PLYMOUTH Argyle Ladies’ development team have wasted no time in arranging a return to action by agreeing to play Torquay United in a pre-season friendly at Manadon on Sunday.

New joint manager Gary Bottomley said: “The girls can’t wait to get started. It’s just a shame that under FA rules spectators cannot watch the game.”

Bottomley is delighted that most of last season’s team have returned for this coming season.

“We are looking to have a squad of 15 to 18 players so competition for places will be stiff,” he said.

“We are pleased to see Amy Crawford returning, she spent all last season out through injury and it’s good to see her back.

“We will also have a few trialists having a run out. The good thing is we are now training twice a week.”

Argyle’s development team were well on their way to promotion last season from the South West League Western Division only for the coronavirus pandemic to end the season early and the FA opting against promotion and relegation.

This was the second season in a row where Argyle were denied promotion due to FA rules and they will be hoping it might be third time lucky this season.

Torquay had a torrid time last term finishing bottom of the South West League Premier Division and were fortunate not to be relegated due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

But under manager Jamie McInnes they have been busy during the summer and are confident of having a successful season, so Sunday should prove to be a good work out for the young Argyle team.

Meanwhile, the Pilgrims’ first team are also back training twice a week and are being put through their paces ahead of the National League Southern Premier Division season.