Short Term Ambitions

JOHN Sheridan’s long-term ambitions for Argyle were not even on the agenda when he gave his first interview since being appointed Plymouth Argyle’s 32nd manager.

With the Pilgrims having slipped into the npower League 2 relegation zone, and their rivals at the wrong end of the table showing some decent form, his focus is understandably narrow.

“The only thing on my mind now is staying clear of the bottom two,” he said.

“I can see it being very tight leading up to the last two or three games of the season. Teams who were losing are winning games now.

“Obviously, we have got to try to hit the ground running and start winning football games. That’s the only thing I’m looking at.”

John’s reign begins on Saturday, when Morecambe visit Home Park. Then, after a visit to Paul Sturrock’s Southend United, he has back-to-back home fixtures against Accrington Stanley and Dagenham & Redbridge.

Such is the club’s determination to help John, they have introduced a three-for-the-price-of-two offer to supporters for the potentially season-defining three matches.

He said: “I am definitely looking at three next three or four games – we’ve got three at home and I think our home form is going to be vitally important.

“Starting with Saturday, we need to try to get off to a winning start and try to give everyone a lift and get the place going.

“It’s going to be everyone involved. I want everyone being positive and confident we can get out of the position we are in.”

John brings with him more than 300 games worth of experience at League 1 and League 2 level. Oldham were knocking on the door of promotion to the Championship during his time at Boundary Park, and Chesterfield won League 2 two seasons ago and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last season.

He said: “I’ve done well at this level and the league above, so I like to think I know the players that are needed to get out of the position we are in and hopefully build on it and get us higher up the table.

“I do think I know what’s required. I’ve only been a manager for five years. I don’t think I know everything. I’m still learning.

“I learnt a lot last season, getting relegated. It wasn’t a nice feeling and I’ll take things on board what I feel I did wrong.

“But I know I’ve done well, too, and hopefully I can take that on board here. They have given me the job thinking I can do well. Hopefully, I won’t let them down.

“I’m very pleased to get the opportunity to manage the club.

“Obviously, they are very difficult times at the moment but I am really confident I can come in and get them out of the position they are in.

“I know a little bit about the club. I’ve played here when they’ve had better times, so I know what the potential is and the support-base. I’m really looking forward to it.”