Morgan: 'I Dreamed of Coming Back'

In March, Morgan Whittaker posted several pictures on his Instagram page, chronicling a city break that he and his partner had taken in London.

While there was the odd comment about a neon sign outside of Les Miserables and the sight of Morgan surveying the British Museum, one photo in particular seemed to generate interest.

“I went to London and I posted a picture of a pizza,” Morgan told Argyle TV.  “It had ‘pilgrims’ written on the box. We didn't realise, but we then just clocked how everyone was a really big part of that.

“The support has been really overwhelming. I didn't realise the love that was shown when I left and still to this day, I'm getting people commenting on my Instagram.”

His pizza box said 'Pilgrim', as did his heart, but it was not yet in his official description. Morgan left Argyle on 3 January, 2023, having been recalled from a loan spell by his parent club Swansea City. He had been a Pilgrim for 167 days.

He returned on Monday, 17 July, having been gone for 196 days, this time as a permanent signing.

Argyle fans everywhere found it a little hard to take when Morgan reluctantly returned to South Wales. To Whittaker’s credit, he spoke well of Swansea and how welcoming they were on his return, but even at the time it was clear he wanted to stay at Home Park and see out a promotion campaign.

Indeed, Morgan even joined the Green Army in the stands when Argyle beat Bristol Rovers 2-0 in a critical game in the final throes of the season.

It was not just supporters, it seemed, that hoped a reunion would one day be possible.

That day turned out to be Monday and, after making the deal official, the joy on Morgan’s face was clear to see.

“As soon as this was a serious possibility, there was no other place I'd rather have been," he said. "It was a no-brainer. I'm so happy to be here.

“The fans are really good here. The manager, the players; everything just fits for me perfectly. I'm really happy to be back.

“I'm buzzing. I know everyone close to me is buzzing. My girlfriend, both of our families; we know, from previous experience, how happy we were here, both on and off the pitch. I’m just so happy to be back and carry it on.

“It was a dream of mine to hopefully [be back], but I think at the time [the recall] was really hard to deal with. We were happy here and I was enjoying my football. I wanted to carry on for the season and try and get promotion - luckily, we did.

“I came to a home game towards the end of the season, the atmosphere was really good. I was watching from the sides wanting to be involved, but I'm just really happy we got there in the end.”

That he has become Argyle’s record signing speaks of how incredibly successful his initial loan spell was and it goes beyond the mere numbers. They will tell you that Morgan played 31 games for Argyle, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. However, a qualitative assessment goes far deeper.

Morgan’s ability to drive at defenders, to change the game, rouse a crowd and galvanise team-mates does not fit on a spreadsheet, but is of vital importance.

It is for those qualities, among a myriad, that manager Steven Schumacher has been moved to make Argyle history to bring Whittaker back, as the club gets set to tackle the challenge of the Sky Bet Championship.  

“I've never had a manager like Schuey,” said Morgan. “He's been great with me, as have the assistants and everyone at the club. It's amazing for me to be a part of. I think that showed in the first half of last season, how I performed. When that happens, you'll always get the best out of me.

“I think [the Championship is] going to be a massive step up for everyone. We're definitely ready for it.

“I just want to get involved, to get started, help the team stay up - and see where that can take us.”

The full interview with Morgan is now available on Argyle TV. Watch it here.