Ahead of the publication of Plymouth Argyle’s retained list, editors Nick, Sam and Adam debated who should be retained, who should be released and who should be transfer listed.
Joe Riley
Sam: Retain. The right back had an underwhelming start to his career but impressed a lot more when he came back into the side in March.
Adam: For League Two level he is absolutely fine, and his ability to play as a full back or wing back makes him a useful player to have around. Retain.
Nick: Riley suffered from injuries but is above League Two level, as he showed with Bury last time he was in the division. Retain.
Gary Sawyer
Adam: Release. It pains me to say it but performance levels have dropped. He hasn’t been helped by the team setup, but Smith-Brown is ready to take over in the left back position.
Nick: Depends on his wage demands. Could be a cheap, solid squad player and leader at the very least. Retain.
Sam: Release. He has been a fine servant for the club but when a player’s legs start to go as his have, there’s no turning back.
Yann Songo’o
Nick: Cheap, versatile player, suited to a league that is more physical. Could be very useful in the division below. Retain.
Sam: Without Derek Adams overusing him by playing him in central midfield every game, we could have a good League Two centre-back on our hands who can cover midfield. Retain.
Adam: Retain. But like Sam, I dearly hope the next manager uses him more effectively than Adams.
Ryan Edwards
Sam: Retain. He showed how good he can be with his fine form from August to January last season and given a fully fit pre-season he could excel in League Two.
Adam: Retain if we can. He’s made a few mistakes, but who hasn’t? His aerial ability makes him a fine addition to any League Two squad.
Nick: Expect he’s probably off. Above League Two level and apparently there is interest. Absolutely should keep him if we can. Retain.
Jamie Ness
Adam: We know he’s already gone. I’d have retained him if wages weren’t an issue, but his injury record left a lot to be desired.
Nick: Ness has already admitted he’s gone and maybe that’s for the best. Too injury prone, higher wage and the right time for a new player. Release.
Sam: It was the correct decision to release him. He’d have been well above league two level but unable to stay fit for an entire season. Release.
Antoni Sarcevic
Nick: We’re pretty certain he’s under contract, unless there is some release clause. Very handy player in League Two. Retain.
Sam: Absolutely Retain. He was superb for this level with Fleetwood and has something to offer in both CM and AM against limited opponents.
Adam: Retain. His pressing from midfield could be vital against the more defensive sides at League Two level.
David Fox
Sam: Release. As I said regarding Sawyer, he is a great servant to the club but his performance levels have dropped off hugely and another season could ruin his legacy.
Adam: He’s been a great servant but to get the best out of him the midfield needs to be set up in a very specific way. There are other players who can do what Fox does. Release.
Nick: Keep him if we can. He’s one of the few quality players in possession of the ball. Likely to leave, not worth breaking the budget for, but not worth releasing without trying.
Ryan Taylor
Adam: We assume he’s under contract and there’s no reason not to keep it it is that way. Since signing Taylor, the team has consistently scored more goals when he has started. Retain.
Nick: Taylor is a must keep. Great option for any team in League Two given his aerial abilities. A manager should not be afraid to make him their leading striker. Retain.
Sam: Taylor was chronically underused last season but in truth didn’t seem fit on most occasions when he did play – but with a full pre season he deserves a chance in a division that he’s too good for when fit and firing. Retain.
Graham Carey
Nick: We’re at big risk of losing our two best players this summer. Carey is more likely to stay than the other, and would massively benefit any attempt at immediate promotion – retain.
Sam: Whilst I agree it’s likely he will depart, we should make every effort to avoid that happening as he’s far too good for league two level. Retain.
Adam: Absolute no brainer. It’s unlikely, but do all we can to retain.
Ruben Lameiras
Sam: The other one of our two best players is younger and even less likely to stay but again we should at least try. He’d tear the basement apart if on-form. Retain.
Adam: Same again. Try to retain, as impossible as it looks.
Nick: I’m not holding out one iota of hope that he stays, but the clubs should still do what they can to keep him – retain.