Plymouth Argyle’s return to League One last season proved to be a harsh reality check, with the Pilgrims memorably stuttering off the starting blocks. The squad, which initially struggled to gel, found itself consistently leaking goals, leading to questions about the lack of recruitment of proven third-tier characters.

Despite the fact that we saw Tom Cleverley and his squad eventually spark a remarkable upturn in performances, a transformation that propelled them to the very edge of the play-offs, it’s clear the Pilgrims are determined to learn from last summer’s missteps. And they’ve kicked off their preparations incredibly early this time around, announcing the signing of free agent Alex Hartridge, following his unsuccessful contract negotiations with Burton Albion.

Last season, Argyle kicked off with a centre-back pairing of Kornel Szucs and Victor Pálsson, players who both faced uncertain futures and had never played a game in the English third tier before. While the full extent of the club’s ambition in the transfer market remains to be seen, the acquisition of Hartridge certainly hints that Cleverley is looking to bring in a selection of ready-made League One players across various positions, well in advance of the August resumption.

Having missed out on a play-off spot by the finest of margins on the final day, it makes you wonder just where a more consistent run of results early last campaign could have left Argyle, with the clear priority now being to ensure they’re better prepared for a stronger start next time around.

A Wise & Versatile Recruit

After Brendan Galloway’s departure last month, following five successful years at Home Park, bolstering Argyle’s defensive line has become absolutely paramount. Thankfully, their new 27-year-old brings crucial adaptability, having forged a career both at centre-back and as a reliable option at left-back, making him an excellent first step in filling that significant void.

The travelling for the Green Army is always a factor to consider, not least next season, with their travel time set to increase tenfold; their nearest away match is clocked at a mere 396-mile round trip to Reading. This is unlikely to bother Hartridge, though, as the Torquay-born Devonian previously played over 150 matches for Argyle’s bitter rivals Exeter City, so extensive travel from the South West should come as second nature to him.

Cleverley and Director of Football Derek Adams are particularly satisfied with the capture, especially after tying him down to a two-year contract, which gives him ample time to fully immerse himself in the unique and infectious culture at Home Park.

His season took on a similar narrative to that of Argyle last term, fighting relegation with Burton Albion until the latter stages. Featuring 42 times for the Brewers, he’s proven himself as a chief organiser and able to maintain peak physical condition throughout a long, hard EFL campaign. His feared and well-renowned long throw could also prove a vital weapon for Argyle, helping them cause chaos in opposition penalty areas, an approach that has crept very much back into fashion.

A Replicable Blueprint

The Hartridge deal truly stands out, making sense not just because of the player’s roots and the absence of a fee, but primarily due to his individual qualities and the clear scope for him to slide seamlessly into Tom Cleverley’s newly successful 4-4-2 setup. They’d be well versed to stick to that theme throughout the summer window, focusing on players in their peak with plenty of EFL experience.

It’s safe to say that a major turning point in Argyle’s fortunes was the loan arrival of Alex Mitchell, a player supporters still dream of signing permanently, and his subsequent formidable partnership at centre-back with Mathias Ross. And there must be a clear emphasis on forging similar connections throughout the team during this pre-season, to prevent the period of adjustment from eating into crucial league matches, a reality that plagued the Pilgrims last season.

Centre forward may well be a position Argyle needs to strengthen in the coming months, as the Greens’ hierarchy are bracing for their resolve to be tested by sizeable bids for their prolific trio of strikers: Lorent Tolaj, Bim Pepple, and Owen Oseni, even if all are unlikely to depart. These three frontmen, despite their varied backgrounds, all enjoyed purple patches during their first season at Home Park, truly showcasing the scouting team’s knack for uncovering talented players.

With both of last season’s top goalkeeping options, Conor Hazard and Luca Ashby-Hammond, moving on, welcoming a new number one is an immediate priority. One thing remains undeniably clear: as Tom Cleverley diligently shapes his squad over the coming months, his singular ambition must be to mold a tight-knit unit brimming with technique and robust physicality, all focused on propelling Plymouth Argyle back into the Championship.