Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe has secured his third signing of the summer, bolstering his attack with 28-year-old Frank Nouble.
Nouble joins Argyle legend Luke McCormick and Blackpool striker Ryan Hardie, who returns for his second loan spell at Home Park, as the Pilgrims latest summer recruits.
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Nouble’s Career So Far
Nouble spent his youth at Chelsea before signing for West Ham as a teenager. After a three-year stint with the Hammers he came to be an EFL journeyman, playing at every professional level. In recent years he has enjoyed successful periods at Newport County and Colchester United.
Nouble spent two seasons at League Two Colchester, who he signed for from division rivals Newport, making 92 appearances and netting 14 times.
This season he helped the U’s reach the play-offs where they crashed out to Exeter City 3-2 on aggregate. He played the majority of his 36 appearances out wide, managing a combined 10 goals and assists.
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Nouble’s Argyle Role
It seems Nouble will play the role that previous forward Ryan Taylor could not. The ‘Ginger Zlatan’ had success under Derek Adams’ stewardship but in recent seasons has struggled with injuries. Now thirty-two years old, his three-and-a-half year stay at Home Park has come to an end.
Argyle lacked a plan B up front last season with Domonic Telford, Luke Jephcott, Byron Moore and Hardie all being similar strikers. Nouble will be a welcome addition, introducing some physicality to the front two.
Speaking to Plymouth Live, Jon Waldron of the Essex Daily Gazette was full of praise for Argyle’s new number seven.
“His general hold up play is excellent and his intelligence and awareness in bringing others into play is also impressive.
“Nouble is the kind of striker that opposition defenders hate playing against.
“He is strong and difficult to shrug off the ball and is always positive when running towards goal.”
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What Else Do Argyle Need?
Members of the Green Army will be hoping there are many more signings to come as Ryan Lowe prepares for his first proper crack at League One football after two successive League Two promotions.
Argyle are in the market for a left-wing-back after the departures of Callum McFadzean and loanee George Cooper.
Questions could be asked of the centre backs too. Captain Gary Sawyer recently signed a one-year contract extension but the defensive ever-present is 35 years old now and could struggle with the jump up.
Niall Canavan and Scott Wootton were the centre back partnership of choice last time Plymouth were in League One, however, they were found out against the faster attackers. Now they’ve had a successful season under their belts we could hope to see an improved showing from the pair this time round.
To top off the shopping list, Lowe will most likely be looking for a midfielder to replace Antoni Sarcevic.
