Academy graduate needed to step up to Argyle first team

PLYMOUTH Argyle have always had at least one academy graduate playing a starring role for the first team in recent seasons, be it Michael Cooper, Adam Randell, or both of them, writes Chris Errington.

- By Chris Errington

The pair represented the club superbly, not only as professional footballers who played important parts in the rise to the Championship, but also as people. They were excellent role models for youngsters in the talent production pipeline.

However, the transfer of Randell to Championship club Bristol City on a four-year contract means the two star products of Argyle's academy have moved elsewhere in the last 12 months. His departure followed that of Cooper in August 2024, when he completed a move to Sheffield United.

It was no surprise to anyone at Home Park that Cooper went on to become a big success for the Blades, although his first season there ended in bitter disappointment with a Championship play-off final defeat by Sunderland at Wembley.

Argyle are now left with the possibility of not having any academy products in their starting line-up when the 2025/26 League One campaign gets under way.