Up and Running

The forward is one of five permanent signings made by Pilgrims boss Derek Adams over the summer transfer window, and did not take long make his presence felt in a new-look Argyle side. Jake’s five goals in as many pre-season games have played a key role in the team’s success, as has as a positive atmosphere amongst the lads.

 

“The boys have been really welcoming and they’ve helped me settle in quite easily,” said Jake. “Obviously having a lot of pre-season games has helped by getting some games and getting to know each other even better.

 

“I think I’ve done really well and I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve been able to get goals and play relatively well, and I’ve adapted to playing out wide, which I’ve enjoyed.”

 

“It’s a good habit to have, and it’s a good habit for us to be unbeaten and win games. If we can take that into the season then obviously it’s going to help us.”

 

Jake has operated the opposite flank to fellow new signing Gregg Wylde during July and, for a lesser spell, Reuben Reid – two fellow forwards he thinks very highly of.

 

On the subject of Reid, Jake said: “He’s a real good player. You can see from what he’s done in the last few seasons that he’s going to help us massively. His goal against Reading on Saturday came out of nothing: just a little bit of skill and he’s got the goal. 

 

As for Wylde, Jervis said: “He’s just got raw pace and always looks to stand players up, and then it’s up to us to get on the end of things.” 

 

With that fresh, attacking setup and the incredible backing of the Green Army, who have already sold out their allocation of tickets for the Sky Bet League 2 opener against AFC Wimbledon, Jervis is quietly confident that he and the rest of the squad will be in a position to succeed come August 8. 

 

“I think you just take it game by game,” said Jake. “You saw how well they did last year, and I think with the manager putting in place what he wants to, we have got a structure where we can be successful. We will just see where the season goes and push on from there. 

 

“I think we’ve got a good shape to us and going forward, we definitely look like a good threat, so hopefully we can build on that.”

 

“Even at the last game [against Torquay United], you could see how many fans travelled – it was almost half of the ground – so you can see how much it means to the fans. It can only help the players, having the support there; it makes us feel like we’re at home. Hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”