Recognition for Argyle on and off the pitch
It has been a memorable season for Argyle both on and off the pitch with the club receiving a number of awards.
Below is a round up of the successes achieved by Steven Schumacher and his coaching staff, but also the team behind the team who work behind the scenes at Home Park.
Manager scoops end of season award double
Steven Schumacher was understandably praised throughout the football industry after leading Argyle back to the Championship for the first time since 2010.
The Pilgrims beat off strong competition from Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday to clinch the Sky Bet League One title.
In his first full season in charge Schumacher clinched the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Year award at the LMA Awards and also claimed the League One Manager of the Season award at the 2023 EFL Awards.
The LMA Awards are voted for by fellow managers across the Leagues, giving extra satisfaction for Schumacher as he was recognised by his peers.
The Liverpudlian also received two Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month awards for September and October, as Argyle's outstanding early season form was recognised.
Mumba and Cooper recognised by the EFL
Bali Mumba clinched the Sky Bet League One Young Player of the Season, at this year's EFL Awards dinner after an outstanding loan spell at Argyle.
Mumba, on loan from Norwich City for the campaign, became a pivotal part of Schumacher's side consistently creating and scoring goals from his wing-back position.
The 21-year-old beat off competition Charlton Athletic’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who was on loan at the Valley from Crystal Palace, and Cameron Humphreys from Ipswich Town. Mumba was also named in the League One Team of the Season.
He was joined in the Team of the Season by teammate Michael Cooper, who despite suffering an injury in February, was the standout shot stopper in the division and recognised by the EFL for his contributions to Argyle's title winning season.
Whittaker's excellent early season form rewarded
Loanee Morgan Whittaker shone in the early parts of the season and was named as Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for September.
The Swansea City attacker scored in three of the four games that month, getting the first goal at Derby as the comeback began, and scoring the winners against Oxford and Ipswich. On top of that, he provided an assist for Niall Ennis’s goal against Pompey.
Whittaker was eventually recalled by Swansea in January, but not without becoming a firm fan favourite first.
Argyle awarded EFL Family Excellence Gold
Argyle were also awarded with a Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2022/23 season.
A record number of EFL clubs - 66 - achieved Family Excellence status last season, with the scheme recognising continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues, and clubs’ efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future. However, only 12 clubs were rated 'Gold', being recognised for their exemplary work in engaging families on match days.
The Family Excellence scheme sees clubs receive two visit assessments each season, in order to determine the quality of the family match-day experiences they provide. The scheme recognises the continuous improvement and best practice that emerges across the EFL and rewards clubs for their efforts in attracting and retaining young supporters.
From Argyle's two visit reports, we were given a rating of 9 out of 10, ranking number one in Sky Bet League One, and second in the EFL. The average rating was 7.6.
The club is proud of its efforts to inspire the next generation and are intent on continually growing the Green Army both within the region and beyond. The match day experience is integral to the club moving forward, with efforts continuing to match the excellent football on the pitch, with outstanding provisions for supporters off the pitch.
Marketing and Communications team shine at Football Business Awards
The Marketing and Communications teams across Argyle an Argyle Community Trust shone at the Football Business Awards with the club picking up a gold medal for 'Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme' and silver award for 'Best Digital/Social Media team.'
The innovative Project 35 scheme was behind the success of the gold medal with judges noting it is a 'Well thought through project promoted in partnership with a local company. The use of the kit launch is a particularly good way of attracting supporter attention and the giving of the space on the shirts a high profile and ongoing gesture. The programme shows an understanding of local needs based on real data with strong results to demonstrate impact.'
Argyle's excellent social media presence was also recognised, with the club's channels continuing to grow across all mediums and Argyle TV being a significant factor in that. The content across all channels has been well received by fans, experts and judges alike as the club aims to bring the team closer to the fans than ever.