Argyle Now Have Platform To Build From After Staying Up - Neil Dewsnip

DIRECTOR of football Neil Dewsnip admitted Plymouth Argyle staying up in the Championship this season felt even better than when they won the League One title last term with 101 points.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The Pilgrims were on a worrying downward spiral when head coach Ian Foster was sacked after a 1-0 Easter Monday defeat by Bristol City, with Dewsnip and first team coach Kevin Nancekivell put in temporary charge for the final six fixtures.

Argyle went on to pick up 10 points over that period of time and finished the campaign in 21st position, one point above relegated Birmingham City in 22nd, as they beat Hull City 1-0 to spark scenes of wild celebration at Home Park.

Dewsnip said: “It means we can continue what we started. I think this is five years from League Two to a second year in the Championship. It hopefully will mean that the budget can be bigger next year - I don’t know whether that will be the case but I hope so – and it means we can develop the plans we would like to do.

“It would have been so much harder to try and do those things from League One. I’m relieved, and drained. I’m just like ‘Wow’.”

Now the season has ended, and on a high note, the search for a new head coach will become the focus of attention for club officials, including Dewsnip, but it is far from being the only item on the agenda for the summer.