A message from the manager

TO the Green Army,

I wanted to send a quick message to our loyal supporters in what is a challenging, and unusual, time for us all.

Firstly, I must say I totally support the note sent yesterday by our Chairman, Simon Hallett, and urge you all to follow the current government guidance and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, as well as your loved ones.

At this moment in time, football is not the most important thing. We are, of course, disappointed to have to postpone our exciting season in such good form – that goes without saying. However, we must do our bit to protect each other, especially the elderly and vulnerable in our society. If that means no games for a few weeks, so be it.

However, that does not mean that we have taken our eye off the ball. As a group, my players and staff remain as committed as ever to achieving the aims we set out at the start of the season. We took the decision to give the lads a few days off to recover last week, and they are now participating in a personal training regime at home, which was tailored for each of them by our Head of Fitness and Conditioning, John Lucas.

When we are all back together on the pitch at Harper’s, we will implement a mini ‘pre-season’ training regime, to ensure that everyone is up to speed. I have no doubts, though, that this group of players will return for duty fully-fit and ready to work.

I am in regular contact with Simon, Andrew [Parkinson, Chief Executive] and Zac [Newton, Club Secretary], as well as daily catch-ups with the players.

Everyone is very much on the same page, and we will focus on remaining fresh, mentally and physically, for when the time comes to resume the season. I also know that club staff are also working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we are ready to go when we get the green light.

As for me, I am not letting this time go to waste, either. I am currently part-way through achieving my UEFA Pro Licence qualification, so I have been using this down-time to undertake study and research.

The club is striving to improve on and off the pitch, and I am extremely committed to do the same. The work, which includes a lot of reading, tactical analysis and watching some of our opposition, will help make me a better manager, which is extremely important.

Of course, I am also spending some quality time with my family. I feel that, now more than ever, we must look after our families and community. These are values that are important to me, and I know that the club shares this outlook as a key asset in the community. We are One Argyle.

We do not yet know when we will be able to take to the pitch in front of the Green Army again. Whenever that day comes, we will be ready.

Until then, look after each other.

Ryan

He better still be in Plymouth

I think he will stay, promotion or not.