When it comes to the comings and goings surrounding Plymouth Argyle, there are four names to discuss. Whilst they have recruited two new faces, a couple of key men will be leaving Home Park. There is a still while to go in the summer window, but for now, here are the main talking points for the Green Army.
Two In and Two Out for Plymouth Argyle
Optimising the Free Transfer Market
In the lower reaches of English football, players moving on free transfers is increasingly common. This has always been a factor but given the overarching effects of the coronavirus pandemic, teams such as Plymouth Argyle have to be financially savvy where possible. One of the new faces in the Devon is Matt Butcher. The Portsmouth-born midfielder has enjoyed a steady progression throughout his career.
Butcher started out at Bournemouth but failed to make a single appearance – five times he was loaned away from the Vitality Stadium. He then found his feet permanently with Accrington Stanley and after two years there, has been picked up by Argyle. There were talks of an improved contract deal on the table for the 25-year-old but he has instead signed up for two years in the green and white.
Good morning, Greens. 💚#pafc pic.twitter.com/j9SyLjSELj
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) June 28, 2022
Following on from the signing of Butcher, Plymouth Argyle have also acquired Mickel Miller. The winger was subject to interest from the likes of Portsmouth and Lincoln City but it was Steven Schumacher that won out. He made over 100 appearances for Carshalton Athletic in Sutton, before joining Rotherham United by way of Scotland first.
With the Millers, Miller played a couple of years, excluding a brief loan stint at Hartlepool United in the middle of it all. Schumacher doesn’t traditionally operate with wingers but in the modern age, players such as Miller can often play as a wingback. Alternatively, he could offer a different sort of threat off of the bench when the game needs to be taken to the opponent.
Panutche Camara Has Requested a Move Away from Plymouth Argyle
Moving on now to the players departing Plymouth Argyle and the headline duo are close to the hearts of the fans. First, to Panutche Camara, who hasn’t officially left the club yet. He may still be an Argyle player but the Guinea-Bissau international asked to be made available for a transfer. That being said, the club are still keen on holding onto him and there is yet to be an official bid made by anyone.
Camara was an integral piece at the base of the midfield last term under both Ryan Lowe and then his successor too. When he was out of the picture, whether it be with injuries or due to AFCON, his absence was felt by those around him. Despite the ability of the likes of Jordan Houghton, Danny Mayor and Adam Randell, as well as the arrival of Butcher, life without Camara would prove difficult.
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗖, 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 💙
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of George Cooper from Plymouth Argyle!
Details here ⬇️https://t.co/yU5USGbDsc#Spireites pic.twitter.com/TTHhYovGF1
— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) June 27, 2022
George Cooper, on the other hand, has left Plymouth Argyle for certain. The former Crewe Alexandra man was a fans’ favourite during his three years down south but various issues got in the way. Cooper also picked up a number of injuries which limited his playtime and made it difficult for him to hang on to any consistency on the field. He has made a step down to the National League with Chesterfield.
There tends to be a lot of squad overhaul in the summer for clubs up and down the EFL, partially due to the short-term basis of contracts. Plymouth Argyle will be hoping to retain the bulk of their squad though as they gear up for another promotion push against the odds. Will Butcher and Miller be able to make the difference?
