Plymouth Boss Spoke: I Consider Him As The Most “Important” Player In The History Of The Club

Joe Edwards says Adam Randell is ‘special player’ for Plymouth Argyle

Joe Edwards has backed the future captaincy credentials of 24-year-old Plymouth Argyle midfielder Adam Randell and offered to help him wherever he can.

Edwards has been an outstanding skipper for the Pilgrims over recent seasons but is currently out of action until early 2025 after a significant hamstring injury. Randell took over the armband for the 1-1 draw away to Derby County last Saturday as he returned to the team a short lay-off and Edwards believes he is the ‘perfect candidate’ to continue to wear it.

Head coach Wayne Rooney predicted that Randell would at some stage become the full-time Argyle captain following the game against Derby, and Edwards has agreed with him.

Edwards told Plymouth Live: “I think that’s certainly something we as a club, and I’m including myself in that, hope to see because he is a Plymouth boy, which makes it even more special. The talent he has got, and the attributes he holds, very much point towards being a leader. He may not be at the moment the most vocal and I think that’s where I can really help him.

“On the pitch he leads by example in how he plays, his aggression, his determination, obviously his ability and how well he’s playing this season. He has got everything to go to the next level but we hope that’s with us and we hope that’s for a long time with Argyle because he’s a special player for us.”

Edwards continued: “He’s well respected within the group, he has obviously come through the academy and he’s still of a young age but he has got enough experience now to lead the boys.

“When you have someone in your team that can you look up to playing wise and see how they are playing then that’s more than enough to be a captain. I think the loudness and the communication side will probably come.

Edwards told Plymouth Live: “I think that’s certainly something we as a club, and I’m including myself in that, hope to see because he is a Plymouth boy, which makes it even more special. The talent he has got, and the attributes he holds, very much point towards being a leader. He may not be at the moment the most vocal and I think that’s where I can really help him.

“On the pitch he leads by example in how he plays, his aggression, his determination, obviously his ability and how well he’s playing this season. He has got everything to go to the next level but we hope that’s with us and we hope that’s for a long time with Argyle because he’s a special player for us.”

Edwards continued: “He’s well respected within the group, he has obviously come through the academy and he’s still of a young age but he has got enough experience now to lead the boys.

“When you have someone in your team that can you look up to playing wise and see how they are playing then that’s more than enough to be a captain. I think the loudness and the communication side will probably come.

“He will probably have to do a little bit more now I’m off, he will have to step up. The gaffer has given him that responsibility which is fantastic. I think it’s something he will be immensely proud to have because he’s an Argyle fan and to be captain of your boyhood club is amazing.

“I think he will now step into that role. We have got a few lads who can do it but he’s certainly one that I will be doing everything I can to help because he’s the perfect candidate to do so.”

Randell has made 144 first team appearances for Argyle and Edwards has watched the development of the academy graduate with interest since he first arrived at Home Park in the summer of 2019.

Edwards said: “Rands was a young lad when I first joined and you could see he had got talent but still with loads to learn. It has been great to watch him grow. He went on loan to Torquay and got the experience he needed, playing a full year at a competitive level.

“On the pitch he leads by example in how he plays, his aggression, his determination, obviously his ability and how well he’s playing this season. He has got everything to go to the next level but we hope that’s with us and we hope that’s for a long time with Argyle because he’s a special player for us.”

Edwards continued: “He’s well respected within the group, he has obviously come through the academy and he’s still of a young age but he has got enough experience now to lead the boys.