Neil Dewsnip is honoured to be taking charge of Plymouth Argyle

NEIL Dewsnip has described Plymouth Argyle’s players as a hard-working group who are a joy to be around and admitted it is ‘an absolute privilege’ to be taking interim charge of them.

The Pilgrims will play for the third time since former manager Steven Schumacher left for Championship rivals Stoke City last week when they take on promotion-chasing Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium tonight (6pm). Dewsnip has been the interim boss for back-to-back draws, at home to Birmingham City (3-3) and away to Cardiff City on Boxing Day, (2-2), assisted by first team coach Kevin Nancekivell.

He said: “It’s an honour. Plymouth Argyle is a real special football club. So to be one leading it over the last two games – and maybe the next couple – is an absolute privilege.

“When you listen to the fans singing, when you are around the players who are trying so hard, wow. It is a challenge but it’s a challenge made so much easier by those groups of people.”

Dewsnip continued: “You never stop learning. I watch Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace’s 76-year-old manager) and he’s completely consumed by the game of football. I think that’s the way most of us are.