Joe's Happy Place

ARGYLE defender Joe Riley says there continues to be an air of optimism around Home Park, which has been sparked due to manager Ryan Lowe and his staff’s arrival this summer.

Joe is naturally delighted with the start to the season - winning two league games and, most recently, in the Carabao Cup.

However, even if the results had not been so positive, Home Park would still have been a happy home for the Greens and Riley wants to return from Saturday’s trip to South Wales with maximum points from Newport County in Sky Bet League Two.

“It’s been a happy place ever since the gaffer has walked in the building to be honest,” said Joe. “Winning brings a feel good factor around the place and we’re just looking to continue that.”

Consigning last season’s relegation to the history books, the former Shrewsbury man believes it is rare for such positivity to surround a club that had suffered in the previous season.

“Since the gaffer and his staff have come in, it has been a breath of fresh air, which is not common when you get relegated,” said Joe. “It’s been great for everyone and that has transpired into results now.”

Joe has been a beneficiary of having had a previous working relationship with Ryan Lowe and has taken to his preferred wing-back role like a duck to water, because he believes that is where he is best suited.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I like to get forward,” he says. “The way we play, it gives me an opportunity to get forward and create chances.  That’s what I’ve always been known for throughout my career is an attacking full-back who likes to get forward, so wing-back suits me.

“I played there before for a couple of other clubs and always enjoyed it. To be honest, the way we played last year never really enabled full-backs to get into advanced positions. This year has been a breath of fresh air for me personally with the new role.“