Rating Interest

In fact, he is encouraged by it: the better players are performing, the more they are likely to attract interest. 

However, this does not mean that he foresees exits aplenty when teams are allowed to make transfers come the new year. 

“We’ve got a very good squad,” said Derek, “and every time there is a transfer window, if somebody comes along and bids money for a player that we can’t refuse, then that’s the way it is. The football club has got to move in the right direction. 

“It’s a selling club when it has to be a selling club. It wants to keep its best players when it is possible. We would like to have everyone here when the transfer window closes at the end of January. 

“I’m delighted that people are interested, and I’m sure the players are as well. We’ve had a lot of good performers this season. I’m sure there are scouts and managers watching our games on a regular basis, because they want to see why Plymouth Argyle are at the top of the league. The reason is because we have a lot of talented individuals.”

One such individual is Sonny Bradley. An ever-present this season, Bradley’s strength at the heart of Argyle’s defence has caught the eye on many occasions, but none more so than his near-faultless performance in the 2-0 win over Doncaster last Saturday. 

“Sonny has been a very good signing for us,” said Derek. 

“He has been nominated for a player of the month award. He has presence; is very good in the air; he reads the game very well. He is a left-sided centre-half, which is at a premium. He has fit in well to the style of play we have had this season. 

“Any player that plays in the division for so many seasons understands what it is to play week-in, week-out with the amount of game time you have to play, and you have to play in a certain style at times. He understands that. 

“We have him, David Fox, Luke McCormick; a good spine to the team with experience of being captains at clubs before. I think that is important to have around your squad.”