge City, either side of a short spell at Cambridge United, Simpson signed for neighbours Histon in 2008. The Essex-born playmaker was impressive for the Conference Premier side, scoring 16 goals in 57 games over two seasons and catching the eye of Peterborough United. The Posh brought in Simpson on a short loan towards the end of 2009 and scored a brace in his second game, including a late equaliser, in a 4-4 draw against Cardiff City. 

 

Peterborough promptly signed him permanently and he played 18 more times in the remainder of the season, but was loaned out to League Two side Southend United at the start of the 2010-11 campaign. Scoring twice in 24 games, Simpson was signed by an ambitious Crawley side in January 2011, making 26 appearances as they secured promotion to the Football League.

 

Fully established as a key player for Crawley, Josh played 47 games as the club earned a second successive promotion, and worked under Craig Brewster, Argyle’s assistant manager, when the Scotsman was part of the coaching staff at the Reds between 2011 and 2013. Taking on the role of club captain, he clocked up over 40 appearances once again in the following two seasons, but an injury curtailed his involvement in the 2014-15 campaign, ruling him out for most of November through to April. 

 

Simpson has visited Home Park twice; most recently as an unused substitute in Town’s 1-1 draw with the Greens in January 2012. He also started for Peterborough against the Greens in May 2010, when two goals from Craig Mackail-Smith were enough to top Bradley Wright-Phillips’ strike for a 2-1 win. 

 

Welcome to the club, Josh.