A Green Fortress

ARGYLE manager Ryan Lowe cannot wait to make his competitive Home Park debut today, having experienced the might of the 1,700 strong Green Army at Crewe.

The Pilgrims will host Colchester United in their first home game of the new Sky Bet League Two season, backed by what could be a near sell-out crowd at the Theatre of Greens.

“We know we’re going to have fantastic support. We’re looking forward to every game we play at Home Park, we want to make it a fortress, just as much as when we’re away from home,” said Lowe.

“Me, my staff and my players have got that winning mentality. We don’t want to lose many games but there’s always another team standing in your way, and we’ll respect that. But I’ll always look forward to games at Home Park, especially when we’re approaching a sell-out.”

Competitive life in Green could not have started any better for Lowe and his colleagues, but he is keen to temper expectations somewhat, pointing out that it was only one game.

“The Crewe Alexandra game is gone now, we have been working all week to make sure we can do the same on Saturday. It’s going to be a tough ask but, again, if we stick to what we’re about then hopefully we can get points on the board,” said Lowe.

“It’s always nice when you get off to a flyer and win your first game, especially away from home, but that’s gone now, we move on to the next one.”

As of Thursday morning, over 9,000 tickets had been sold for the Home Park opener, which perhaps gives Lowe and his team an added reason to prepare diligently. On top of that, though, Lowe is aware Colchester are a talented outfit, and he has a lot of respect for their manager, John McGreal.

“He’s a good lad, I’ve known him for years. I didn’t know him on a personal note until a couple years ago, but he’s a fantastic young manager and he’s done great there,” said Lowe. “They were one of the better teams last season.

“They’re going to be a test; they’re going to try and stand in our way. We’ve got some magnificent support here that’s going to help us, and if we stick to what we’re about then hopefully we can get a result.”