Plymouth Argyle’s pre-season win sets the tone for 2025/26 promotion charge, ‘everything is coming together’

Add as preferred source on Google

Plymouth Argyle deliver a positive injection into their camp with a dominant pre-season win, following the departure of several major players after their relegation to League One.

After relegation from the Championship, Plymouth appointed Tom Cleverley to replace Miron Muslic for the coming campaign, and the former Watford boss has seen the likes of Ryan Hardie depart for Wrexham.

Adam Randell has also left for Bristol City, Maksym Talovierov joined Stoke City for £2m and their top goalscorer last season, Mustapha Bundu, has joined Hannover 96.

Despite their player exodus, the Pilgrims’ latest pre-season friendly has shown signs of promise.

• READ MORE: Maksym Talovierov breaks silence as Stoke City try to sign Plymouth Argyle ace, ‘there is interest, but…’

Plymouth Argyle beat Torquay United in dominant pre-season win

Plymouth Argyle put on an impressive attacking display, securing a dominant 6-0 pre-season victory over Torquay United at Plainmoor. Xavier Amaechi and captain Joe Edwards both netted twice, with Bim Pepple and Bali Mumba also on target for the Pilgrims.

While Argyle held only a slender 1-0 lead at halftime, courtesy of Amaechi’s 36th-minute strike, they exploded in the second period. Converting five more chances, they wrapped up an emphatic win that offered promising signs for the new season.

New goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond started, having signed a one-year contract following a trial period. He had also featured in previous warm-up matches. Argyle’s squad showcased several new summer signings; Bradley Ibrahim began the game, while Ayman Benarous, Owen Oseni, and Jamie Paterson were among those introduced from the bench.

After the game, Tom Cleverley told Argyle TV: “It’s the night where everything seemed to come together. They made the first 10 minutes difficult for us, like anyone it’s more about territory than it is taking control of the football through possession in those first 10 minutes.”

• READ MORE: The real reason Adam Randell is leaving Plymouth Argyle as Tom Cleverley issues honest verdict on move

Bristol City will be Plymouth Argyle’s final test ahead of 2025/26 season

Plymouth Argyle face their final pre-season challenge against Championship side Bristol City on Saturday, 26 July, at Home Park.

This fixture marks the last tune-up before the 2025/26 season officially kicks off, and it is a significant test.

The last time they met Bristol City, in January during the 2024/25 season, the game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Home Park, with goals for Argyle coming from Julio Pleguezuelo and Rami Al Hajj, who has since moved on to Silkeborg.

This match is an invaluable opportunity to fine-tune tactics and fully integrate summer recruits. The Green Army will be looking for a confident display, hoping to see the team gel and demonstrate the promise that could carry them into a successful League One campaign.

This final test is more than just a friendly; it’s a vital stepping stone, solidifying confidence before the real challenges begin, the charge for promotion.