Jeph On Board
ACADEMY graduate Luke Jephcott has agreed a new contract, keeping him at Home Park until the end of the 2019/20 Sky Bet League Two campaign.
Luke made his league debut last season as a late substitute against Burton Albion, losing 3-2 at Home Park on October 20 - becoming the first player born in the 21st century to have played for Argyles first-team. His first league start came away at Rochdale on December 15 last year in a 2-1 win.
Jephcott had also started in the home games in the Checkatrade Trophy against Chelsea U21 and Swindon. Internationally, he has represented Wales at U19 level, helping them qualify for the European elite rounds in.
Domestically, he is delighted to be back for his second full season as a professional Pilgrim. He said: “It’s a good feeling, I was delighted to get my first contract last season and now I’m happy to be here again and kick on with this season.“
With a new era having started under new manager Ryan Lowe, the 19 year–old will be picking his gaffer’s brains as he looks to make an impression over pre-season.
Luke said: “He [Ryan Lowe] was obviously a striker when he played, so yeah I think it will help me because I can play either as a striker or a winger. It will be good for me and all the other strikers to get that knowledge from him to help us progress.“
While the manager will be there for advice, Jeph knows the hard yards will have to be put in to ensure his position in the side.
He said: “From our [the players] point of view ,he [Ryan] doesn’t know any of us, so we will have to try and put on a good impression. It is going to be hard for me because I have got to make that new impression all over again, straight from the beginning. I would like to get myself into the starting 11, week in week out.“
That said, the forward is looking forward to clean slate and a free-flowing brand of football.
He said: “It is a fresh start, the gaffer has brought in his [backroom] team, new faces, a new style and it’s going to be new for everyone. An attacking style of play is going to benefit me, it’s going to benefit the team as well. [That style] is always going to bring goals. That is what we want, I’m sure that’s what the fans want as well and I am confident that we can get back to where we should be.“