John Sheridan rates Fleetwood match as most important of managerial career

John Sheridan has called Plymouth Argyle's game against Fleetwood Town at Home Park today a "must win" for the relegation-threatened Pilgrims.

Not only that, Sheridan reckons it is the most important match of his managerial career, which started with Oldham Athletic in 2006 before taking him to Chesterfield three years later.

Sheridan has led Argyle to a record of three wins, four draws and three defeats since he was appointed as their boss at the start of January.

The Pilgrims are 23rd in the npower League Two table, above only Accrington Stanley on goal difference.

After today, Argyle will have three more matches at Home Park before the end of the season, with another five on the road.

Fleetwood had their first win in six when they triumphed 3-0 at Accrington in a Lancashire derby on Tuesday night.

Sheridan said: "I think this is the biggest game I have had since I have been a manager. I know we have to win it.

"Life is going to be very difficult if we don't. At home, we have to win our games, especially now.

"Performance-wise, we are improving but we have got to start winning. I hope we play rubbish and win the game. It's just about getting points now.

"It's a massive game. It's a must-win for me this one.

"We need to start winning games and try to get a little bit of leeway above the bottom two.

"I don't know what it's going to take, points-wise, to keep us in the division.

"Torquay and York have come right into it now, who probably felt nowhere near relegation two months ago. We have got some tough away games but when you are at home I think you have got to win."

Fleetwood were promoted as Football Conference champions last season and are in play-off contention this term.

Their squad includes 31-year-old powerhouse striker Jon Parkin, who has been nicknamed "The Beast" throughout his career.

Sheridan said: "They are a good footballing side. Big Jon Parkin is experienced and he is the type of striker you need.

"He just knows what the game is all about and will be difficult to play against.

"They came up last season and have hit the ground running. They are a strong team and are used to winning games. They will feel they have still got a chance of automatic promotion, so it will be a very difficult game for us."

Sheridan was encouraged by Argyle's performance in the 0-0 draw with beaten Capital One Cup finalists Bradford City at Home Park on Tuesday.

He said: "I think we are improving. The players understand more what we want from them, but in our position we have got to win games.

"I don't think there is a lot of difference between the sides in the division. It's very evenly balanced.

"But your Gillinghams and Northamptons play poorly and win games. I don't think we are a team who can play poorly and win.

"We have to be on song and on top of our game to try to get a result."

Plymouth Argyle (from): Cole, Chenoweth; Berry, Branston, Charles, Blanchard, Bhasera, Richards, Cox, Hourihane, Wotton, Young, Gurrieri, Cowan-Hall, Chadwick, Murray, Banton, Reid, Harvey, Lecointe, Vassell, Bryan.

Doubtful: Charles (groin).

Unavailable: Nelson (groin), Feeney (ankle), Lowry (ankle), Gilmartin (hamstring).