A good amount of daylight is showing between Plymouth Argyle and 21st place after a resounding win on Saturday against struggling Rochdale. 2 more goals for Freddie Ladapo will give him a much needed boost, and it was good to see Oscar Threlkeld return to Home Park with a goal. Ryan Edwards and Ashley Smith-Brown came up with the other 2 goals – ASB getting his reward for some good recent form. Argyle are looking like a very good side right now.

David Fox has been an ever present for Plymouth Argyle since his arrival on a free transfer in the Summer of 2016. The well-travelled defensive midfielder has notched up 128 appearances during his time and is very much a key player for Derek Adams, even at the age of 35. He is Adams’ second most used player since the 2016/2017 season, behind Graham Carey which speaks volumes about how highly the gaffer rates him and he is showing no signs of stopping following another good season for the No.8.

David Fox learned his trade at Manchester United, joining as a 17 year old. Although failing to make the first team he was a regular at reserve level and was made captain. He has also represented England at all levels up to and including the Under 20 side; Fox clearly had massive potential at a young age but never quite made the cut at Old Trafford, which, is hardly disgraceful. With a team including the likes of Roy Keane and Juan Sebastian Veron, to even get a sniff would have been an achievement.

By no stretch is Fox the most attractive player to watch – but his reading of his surroundings on the pitch is vital to the way The Pilgrims play. His simple passing mixed with his defensive work in front of the back line paves the way for the likes of Graham Carey and Ruben Lamieras to express themselves. Although not the biggest in size, Fox will be amongst the first to put his body on the line for the team and these assets have made him a firm favourite amongst the Green Army. His experience and vision is exceptional and more than makes up for his lack of pace and physicality. That said, he can also put a big tackle in if needed.

David Fox is one of those players you’re almost relieved to see in the starting line-up. He adds so much to the team by keeping things simple. Aside from the simplicity, his goal against Wimbledon is one we will all remember for the sheer audacity to shoot from 40 yards.

The last time I recall having a player in this position of such importance for Argyle was back in the dizzying heights of the Championship when Tony Pulis brought Lilian Nalis in. The Frenchman was crucial to Holloway’s style and was voted Fans Player of the year at Home Park. Fox is cut from a similar cloth to Nalis, perhaps not with as much quality, but he works in the same area of the pitch with the same effect and is a vital cog in the Argyle machine.

Having a player like David Fox is massively beneficial on and off the pitch – his experience is invaluable and even in his twilight years he can offer so much to the club. Derek Adams will no doubt be looking to the senior players in the squad for the rest of this season and beyond as we look to cement our place in League 1 and push on beyond the summer. That continues going into March with a tough away day up at the daunting Stadium of Light against promotion chasing Sunderland. The Green Army will be well represented and will no doubt come away happy with anything but a loss.