New season takes shape as Devon clubs digest 2026-27 fixtures

The countdown to the new football season has officially begun after the release of the 2026-27 league fixtures, with Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United all learning the paths that could define their respective campaigns.

For Plymouth Argyle, the new Sky Bet League One season begins with a home test against Stockport County at Home Park on Saturday, August 15, as Tom Cleverley's side look to mount a serious promotion challenge.

Stockport arrive under new leadership following the appointment of Jimmy McNulty as head coach during the summer, ensuring Argyle face a fresh challenge on the opening weekend.

The Pilgrims' first away trip follows seven days later with a visit to Wycombe Wanderers, where memories remain fond after Owen Oseni's solitary goal secured a 1-0 victory on Argyle's last visit to Adams Park.

Bradford City are the visitors to Home Park on August 29 before Argyle face consecutive away fixtures to round off an intriguing opening month. A trip to recently relegated Leicester City on Tuesday, September 1 is followed by a visit to Doncaster Rovers four days later, giving Cleverley's side an early indication of where they stand among League One's promotion contenders.

The fixture computer has once again handed Argyle a Boxing Day away trip, with Oxford United hosting the Greens on December 26. Remarkably, it means Argyle will have played away from home on Boxing Day in nine of the last 10 seasons.

Supporters will at least enjoy two important home fixtures around the New Year period. Milton Keynes Dons visit Home Park on December 29 before Luton Town arrive on New Year's Day in what could prove to be an important festive double-header.

Luton also feature over Easter, with Argyle travelling to Kenilworth Road on Good Friday before welcoming Notts County to Home Park on Easter Monday.

The campaign concludes on Saturday, May 8, with Argyle travelling to newly promoted Bromley. The final-day fixture will also mark the first competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Bromley's rise continuing under manager Andy Woodman after earning promotion into League One.

Away from league action, Argyle supporters will also be keeping an eye on the domestic cup draws. The Carabao Cup first-round opponents are due to be confirmed later this week, while the Greens have already learned they will face Swindon Town and Newport County in the EFL Trophy group stage, with a Premier League Under-21 side still to be added.

As always, supporters should note that fixture dates and kick-off times remain subject to change because of television selections, policing requirements and agreements between clubs.

Across Devon, Exeter City begin their League Two campaign with one of the division's longest journeys as they travel to Grimsby Town on the opening weekend.

The Grecians will head to Blundell Park on August 15 looking to repeat the success of their last visit in December 2020, when goals from Ryan Bowman, Matt Jay and a Randell Williams brace earned an emphatic 4-1 victory.

With League Two expected to be fiercely competitive once again, a positive start on the road could provide the perfect platform for City's promotion ambitions.

Meanwhile, anticipation is also building at Plainmoor as Torquay United prepare for another National League South campaign under manager Jimmy Ball.

The Gulls will launch the new season on home soil against Horsham, with another packed Plainmoor expected to create a vibrant atmosphere for the opening day as supporters dream of a long-awaited return to the National League.

Torquay's festive schedule also promises plenty of local interest. A Boxing Day trip to Truro City will be followed by a quick return to Plainmoor for a home clash against Salisbury on December 28, before Farnborough provide the first visitors of 2027 on January 2.

Those fixtures could prove particularly significant. The Christmas and New Year period has often shaped promotion races in recent seasons, and Torquay will hope to emerge from that demanding run well placed in the table.

With the fixtures now confirmed, supporters across the South West can finally begin making plans for another season of long away journeys, packed home crowds and the inevitable highs and lows that football always delivers.

For Argyle, the aim will be an immediate push towards the Championship. Exeter City will be targeting another promotion challenge in League Two, while Torquay United's objective remains clear as they seek to continue their resurgence and take another step towards returning to non-league football's top tier.

The fixtures may only be the first chapter, but they have already provided supporters with plenty to look forward to as the 2026-27 season edges ever closer.