"Going to be essential" - Plymouth Argyle told to address transfer issue they've previously "struggled with" in January | OneFootball

FLW's resident Plymouth Argyle fan pundit is looking ahead to the January window

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Plymouth Argyle have been urged to address both their squad depth and defensive frailties in the January transfer window, which could ultimately decide whether they retain or give up their Championship status come the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

As many had expected prior to the beginning of the season, Plymouth are locked in a relegation battle and have relied upon solid form at Home Park to chalk up the necessary points on the board, with their performances on the road representing a significant concern once again this time around.

Of course, Plymouth only narrowly staved off an immediate relegation back down to League One at the end of the previous season before appointing Wayne Rooney, who has struck a strong relationship with supporters despite the side's patchy form.

There had been concerns about whether the former DC United and Birmingham City boss would lose his job at Argyle following a miserable run of form which saw them lose 5-0 at Cardiff City and 3-0 away to Leeds United in the space of two weeks.

However, taking four points from crucial encounters against Portsmouth and Derby County has handed Rooney much-needed security. They still look set to spend much of the season battling against relegation, although they'll have a chance to propel themselves away from the danger zone when the January window rolls around.

Wayne Rooney urged to address squad concerns in January

When asked to send one transfer-related demand ahead of the January transfer window, our resident Argyle fan pundit Chris pointed out the importance of addressing the squad depth at Rooney's disposal alongside lingering defensive issues.

"Many Argyle fans will have their own opinions as to who and what kind of player they want to bring into the club come the January transfer window," Chris explained to Football League World.

"Although there are many players who will want to see themselves playing regular Championship football, I think the first thing we need to address is squad depth as well as experience playing at Championship level.

"Argyle have had a history of signing players from further afield, as far as places such as Hungary, New Zealand as well as over in the United States. With that in mind, having the ability to hunt for Championship-proven players is something which we've struggled with in recent seasons.

"Having that extra experience in playing Championship football, as well as having that squad depth should we need to rely on our subs bench due to injuries, is going to be essential come the window.

"I believe that bolstering our defence is going to be our main priority due to the lack of clean sheets we've kept this season, and the lack of defensive quality in certain games."

Plymouth Argyle's defensive record is a real concern

It's little wonder why Chris has made an additional reference to his side's defensive record, which has emerged as a real concern among the Home Park faithful - and with good reason, too.

In order to survive in the division this season, Plymouth are going to have to be hard to beat at the very least, but they've shown a real soft underbelly on occasion. Indeed, only 23rd-placed Portsmouth have leaked more goals than their 26, they've kept just one clean sheet and are currently conceding 1.7 goals per match.

Of course, Plymouth were powerless to prevent the departure of inspirational shot-stopper Michael Cooper to Sheffield United in the summer, and his exit is a valid reason for the increase in goals conceded, but they must find a way to become more resolute and January presents an opportunity which has to be seized.