Uncertainty reigns at Home Park

Now, when it comes to under pressure managers, we’ve all heard about them being given the ‘dreaded vote of confidence’, and similarly, this season alone we’ve seen enough managers ousted from their position, and not given the backing needed when they need it most.

However, it’s hard to see where Plymouth Argyle are coming from with their latest statement regarding under fire manager Paul Sturrock.

The statement reads as follows:

"Today, we conducted our regular monthly meeting of the Argyle Board of Directors.

"During the course of the meeting, we held talks with the manager in which the deep concerns of the Board regarding the team's position in the Championship were fully aired.

"The Directors believe that Argyle staying in the top two tiers of the league is paramount for the future of the club and will do all in their power to ensure that situation endures."

Confused? You wouldn’t be the only one. Where exactly does this leave Sturrock? Does he have the board’s backing, or will he be picking up his P45 by the time this blog is written?

With one win in 15 league games and Argyle sitting precariously above the drop zone, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Sturrock on his way.

But would this be unfair? Granted, recent form has been poor, but after the exodus at the end of last season, could anymore be expected?

You can’t sell the players they did, not replace them with adequate replacements, and not expect to struggle.

With the limited resources at his disposal, some would argue that ‘Luggy’ is doing a credible job at Plymouth. And there’s no doubt Plymouth wouldn’t be where they are now if it wasn’t for the Scotsman, who took Argyle from the Third Division to the Championship when the Pilgrims were at their lowest ebb.

But as we know, there is little room for sentiment in football these days, and if results don’t improve Sturrock will soon be on his way, no matter how highly regarded he may be by the Green Army, or how close he is to chairman Paul Stapleton, whom he shares a great working relationship with.

One things for sure, all of this uncertainty can’t be good for anyone concerned at Home Park – with the fans and players alike seemingly unsure if the manager is coming or going.