Former Blues Defender Wilson to Skipper Argyle
Friday, 13th Jan 2023 09:48

Former Blues central defender James Wilson is set to skipper Plymouth Argyle in tomorrow’s third-v-first clash at Portman Road and the Welshman believes the Pilgrims are capable of winning even if Town are a tougher prospect than in previous seasons.

Wilson is set to wear the armband following regular skipper Joe Edwards’s red card in last week’s 0-0 draw at Bolton Wanderers.

The 33-year-old was with the Blues between August 2019 and May 2021, making 47 starts and two sub appearances, scoring twice, and was named the supporters Player of the Year in 2020/21 before being released that summer along with most of the squad.

“It's a big game,” Wilson told the Argyle club site. “I think all the boys are really looking forward to it. We've had a good week's preparation, with a good game Tuesday [the 2-0 Papa Johns Trophy win at Bristol Rovers] - the boys did brilliant. We’re coming off a good couple of good results.

“We've brought in some really good players. I think it shows the recruitment. We've got a really strong squad now and that's what we're going to need now heading into the final few months.

“We seem to have done our business really early. We've got players in positions that we've needed.”

Reflecting on his side’s 2-1 victory over the Blues at Home Park in September, he added: “The game here was brilliant. The atmosphere was amazing.

“We've sold out [the away end at Portman Road], so it's going to be a great atmosphere as it was last year when we played there. It's a tough place to go, but we are going to go there and try and get a result.

“They are a different Ipswich to the previous few years. They play really good football. They've got really fast movement. It's going to be a really tough game. We beat them here, so there's no reason why we can't beat them again.”

Regarding returning to his old club as skipper, he told PlymouthLive: “If I play, hopefully that will be the case. It will be good going back there as a skipper. I'm looking forward to it.”

Argyle have lost only two games on their travels this season, their opening two away fixtures back in August, at Fleetwood, 2-1, and Charlton, 5-1, while winning five and drawing six.

“The most important thing, especially this season, is going to be to grind out results now, towards the end,” he added.

“It might not be as pretty as it was the first half of the season, but if we can keep getting results, keep getting points on the board, that's, that's the main thing.”

Manager Steven Schumacher believes Wilson has a big role to play on Saturday.

“He will be hugely important. I think James has been playing really ” he said. “The MK Dons game in particular, and he was outstanding at Bolton.

“He's a big part of the dressing room. He's vice-captain for a reason because he does lead by example and we are going to need him when his mate [Edwards] isn't available.

“He has got that experience as well of playing in a big stadium in front of a big crowd. Hopefully he can settle everybody down around.”

Photo: Matchday Images

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BlueBlood90 added 09:51 - Jan 13 I say it every time his name appears on this website but it was a joke that Toto Nsiala got a new contract instead of James Wilson. He'd be a far better back up than Keogh is too.
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muccletonjoe added 09:57 - Jan 13 There is no doubt they CAN win. I think our players are well aware of that after the game at argyle. Has to be said , for a big chunk of that game , we looked the better team. We need to confirm that tomorrow
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ruds added 10:10 - Jan 13 Have a LOT of time for James Wilson, a quietly spoken bloke who went about his business and was probably underrated in our rearguard. That said, THREE points for the Town is massive tomorrow!!!!
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PhilTWTD added 11:44 - Jan 13 BlueBlood90 Nsiala wasn't offered a new contract, an option was taken to try to get a fee for him but no one came in until the January. Wilson, as he's that bit older, 32 at the time, wouldn't have achieved a fee, hence he was released.
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Chrisd added 12:26 - Jan 13 A solid professional who has done a very good job for Plymouth, but is he the type of defender KM would want for us with our style of football? No. Tomorrow's game gives us the ideal time to show our quality and close the gap on Plymouth at the top. 3pts is a must.
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SouperJim added 13:10 - Jan 13 An old fashioned kick and head it centre half who doesn't fit the way we want to play anymore, but he's good at what he does and I was critical when we let him go. Certainly good enough to have in the squad as cover and instead he's a major force for a promotion rival.
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