Nance's Argyle Romance

FEW are better placed than Kevin Nancekivell to assess the Pilgrims’ progress under Derek Adams.

Nance has resumed his role as first-team coach after signing a two-year deal to join manager Derek Adams’ staff alongside assistant-manager Paul Wotton and goalkeeping coach Rhys Wilmot.

He previously held the position under Carl Fletcher’s management – and, indeed, briefly took caretaker charge of Argyle, with Romain Larrieu, after Carl departed the club – during the dark days of administration and post-administration.

Lifelong Argyle fan Kevin left Home Park, too, when John Sheridan was appointed manager, but not for long, returning to work with the club’s youngsters before Derek brought him into the first-team set-up last season.

Nance said: “From the last time that I was involved with the first-team five years ago, the club has just moved on completely. We’re in such a good place now, it’s exciting times.

“I’ve been working with the Academy for the previous three years as Head of Academy Coaching so I’ve been responsible for the coaching programme in the Academy, the development of all our coaches.

“In line with that, I’ve been helping to run the South West Peninsula League team and the reserves, a little bit.

“The gaffer asked me to step up over the Christmas period and things have progressed from there, so I am delighted to carry on from where I was.”

Like Wottsy and Rhys, Nance is a former Argyle player whose allegiance to the Pilgrims in unquestioned. He believes their influence can help Argyle maintain the form of last season which saw a concerted promotion push.

He said: “It’s great that you have got continuity all the way through the club – we’re all supporters at heart and have got a real passion for the club. Hopefully, we can bring that to the coaching side of it.

“The form we showed from Christmas onwards can only bode well for the future. Next season will a difficult one for us, but everyone is optimistic and excited about getting going.”

For the full interview with new Argyle assistant-manager Paul Wotton, as well as interviews with coaches Kevin Nancekivell and Rhys Wilmot, visit iFollow Argyle.