Imperfect Perfection

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams is backing his out-of-touch Pilgrims to return to form.

In recent weeks, players such as Graham Carey, David Fox, Ruben Lamieras and Ryan Taylor – part of the core of last season’s successful side – have been omitted from the starting line-up or, in the case of Ruben, from the match-day squad altogether. 

Whether all or any return to colours this weekend, when Argyle visit Bristol Rovers in a Sky Bet League One Westcountry derby, remains to be seen, but Derek believes they will get back to their best at some point. 

He said: “People will say ‘Do you know your perfect side?’ Obviously, you do know your perfect side, but that perfect side hasn’t been the perfect side for a variety of reasons. 

“People have not performed, maybe, to the way that we had hoped they would. It’s about trying to get a bit of confidence in players that are going to do well, and go forth.

“It’s up to them to get back to the form they had shown last season, and the seasons gone, and they will do.” 

Other players in the first-team squad – the likes of Lionel Ainsworth, Calum Dyson and Peter Grant – have yet to feature in a match-day party this season, but they, too, will be encouraged to force that issue. 

Derek said: “The ones that are not in the 18 at this moment in time haven’t done well enough to get into our 18. 

“We have spoken with them. They will keep on pushing along. 

“They are in the squad of 24. You have got to have a squad and, at this moment in time, the 18 that are in the 18 the best ones for that particular game, or the best ones we feel that are doing well enough to be in the 18. 

“The other ones are not better than the 18 at this moment in time.”