Feeling fit and aligned with what Cleverley wants, Ralls is ready to get going with Pilgrims

NEW signing Joe Ralls is ready to 'contribute right away' at Plymouth Argyle and confident they can turn their season around after a very difficult start to the League One campaign.

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

The 32-year-old former Cardiff City captain and midfielder has not played since the end of last season, after which he left the Bluebirds and has been without a team since then as he has waited for 'the right club' to come along.

However, Ralls has been training with National League club Aldershot Town for the last three months so he believes his general fitness levels are good and it is just matches he needs now.

With Argyle going through a tough time when it comes to their recent performances and results the experience of Ralls, who made more than 400 first team appearances during 15 years at Cardiff, could be invaluable, both in terms of what he will bring to the side as a player but also as a role model for the younger members of the squad.

Ralls said: "Obviously, I want to try and help out and contribute right away. I have signed a short-term deal (until January) so it's not going to be one of them where I'm going to have a preseason, if you like.

"I feel in a really good position, I have not come in needing to get fit. I feel fit, I'm ready. It's just them minutes and it's something you can only get by playing games of football. I'm hoping to be involved as soon as possible, and to try and help the team out in any which way the manager sees best."

Ralls first spoke to head coach Tom Cleverley last week and admitted it was an 'easy decision' to join Argyle. He said: "It happened quite quickly. I'm really excited to be here and the challenge that's ahead.

"Speaking to the manager I was really aligned in what he wants me to bring to the team, and just excited to get back playing football. It's a big club with great fans. I met all the boys and all the staff on Wednesday and that all went well.

"I have played a lot of games and you hope you can come here and first and foremost I want to try and show what I can do on the pitch as a footballer myself, but also to try and help what is a young team as well.