Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe was absent from this weeks pre-match press conference so his assistant Steven Schumacher took press duties. Ahead of the trip to Cambridge United this weekend, he told reporters “going to Cambridge is always a tough game. The fans get behind them and they’re vocal in their support. They haven’t played, they’ll be fresh and we’ll have to be on our game to get a result.”
Schumacher also had some injury updates for Saturday’s game. “Will [Aimson] still won’t be ready for the weekend. Fadz [Callum McFadzean] is going to come out and train with us today. He took a nasty whack on his knee (against Rovers).”
“He’s going to come out and give it a go. Credit to him, that’s what he wants to do. He’s still a little bit sore but the type of lad that he is he won’t back out because he knows that if he comes out the team there is people behind him ready to go and take his spot. I thought Conor Grant done great when he came on on Sunday and helped us going forward.”
Schumacher confirmed “apart from that we are fit and healthy.”
Attention turned to last Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Bristol Rovers, the question was raised whether midfielder Antoni Sarcevic would stay as penalty taker, after missing one and scoring one in the match.
“Sarce will stay as penalty taker, I think that might be the first one he missed. I can see what he was trying to do with the second one. If he wants the next one, it will probably be his, he’s a good penalty taker.”
“We were very disappointed not to get through on the day, but it was a good game between two good teams and we’re in the hat. The players are improving, we know it would take a little while but it’s taking shape. We’re working on a lot of things and now it’s tweaking and fine tuning.”
The assistant manager also confirmed that long time physio Paul Atkinson has left the club being replaced by experienced figure Dave Galley. “Paul is a great guy and has been great to work with for the last five months, we wish him all the best for the future”.
Finally, Schumacher gave his opinion on the recent progress of the Argyle Ladies team, who officially signal the opening of the Mayflower Grandstand at reduced capacity to the public for the first time on Sunday, as they take on Watford Ladies at Home Park.
“They are doing fantastic aren’t they? I haven’t had a chance to go and watch them yet but I have been keeping up to date with their results and how they have been performing.”
“It should be a great occasion for them on Sunday, especially playing against Watford, who are also doing well. It will be a good day and the first time with fans in the new grandstand. I hope everybody enjoys it.”