Waiting Game

There have been many new faces inducted into the Argyle ranks over the summer months, 16 signings in all. After a sticky transition period during the opening knockings of the season, the Pilgrims seem well-acquainted and flying. 

Partially forgotten in it all is Karleigh Osborne, who signed in the summer after being released by Bristol City. Osborne is yet to make an appearance for Argyle due to picking up a thigh injury in pre-season.

However, the return of defender Osborne seems to be gathering pace. After turning out several times for Argyle’s development side in the Peninsula League, Karleigh has returned to the first team squad, appearing as an unused substitute on three occasions. 

Argyle’s defence has stood firm in his absence, with Sonny Bradley and Nauris Bulvitis filling the centre-back positions that Karleigh hopes to be challenging for. 

First team coach Paul Wotton is no stranger to the defensive duty himself having captained the Pilgrims to League titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04. On Karleigh’s absence, he said: “We have a good defensive record, Bully and Sonny are playing well. Karleigh is working really hard, training really well and he’s played a lot of reserve games now”. 

There doesn’t appear to be any precise timeline for when Osborne will feature and with the backline looking so settled, the former Bristol City man may have to sit tight for a while. However, Wotton was confident that when fit and called upon that Osborne would be ready to make the most of the opportunity. 

“He is a great professional, he’s worked really hard and is a good character to have on the bench” said Wotton. “He is a very experienced footballer so I am sure when his chance comes he will take it”.