Argyle's Championship squad as it stands - and where some new signings are needed

STEVEN SCHUMACHER IS PREPARING TO LEAD THE NEWLY-PROMOTED PILGRIMS IN THEIR FIRST SEASON IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 13 YEARS

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

PLYMOUTH Argyle currently have a squad of 15 players, excluding five young, untested professionals, ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign.

Manager Steven Schumacher, director of football Neil Dewsnip and the club's recruitment staff will be looking to add as much quality as possible to the newly-promoted Pilgrims' ranks between now and when the new season kicks off in August.

It is going to be a massive step up to be competing against the relegated Premier League trio of Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton, as well as some established and ambitious Championship clubs.

Of the five Argyle players offered new contracts this summer, three of them have signed - striker Ryan Hardie, defender Dan Scarr and midfielder Jordan Houghton.

The expectation is that defender James Wilson will follow suit, but striker Niall Ennis has moved instead to former Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers.

So how does the Argyle squad stand right now, with the start of preseason training on June 28 just three weeks away, and which areas need the most attention? Here are the thoughts of Plymouth Live's Argyle reporter Chris Errington, who believes there could be as many as 10 new signings - including permanent transfers and loans.

GOALKEEPER Callum Burton, Mike Cooper

The big question is when Mike Cooper will be fit to play again after his serious knee injury.

That will dictate Argyle's approach to this position. They will almost certainly sign a third goalkeeper after Adam Parkes was released at the end of last season without playing any games for them.

If Cooper is going to be fit for, or not long after, the start of the season, then Argyle are likely to sign a relatively inexperienced keeper, as was the case with Parkes.