In The Shake Up

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams is hoping his team can continue their good form when bottom of the table Bury come to Home Park on Saturday.

The Pilgrims have picked up ten points over the Christmas period in their four matches stretching their unbeaten league run to six matches much to the delight of the manager.

“We would have taken that points total over the festive period,” said Derek. “We have played particularly well against teams that are around us, which has been important and have beeen able to catch teams above us. We have been able to win matches in a good way. 

“As I always said, ‘wait till we get our injuries and suspensions back’ and we have been able to do that; we have looked a very good outfit. 

“We have had a lot of traveling to do at MK Dons and Blackpool. We played on a heavy pitch at Blackpool as well, and we have the furthest to travel out of the teams. Blackpool had two home games then away to Rochdale. So, we’ve done particularly well to come through this period.” 

There has been particular praise for 34 year-old David Fox who has put in some outstanding performances over the hectic Christmas period as he looks a fit as ever. 

“We try and manage the squad as best we can,” said Derek. “He is one we watch how he trains because of his age, but he is on the training pitch everyday along with the rest of the players. It’s a big bonus to him because at 34 years of age he’s still got a good part of his career left.” 

Saturday’s opponents Bury may be without a win in five, but Adams knows not to take anyone lightly in this division.

“Saturday is a game when we are playing against bottom of the table,” said Adams. “They played very well against Scunthorpe on the weekend and were unfortunate not to take something from the game. They have made two acquisitions over the last 24 hours and strengthened their team.

“We are on a good run of form and have played some really good football. If you look at the stats on a weekly basis we’ve been near the top of them over the past couple of weeks. 

Bury will be without key striker Jermaine Beckford after he suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season. But the Shakers have replaced him by signing experienced target man James Hanson who Derek is well aware of. 

“You only have to look at how we were with Ryan Taylor out. But, Bury have been able to go out and sign Hanson who will enhance their team.”