This post is a part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which offers our FLW Fan Pundits their personal thoughts on teams, players, managers, breaking news, possible signings, and more.

In the January transfer window, Plymouth Argyle have been urged to address their defensive weaknesses and squad depth, since these factors could ultimately determine whether they keep or lose their Championship status at the end of the 2024–2025 season.

As many had predicted before the season started, Plymouth is in a relegation battle and has relied on strong play at home to accumulate the required number of points. However, their away performances have once again raised serious concerns.

Naturally, Plymouth just avoided being immediately demoted back to League One at the end of the previous campaign before hiring Wayne Rooney, who has built a solid rapport with fans despite the team’s inconsistent play.

Following a dismal sequence of results that saw them lose 5-0 at Cardiff City and 3-0 away to Leeds United in two weeks, there had been worries over whether the former DC United and Birmingham City manager might lose his position at Argyle.

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

Our resident Argyle supporter Chris was asked to submit one transfer-related demand prior to the January transfer window. He emphasised the significance of resolving Rooney’s squad depth as well as any unresolved defensive concerns.

Chris told Football League World that “many Argyle supporters 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.”

“I think the first thing we need to address is squad depth and experience playing at Championship level, even though many players will want to see themselves playing regular Championship football.

“Players from farther away, including Hungary, New Zealand, and the United States, have been signed by Arsenal in the past. In light of that, we’ve had trouble in previous seasons finding players who have proven themselves in championships.

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“It will be crucial come window time to have that extra Championship football expertise and squad depth in case we have to rely on our substitutes bench because of injury.

“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 is understandable that Chris has brought up his team’s defensive record once more, as it has become a major source of worry for Home Park supporters, and with good reason.

Plymouth will need to be difficult to beat at the very least this season if they want to stay in the division, although they have occasionally displayed a very tender side. In fact, only Portsmouth, in 23rd position, have given up more goals than they have scored; they have only managed to keep one clean sheet and are currently giving up 1.7 goals per game.

Southampton must find a way to become more determined, and January offers an opportunity that must be taken advantage of. Of course, they were unable to stop inspirational custodian Michael Cooper from leaving for Sheffield United in the summer, and his departure is a legitimate explanation for the rise in goals given.