Keeper Culture

RENE Gilmartin believes Argyle’s Keeper Culture is serving the Pilgrims well.

The 6ft 5in Irishman made his league debut in last Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with leaders Gillingham and looks set to keep his place when Argyle face the equally tough prospect of a visit to Fleetwood Town this weekend.

With manager Carl Fletcher giving the 25-year-old Dubliner the nod over regular No. 1 Jake Cole, there are echoes of the successful period at the start of the last decade, when current assistant manager Romain Larrieu and Luke McCormick vied for the lone custodian’s role.

“Me and Jake have been working very hard together,” said Rene. “There’s a good team-spirit and the two of us keep a high tempo to keep the pressure on each other.

“The gaffer’s got two goalkeepers. He has tough decisions to make and that’s going to be one of them throughout the season.

“You accept your position – if there’s another goalkeeper in, you support them as much as you can.

“I’ve been a number two elsewhere and it’s not a nice place to be. I don’t want to be good at being a number two because I want to play, be a part of the team, and win games with the team.”

Ro is not the only ex-Pilgrims gloveman legend on the Home Park coaching staff.

“We work a lot with Rhys Wilmot,” said Rene, “and he deserves a mention for all the hard work he does with us.

“He’s a policeman and it’s not easy for him at times, with his other job, but I’ve got a lot of respect for him with the work he does with all the ‘keepers here – me, Jake, Ollie [Chenoweth] and Chris [Walton].

“We’ve got two former goalkeepers at the club who know the club, know the fans, and know the way it is – they’re good people to talk to.”