Joe Lennox to be released by Plymouth Argyle in January

WINGER Joe Lennox is to be released by Plymouth Argyle when his short-term contract ends on January 31.

Recently-appointed manager John Sheridan has decided not to offer the 21-year-old a new deal.

Lennox has made six starts and nine substitute appearances in all competitions this season.

He scored a spectacular equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to Devon rivals Exeter City last month.

Sheridan told Herald Sport: "His contract is coming up and I won't be keeping Joe.

"I always try to be honest with players and, hopefully, I have made the right decision, not just for us but for Joe.

"I think it's important he gets an opportunity to play regular football if he can. As I always say to players in these situations, I hope he goes on and proves me wrong."

Lennox signed for Argyle last January, after leaving Bristol City, on a contract until the end of the 2011/12 season.

Former Pilgrims' boss Carl Fletcher then offered Lennox a new six-month deal in the summer.

When Lennox scored his dramatic goal against Exeter, Fletcher admitted he was ready to reward him with an extended contract.

However, before that was finalised, Fletcher was sacked after the 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on January 1.

Lennox signed a deal until January 31 which allowed Sheridan the chance to assess him after he was appointed as manager.

The winger was an unused substitute in Sheridan's first match, the 2-1 win against Morecambe at Home Park last Saturday.

He then played for an Argyle XI when they beat the Nike Academy 7-0 in a friendly on Wednesday.

First-year professional Isaac Vassell also has a contract which ends on January 31.

Vassell, 19, has had an injury since Sheridan arrived at the club but is set to return to training this week.

"Hopefully, I can have a good look at him in training and make a decision," said Sheridan. "One or two people tell me he has got a bit of talent."

Vassell has not played for Argyle this season, but made eight substitute appearances last term.

The Pilgrims' squad returned to training today after a weekend off, following the postponement of their away game at Southend United.

They have a crucial relegation 'six-pointer' against Accrington Stanley at Home Park this Saturday.

Sheridan revealed Argentine playmaker Andres Gurrieri would have been in Argyle's squad had they made the trip to Southend.

Gurrieri was not part of Sheridan's plans for the game against Morecambe.

However, the 23-year-old scored a hat-trick in the victory over the Nike Academy and that caught the attention of the Pilgrims' boss.

Sheridan said: "He's very good technically. He was in the squad to travel to Southend."

Only three out of 12 League Two games this weekend survived the snow and ice which swept across this country.

Two of Argyle's relegation's rivals, Morecambe and Aldershot Town, were both in action.

Morecambe are 18th after a 0-0 draw at home to Cheltenham Town on Friday while 21st-placed Aldershot returned from York City with the same result.

Aldershot, who are two points above Argyle, play host to Northampton Town tomorrow night.