Plymouth Argyle are approaching a crucial period both on and off the pitch, as attention gradually shifts toward key contract decisions ahead of the summer. While their promotion ambitions in League One are still undecided, the club’s hierarchy must begin planning for the future—particularly when it comes to maintaining stability in important positions like goalkeeper.
Under the guidance of Tom Cleverley, Argyle’s 2025/26 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. The team has staged an impressive turnaround, climbing from the relegation zone into serious contention for a play-off place. Currently sitting 7th in the table and just one point shy of the top six, the Pilgrims are firmly in the mix, even though rivals such as Stevenage and Stockport County still have games in hand. With four wins in their last five league matches, momentum is clearly on Argyle’s side heading into the final stretch of the season.
Despite the players and coaching staff focusing on securing promotion, the temporary pause in fixtures—caused by international call-ups postponing their match against Bradford City—offers club officials valuable time to assess contract situations. These decisions could ultimately be influenced by whether Argyle achieve promotion, but some choices appear relatively straightforward regardless of the outcome.
One such area is the goalkeeping department. It is widely believed that Plymouth Argyle should prioritize retaining both Conor Hazard and Luca Ashby-Hammond, whose contracts are nearing expiration. Hazard, who joined the club from Celtic in 2023, has established himself as the clear first-choice goalkeeper when fit. The Northern Ireland international has delivered consistent performances, recording nine clean sheets in 26 appearances this season across all competitions. His leadership qualities have also been evident, as he has captained the side on several occasions.
In contrast, Ashby-Hammond’s statistical record is less impressive. The former Fulham goalkeeper, who arrived on a free transfer last summer, has managed only four clean sheets in 22 appearances while conceding more goals in fewer matches than Hazard. However, these numbers do not fully reflect his contribution. Much of his game time came during a difficult early phase of the season when the team struggled and Hazard was unavailable. Despite this, Ashby-Hammond proved himself to be a dependable backup option, stepping in when needed and maintaining a professional attitude.
Given their respective roles, Hazard is undoubtedly the priority for a new contract. Nevertheless, Ashby-Hammond has shown enough ability and commitment to justify being retained as a reliable second-choice goalkeeper. Keeping both players would ensure continuity and depth in a key position, something that could prove vital regardless of which division Argyle compete in next season.
If Plymouth Argyle were to secure promotion to the Championship, their approach might evolve slightly. The club could look to replicate past strategies, such as when they signed Dan Grimshaw, by bringing in another goalkeeper of similar quality to Hazard. Increased competition could elevate performance levels but might also put Ashby-Hammond’s place in the squad at risk.
Even so, strengthening the position would not necessarily require a complete overhaul. Many supporters would likely be satisfied if both current goalkeepers were offered new deals, as they have contributed to the team’s resurgence and provided a solid foundation at the back.
In summary, while the outcome of the season will shape some of Plymouth Argyle’s decisions, extending the contracts of Conor Hazard and Luca Ashby-Hammond appears to be a logical and sensible move. Maintaining stability in goal could be a key factor in sustaining the club’s upward trajectory.
