Mayor Offer

PERHAPS the biggest surprise surrounding Ryan Lowe’s first signing as Argyle manager was that Joe Edwards was not Danny Mayor.

Midfielder Joe slipped into Home Park unheralded on the same day that former Bury playmaker Danny was pictured on social media in the Home Park Superstore, with accompanying speculation that he would be joining his former Gigg Lane manager at Home Park.

Free agent Danny departed to mull over that opportunity, as well as other offers from clubs eager to acquire the services of a player who Ryan rates very highly.

“He’s not only the best player in League Two – he’s a good friend of ours,” said Ryan. “He’s been round with his missus and had a look round; we’ve tabled an offer; he knows what it looks like.

“He’s been very open with us, because he always is. He’s speaking to other clubs, which is fine. We’ll respect whatever decision Dan makes but, for us, he’s someone who we’ve had on our radar since I got the job.

“We’ll have to wait and see how that pans out. He knows what we’re about; we know what he’s about – he’s a fantastic player.

“He was very impressed with, not only the football club, but with the people around, with everyone he’s met.

“The place itself, it is what it is – it’s a fantastic place, and Dan and his missus know that, so we haven’t had to sell that. We’ll just have to be patient and respect Dan’s decision, and hopefully we’ll see him in an Argyle kit.

“I’ve said to Dan, as a friend, ‘Pick the right choice – pick the footballing choice.’ He’s not chasing big money, he’s chasing dream and, what I did say to him was, at the end of last season, he had a medal around his little boy’s neck – two months’ old at the time.

“He relished those moments and those are the moments he wants, so it’s got to be a footballing decision with Dan and I’m sure it will.”

Danny is one of several players currently with financially troubled Bury who has been linked to a Home Park move since Ryan swapped Gigg Lane for Home Park.

Again, the speculation might be premature as Ryan will wait to see how things shake up before making a move. 

He said: “I don’t want to disrespect Bury because, for me, it’s been my club – I had good times there as a player and as a manager. They are in a sticky situation at the moment. I have to wait and see where they’re at.

“If any players come available and are out of a job, then why wouldn’t I look at them? If certain players become available who suit, of course I’ll speak to them, but we have got to be respectful to the football club and the fans.

“It’s not just Bury players we are looking at – we’ve a got a number of players in a number of positions that we are looking at.

“But we’ve got some players who are in fantastic shape and who are good players, so we’re not in a major rush. We will make the right signings, but we’ll be patient.”

One player who Ryan will be looking at close quarters next week is Ben Barclay, a 22-year-defender released by Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.

The former Manchester City centre-back, who spent time in League Two at Notts County last season, will begin a trial next week.