Burton's Pre-Season Assessment

After keeping a clean sheet against Yeovil Town, Argyle goalkeeper Callum Burton declared himself content with The Pilgrims’ pre-season – and cannot wait for the real thing to start.

Callum, who played full matches against both Yeovil and Sky Bet Championship side Swansea City, let in just one goal in that pair of games, and is feeling very positive about the preparations he and his team-mates have had ahead of the upcoming season.

“From start to finish we’ve been at it,” he said. “It’s been solid. There’s been a lot of goals, and a lot of wins, which is pleasing, because you always have sticky games in pre-season, where you’re not quite at the races. Every game so far, we’ve excelled in, so it’s been a really good pre-season.

“You always dread pre-season, coming back, but when you get into that last week, you just want that first game to come. Once the games are coming thick and fast, that’s where every player thrives.

“You go into every game not wanting to concede. It’s good to test yourself against different opposition. We played two Championship sides, and didn’t look out of place against them.

“When you are competing against them, then going to teams that are below you, you want to beat them convincingly. I think we’ve done that. We showed that edge, that ruthlessness that we need going into the league games. That will stand our attacking players in good stead. Everyone wants them firing.

“We want that confidence going in to Barnsley. After the performances that everyone has done, throughout pre-season, we’ll have that confidence.”

Although many of Argyle’s squad remain from last season, there have been five additions to the unit. Matt Butcher, Mickel Miller, Finn Azaz, Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker have all arrived, and Burton has been impressed with their integration.

“With the additions that have been made, they’ve strengthened us,” said Callum. “We’re the same core from last year. We had a good season last season, so all the additions have made us stronger. We have more squad depth, and with five subs it’s going to be important this year.

“They’ve all integrated really well. A few have only recently joined, so for them to have fit in like they have done, in just two weeks, is a credit to them, and a credit to the dressing room we’ve got. Anybody who comes in is made to feel welcome straight away, and that’s across the whole club. That’s fans, staff, players: everyone.

“It shows on the pitch. You hear some players saying ‘we need a few months to get into it’ but all of ours have hit the ground running. It’s exciting for the new season.”