Bittersweet Symphony

GREGG Wylde is happy to be back with Argyle after picking up where he left off in the Pilgrims’ Sky Bet League One debut at Peterborough.

The Scottish midfielder scored the first Argyle goal on the opening day of the season for the second time in three campaigns, having returned to Home Park this summer after a year at Millwall. 

Although, unlike his 2015 debut when he scored in a 2-0 win at AFC Wimbledon, Gregg did not finish on a winning side this time as Argyle lost 2-1 at the ABAX Stadium, he sees much to be positive about, second time around. 

He said: “We created more chances here then we did with Millwall, but it’s two different games, two different clubs.

“I’m happy here, on and off the field, and my family loves it. When I went to Millwall, I enjoyed it and the manager was good with me, but, unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me. I’m happy here now. 

“We did well and we looked really fit. The manager keeps us in top condition; we do double sessions every day. We’ll look forward to Charlton at home next Saturday, when hopefully we can get the support behind us. 

“The support that came here was unbelievable. Hopefully, we can pay them off next time. I came here with Millwall. Millwall is closer to here than Plymouth, and we took more here than Millwall took. It is unbelievable support we take away from home, considering the travelling.”

Gregg’s goal came after an impactful introduction as a second-half substitute, by which time Argyle were 2-0 down to an own goal from Gary Sawyer and an early second-half strike from Junior Morias. 

His first touch was a searing drive that Borough goalkeeper Jonathan Bond tipped over as Argyle finished strongly, proving their fabled fitness and that 21st century football is truly a squad game. 

“I had a few chances when I came on,” said Gregg. “With my first touch, I had a shot and then, obviously, I scored. 

“Ruben [Lameiras] picked [the ball] up and was driving in before cutting it back. I said to Graham [Carey] that I wanted it through him and I put it into the bottom corner. I was delighted the goal went in but I would rather have had the three points. 

“After that, we had a few chances. I thought we coped with the game really well, considering that we were playing a team has been in League One for many years. 

“The manager had a formation to match Peterborough and he got the tactics spot on. I think the boys adapted to it really well. 

“Everybody who is involved and who is left out just need to crack on and look after each other. We have got a good changing-room. When we went to Holland, there was a good bonding.

“Comparing this to my first season, it is the exact same.”