Foster is determined to turn it round at Argyle Under-pressure Pilgrims boss is ‘desperate to change the results’ at Home Park
IAN Foster has declared that everyone at Plymouth Argyle is desperate to change the results that they have had of late, which have seen then slide perilously close to the Championship relegation zone.
The Pilgrims’ boss admitted the Green Army had every right to be frustrated by the Pilgrims’ run of six defeats and only one win from their last nine league games, but added that he, his staff and the players all felt the same. Argyle return to action after the final international break of the season away to sixth-placed Norwich City at Carrow Road today, and will then host mid-table Bristol City on Easter Monday.
Foster came in for fierce criticism from fans after the 1-0 defeat by Preston North End last time out, at Home Park on March 16, which was just his 12th Championship match as the Pilgrims’ boss.
Ahead of the trip to Norwich, Foster said: “Our fans are obviously frustrated with recent results and they have every right to be, and we feel the same. They care deeply about this football club and I have a lot of appreciation for that.
“But that only gives me extra determination to make sure we get things right for them. It would genuinely mean a lot for them, for the community and for the city if we get this right so I understand the fans’ sentiment.”
Foster was asked whether there had been any conversations with Argyle owner Simon Hallett and chief executive officer Andrew Parkinson over the recent poor run of results and how the team could look to finish the season strongly.
He replied: “I always have regular dialogue with Andrew and Simon anyway. Post-Preston is no different. We know the fans have enjoyed some wonderful results and performances over recent seasons.
“We are all aware of that, and perhaps that hasn’t been the same now we are in the Championship but it’s one of the most unforgiving leagues out there. We, as a group of staff and owners and chief execs through to the players, we are all desperate to change the results we have had of late.
“The criticism from the supporters, I would rather have it towards me than the players, but ultimately I would rather not have it. We have the power to change that with results on the pitch.
“It does hurt, it’s not nice. I say this, and I don’t mean anybody to feel sorry for me - that’s not what I’m trying to get across - but this is a
family football club, and my family had to leave the ground during the Preston game, which isn’t nice for them. It’s not nice for me.
“That’s not the environment we want here, and that’s unfortunate, but I do get the fans are really frustrated and we are deeply trying to change the sentiment of the fans with the results on the pitch.”
Foster described the near twoweek international break which will end with the game against Norwich as ‘a double-edged sword’. He said: “It’s nice for the players to have some time off, for us all to have a bit of time, but also you are kind of desperate for the next game to come round.
“What we have now is games in quick succession so we won’t be waiting too long for the next one, but I know the players have been able to refresh and recharge physically and mentally, which is great for them. We have also had a lot of players on international duty, which is testament of them and where the club is at.”
Argyle’s on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips returned early from England under20s duty due to illness.
Phillips was an unused substitute for a 5-1 win away to Poland last Friday but was not part of the squad when the Young Lions won 3-1 in the Czech Republic on Tuesday. The 18-year-old took part in a Pilgrims’ training session at Harper’s Park on Tuesday so should be available for the Good Friday fixture against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
The international trio of Alfie Devine (England under-20s), Conor Hazard (Northern Ireland) and Ben Waine (New Zealand) were set to rejoin the Argyle squad yesterday, but Brendan Galloway was still not part of the group.
Galloway was not due back in the UK until 6am yesterday morning after being part of the Zimbabwe squad for a four-nations tournament in Malawi. He played as a second half substitute when the Warriors lost 3-1 to Kenya in the final and his return journey took him via Ethiopia to London so he will meet up with his teammates in Norwich.
“It’s the wonderful world of international football,” said Argyle head coach Foster. “Brendan and all the players are proud men and they want to represent their countries.
“I would never ever discourage anyone from going away, having been a national coach myself, and knowing the importance of playing for your country, but he’s planes, trains and automobiles Brendan, bless him.”