2001–02 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season


The 2001–02 season was the 107th season in the history of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, their 77th in the Football League, and 5th in the fourth tier of the English football league system. Their 12th-place finish in the 2000–01 season meant it was their fourth successive season playing in the Third Division.

Season summary

The club began the 2001–02 season in the Football League Third Division, following a disappointing 12th-place finish the previous year. There were signs of change at the club and they finished the season as champions, breaking numerous club records in the process, including a record haul of 102 points. They achieved 31 wins, 9 draws, and 6 defeats, from 46 games. Their leading goalscorer was Graham Coughlan with 11 goals in all competitions – an outstanding achievement for a centre-back. The club reached the Second Round of the FA Cup, drawing 1–1 at home with Bristol Rovers before losing the replay 3–2. They entered the League Cup at the First Round stage and were eliminated away to Watford 1–0. They also competed in the Football League Trophy where they bowed out in the First Round after a 2–1 defeat away to Cheltenham Town. Notable players to begin their careers with the Pilgrims this season included Coughlan, Marino Keith, and Jason Bent.
Legend

Football League

League Table

Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points

Results summary

As of games played 20 April 2002

Results by round

FA Cup

First Round
First Round Replay
Second Round
Second Round Replay

Football League Cup

First Round

Football League Trophy

Southern Section First Round

Squad details

Player statistics

Key
# = Squad number; Pos = Playing position; P = Number of games played; G = Number of goals scored; = Yellow cards; = Red cards; GK = Goalkeeper; DF = Defender; MF = Midfielder; FW = Forward
Statistics do not include minor competitions or games played for other clubs. All players are listed by position and then surname.

Goalscorers

Starting XI

The following players have been named in the most starting line-ups. This line-up may differ from the list of players with most appearances.
No.Nat.PositionNameStarts
1GKRomain Larrieu50
2DFDavid Worrell46
5DFGraham Coughlan51
6DFPaul Wotton51
3DFJon Beswetherick28
7MFMartin Phillips42
8MFDavid Friio46
4MFSteve Adams43
11MFLee Hodges47
9FWIan Stonebridge33
10FWMickey Evans34

Awards

Transfers

Permanent

In
DatePos.PlayerFromFee
24 August 2001FW Nicky BangerDundeeFree
21 September 2001MF Jason BentColorado RapidsFree
6 November 2001FW Marino KeithLivingstonFree
1 December 2001FW Blair SturrockDundee UnitedFree
4 December 2001MF Neil HeaneyDundee UnitedUndisclosed

Out
DatePos.PlayerToFee
3 July 2001FW Sean McCarthyExeter CityFree
8 July 2001MF Martin BarlowExeter CityFree
10 July 2001GK Jon SheffieldYeovil TownFree
1 August 2001MF Michael MeakerNorthwich VictoriaUndisclosed
6 August 2001DF Michael HeathcoteShrewsbury TownFree
17 August 2001MF Stuart ElliottCarlisle UnitedFree
26 November 2001FW Nicky BangerFree agentReleased
28 March 2002FW Steve GuinanShrewsbury TownFree
29 May 2002DF Jon BeswetherickSheffield WednesdayFree

Loans

In
Start DatePos.PlayerToEnd Date
10 August 2001FW Dean CroweStoke City5 September 2001
10 January 2002GK Chris AdamsonWest Bromwich Albion7 February 2002

Out
Start DatePos.PlayerFromEnd Date
24 November 2001MF Joe BroadYeovil Town24 December 2001
29 November 2001FW Martin GrittonShelbourne31 May 2002
1 February 2002DF Paul ConnollyBideford31 May 2002
28 March 2002MF Sean EversStevenage Borough31 May 2002