Lathrope happy with the steady progress of Argyle

THE Plymouth Argyle squad have shown in preseason they are taking steps in the right direction towards the way Tom Cleverley wants them to play in League One this term, according to assistant head coach Damon Lathrope.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The 35-year-old declared that Argyle ‘will be ready to go’ for the opening game against Barnsley at Home Park on Saturday, August 2, but it would be an ‘ongoing process’ to get to the level they ultimately want to be at.

Lathrope added that Cleverley, appointed as the new head coach last month, wanted the Pilgrims to dominate possession of the ball but with a purpose, and their performances would be ‘underpinned by a real honesty that all the fans will be able to identify with:

‘Argyle have made nine summer signings so far, while even more players than that have left the club following relegation from the Championship at the end of last term, so the Green Army will have to get used to watching a new-look squad in action.

Lathrope said: “I think it’s quite natural when you suffer a relegation there is change, and maybe players that have done well for the club over the years and did well in the Championship they stay at that level.

“That is the club's and all the staff's responsibility to make sure we put together a competitive squad for the coming season and I’m very confident we will do that.