Andrew Parkinson says that Plymouth Argyle must turn to their Academy more than ever as the club grapples with the financial implications brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

As football heads into an unknown era by looking to start again but probably behind closed doors, there are widespread and genuine fears about how clubs will survive without regular matchday income.

Last week, chief executive Parkinson told PlymouthLive that 60 per-cent of the Pilgrims’ income is generated on matchdays and if – as is expected – football resumed behind closed doors, the club must be innovative in thinking of ways to compensate for that significant financial shortfall.

With 15 players out of contract at Home Park this summer, contract offers are sure to be on reduced terms for many as the club cuts costs but, going forward, Parkinson says the club must start getting full value from their Academy, where they can produce players for the first team and save on things like relocation costs on players brought in from elsewhere.

In 2019/20, homegrown players such as Adam Randell, Klaidi Lolos and Luke Jephcott gained first team exposure and having announced professional contracts for Jarvis Cleal, Ollie Tomlinson and Rubin Wilson for next season, it seems more will follow suit.

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“Ryan (Lowe) has certainly taken a strong view on the Academy, he has taken recognition of the players that have come through the Academy and how they can come into the first team,” Parkinson said.

“Michael Cooper is another young lad who I am sure is going to have a bright future with Argyle and I think that will become more and more the flavour of how we move forward.

“The Academy will be a key runway, if you like, to the first team and I am sure we will see more and more players coming through the Academy and into the first team over the coming seasons.

“It is what fans want as well, they want to see one of their own and with all due respect to Exeter, we are a big club in Devon and Cornwall and I think, if we get it right, we have a huge opportunity.”

Since arriving as first team manager, Lowe has certainly taken a strong interest in the Academy and the club have made significant changes to its set up.

Argyle striker Luke Jephcott holds off Crewe Alexandra defender Michael Nottingham during the League Two game at Home Park on Saturday, February 15, 2020 - Photo: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK

Plymouth-born former Yeovil Town manager Darren Way has been appointed as the club’s new Under-18 head coach, while Plymouth Parkway’s assistant manager Karl Curtis has taken up a lead age coaching role within the Academy.

The long-serving Kevin Hodges has departed and Director of football Neil Dewsnip takes an overriding view on the Academy and its structure.

However, as all lower league clubs are finding out, having a good Academy structure does not mean having the best players, as they are open to being poached by clubs under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

That ruling allows Academy players leave for paltry fees if they are wanted by a Category One or Two club and the player wants to take his chance with them. Parkinson says lower league clubs like ARgyle must be looked after. 

“I think there has to be some control over the benefits for lower league clubs in that they develop players and they are able to ensure that they are either able to keep the players, or they are able to sell them for the right value and not necessarily taken advantage of,” Parkinson said.

“I think that’s quite important and undoubtedly, Premier League clubs will look to the lower league clubs for their future players and I think those controls will be important.”