Argyle facing big decisions over goalkeeper position for 2026/27

Most notably, the Pilgrims need to address the goalkeeper position after the departures of Conor Hazard, Luca Ashby-Hammond and Zak Baker.

Hazard was offered a new contract to extend his three-season stay at Argyle but has instead joined fellow League One side Wycombe Wanderers.

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Ashby-Hammond was released by the Pilgrims at the end of last term, as was academy product Zak Baker, who has since signed for Torquay United in National League South.

The only 'keeper currently under contract to Argyle is Leo McCormick, who will soon be starting his second season as an apprentice at the club.

So there will be a fresh start at a key position in Tom Cleverley's squad going into next season, with Murphy Cooper of Queens Park Rangers, who had a successful loan spell at Barnsley last term, one of the players they have been linked to.

There are probably two ways Argyle can approach the situation. Firstly, they could sign a clear first choice 'keeper with someone else as the obvious back-up.

That was the case in 2025/26 when Hazard, whenever he was free from injury, would play ahead of Ashby-Hammond. Cleverley, in his comments to the media, never shied away from that fact.

In either scenario, a combination of one permanent transfer and a loan signing could be possible options for this key aspect of Argyle's squad building, and their hopes of a promotion push in 2026/27.

Argyle director of football Derek Adams is sure to be focusing on this right now when it comes to recruitment, and he knows all too well the importance of the goalkeeper position.

For example, when Argyle were promoted from League Two in 2016/17 with Adams as manager, Luke McCormick started all 46 of their games between the posts and provided real consistency in terms of his performances.

Then, the following campaign, Adams ended up having to use seven different shot-stoppers due to injury issues.

They were Remi Matthews (27 games), McCormick (10), Kyle Letheren (8), Kelle Ross (4), Robbert te Loeke (2), Michael Cooper (1) and Will Mannion (1).

The release of Ashby-Hammond and Baker this summer came as no real surprise, while Hazard moving on is probably best for all concerned.

Hazard, at the age of 28, will get the chance to play regular football for Wycombe, which will enhance his chances of adding to his 11 international appearances for Northern Ireland.

He never truly convinced a lot of the Green Army, though, during his time at Argyle, although he was clearly a positive influence among the squad, which counts for a lot.

Hazard will forever be remembered for a couple of outstanding late saves as Argyle clung on to beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round at Home Park in February 2025.

However, there is every reason to believe Argyle can find a replacement for him as first choice 'keeper who is at least as good as him, if not a bit better, and with more scope for future development.

Their success in doing that, or otherwise, is likely to be a major factor in whether they can challenge a promotion challenge in 2026/27.

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