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Plymouth Argyle were all but relegated from the Championship on Saturday afternoon despite beating Preston North End 2-1 at Deepdale.
It was just the Pilgrims’ second win on the road all season, and while they were able to pick up all three points in Lancashire, Luton Town’s late 1-0 victory over Coventry City in the lunch-time game on Saturday effectively sent Miron Muslic’s side to League One before they had even kicked a ball.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 19 |  DerbyDerby | 45 | 13 | 10 | 22 | 48 | 56 | -8 | 49 |
| 20 |  PrestonPreston | 45 | 10 | 19 | 16 | 46 | 57 | -11 | 49 |
| 21 |  LutonLuton | 45 | 13 | 10 | 22 | 42 | 64 | -22 | 49 |
| 22 |  Hull CityHull City | 45 | 12 | 12 | 21 | 43 | 53 | -10 | 48 |
| 23 |  PlymouthPlymouth | 45 | 11 | 13 | 21 | 50 | 86 | -36 | 46 |
| 24 |  CardiffCardiff | 45 | 9 | 17 | 19 | 46 | 69 | -23 | 44 |
The gap between Argyle and safety is just three points, but their goal difference is significantly worse than all those above them and plans will already be in place for life back in the third tier after a two-year stay in the Championship.
Wayne Rooney was blamed by Muslic for relegation, after the former Derby County boss left Plymouth languishing at the bottom of the table before being sacked in December, and the Devonshire outfit may be set for a complete squad overhaul. However, one star may just be sticking around at Home Park.
Maksym Talovierov suggests he is staying in message to Plymouth Argyle supporters
Argyle have vastly improved under Muslic, and a big part of that has come through their new-found strength at the back following the arrival of Maksym Talovierov and Nikola Katic in the January transfer window.
The former joined Plymouth from Lask on a three-and-half year deal, and his performances have been excellent throughout. However, there will have been fears that relegation would see the club record signing depart in the summer transfer window.
But, in his most recent Instagram post, the Ukrainian centre-back has hinted that he is willing to stay for the battle in League One – something that will be music to the ears of supporters.
He wrote: “I was pleased to be back on the pitch after my recovery but it is heartbreaking that we couldn’t avoid relegation. We’re all devastated, and I know how much this club means to everyone. Thank you for sticking with us—we’ll work harder than ever to bounce back. 💚”
Maksym Talovierov will be crucial to Plymouth’s chances of bouncing back immediately
Few would have given Plymouth a chance at survival in the Championship back in the winter, but strengthening at the back did help them crawl back towards safety.
While they were not able to bridge the gap, Argyle went down with a fight and supporters will be hoping to see this battling spirit in League One next season and Talovierov will be one of those looking to carry it through with him.
Muslic was incredibly disappointed with the weekend’s events, and if he also stays, Plymouth will be in a strong position to fight for promotion once again and their new-found leaders will only help as they prepare to launch a title push.
However, there will be concerns that those in the Championship start to circle the likes of Talovierov in the transfer window, with it clear to see how much of a difference he can make to a side’s defensive strength.