Check Your Prejudices

DEREK Adams wants the Green Army to turn out in force for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy opener against Chelsea Under-21s.

The Argyle manager is aware of the low esteem in which the competition is held by some Argyle fans but believes their lack of enthusiasm rebounds on the Pilgrims. 

More than 3,000 supporters travelled to watch Argyle’s Sky Bet League One opener at Peterborough and their Carabao Cup-tie at Bristol City – putting plenty of money into the coffers of the two host clubs – and Derek would like to see that passion replicated at Home Park on Tuesday. 

He said: “We had 1,800 supporters at Bristol City on a Tuesday night – it was a terrific following – but we also need to get an increase of gates at home. 

“We have had an increase, over a period of time, of 30% here, but we still need to increase [gates] to generate revenue for this football club. 

“We have obviously generated really good revenue for football clubs on the road; we have got a Checkatrade Trophy game next week – how many supporters are going to be at that game? 

“They are supporting this football club; they are not supporting the tournament if they don’t want to support the tournament, but they need to generate money for this football club. 

“They generated money for the League Cup against Bristol City, and for Bristol City Football Club; they now need to put that back into our football club, so I would like to see a big following come out to support our football club. 

“If they don’t support the Checkatrade Trophy and they don’t like the format, they can forget about that, but come out and support Plymouth Argyle Football Club by using the finances they have to benefit myself and the team, so that we can go out and get better players.” 

Argyle are putting on a selection of special activities for the future generation of the Green Army before Tuesday's match against Premier League champions Chelsea's Under-21s.

The Argyle Community Trust has put together fun and games for youngsters – who can come to the game for free – in the hour and a half before the 7pm kick-off. 

These will take place outside the Devonport end of Home Park and include: 

• Live music from beat boxer Liam Jones and guitarist Emilio Ayto;
• 3v3 football on a blow pitch;
• a Beat the Keeper competition;
• Dodgeball;
• Table Tennis;
• Games and activities;
• Face-Painting;
• Table Football; and
• Smoothie Bike.

Children are able to attend the match for free if they are accompanied by an adult who buys a ticket in advance. Each paying adult can bring up to three children to the game at no additional cost.

Ticket prices are £8 (£4 concessions), with Under-18s costing £1. Members seats are no longer reserved.