The Kiss Theory

The manager believes that the Greens are in a very good position at this stage of the season, as Argyle currently sit firmly in second place in the Sky Bet League 2 table. 

Derek has made no secret of his aim to win the division, and with 15 games to go of the season, there is just one focus – to win football matches.

Argyle have won 18 of the 30 games played so far this season – if the form continues at that rate, promotion will be assured come May. 

“We’re in a very good position,” said Derek. “We want to win as many games as we possibly can between now and then to the end of the season.

“Our target is to try and win every game and that has been the target since the start of the season.” 

Occasionally, managers have points tally that they wish to attain by the season’s end. Additionally, the activity of teams in the surrounding places – for example, third-placed Oxford United play leaders Northampton Town on Tuesday night – can be a distraction. 

Not for Derek.

 

“We can only deal with we can do,” said Derek. “If we can win enough games that gives us that best possible chance of coming out of this division.

“From my point of view I can only control what Plymouth Argyle can do and look after ourselves.

“I take interest in the match (Oxford v Northampton); if you’re not playing, you’d like that the other games are draws. 

“I don’t think that you want to see any of them win; it’s a very big points total in this league.”

Argyle’s next five games, starting with a trip to Crawley Town this Saturday, come in a 15 day period that could go a long way to deciding the Pilgrims’ fate. Derek is satisfied that his lads are preparing correctly. 

He said: “We’ve got a couple of weeks coming up where it’s going to be very busy.  We’ve got the two mid-week games, but the players are looking very focused, they’re looking fit and refreshed. We are really looking ready for the games that are coming up.”