The Argyle relegation rebuild begins

The dust has settled on Plymouth Argyle’s relegation from Sky Bet League One and the Greens are already preparing for a swift return to the Championship.

From day one of last season, when Wayne Rooney’s Pilgrims lost heavily at Sheffield Wednesday, the club had been battling against the drop.

Written off as relegation certainties at Christmas, Argyle turned to new Head Coach Miron Muslic, who breathed stability and solidity into the squad. The Pilgrims became far harder to beat, far harder to play against.

The scrap for survival was interrupted by a sensational win over Premier League champions Liverpool in the FA Cup and a brave effort before going down to defeat at Manchester City in the next round.

In the league, Argyle started to pick up impressive results, but they were severely hampered by the teams around them also winning games. Ultimately, the gap became too much to bridge, and relegation was mathematically confirmed on the final day.

After the inevitable wave of disappointment comes the summer rebuild, and the Greens have announced their retained list for next season. Just one glance at the names below shows the quality and experience still on contract at Home Park.

Most of all, Muslic has proven he is an accomplished coach and motivator. Relegation hurts but the Home Park foundations are strong and stable.

Under contract Bali Mumba, Nathanael Ogbeta, Julio Pleguezuelo, Kornel Szucs, Joe Edwards, Ryan Hardie, Callum Wright, Malachi Boateng, Adam Randell, Conor Hazard, Brendan Galloway, Rami Al Hajj, Matthew Sorinola, Michael Baidoo, Daniel Grimshaw, Zak Baker, Caleb Roberts, Freddie Issaka, Maksym Talovierov, Victor Palsson.

Out of contract, offered new contract Jordan Houghton, Mustapha Bundu, Jack Matthews.

Out of contract, released Ben Waine, Saxon Earley, Will Jenkins Davies, Josh Bernard.

Loan expired Michael Obafemi, Darko Gyabi, Nikola Katic, Muhamed Tijani, Tymoteusz Puchacz.