Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts when asked if new Plymouth Argyle signing can replace Ryan Hardie | OneFootball

Don Goodman has discussed whether new signing Aribim Pepple can fill the void left by Ryan Hardie.

Pundit Don Goodman believes it’s “impossible” to predict whether Aribim Pepple can be the replacement for Ryan Hardie, but is optimistic about the 22-year-old’s potential.

Argyle are currently preparing for their return to the third tier after relegation from the Championship last season, with Tom Cleverley hoping he can get the side bouncing straight back with promotion.

The former Watford boss takes on his first League One stint, with expectations rife that the Devonshire outfit can be fighting towards the top end of the table.

Naturally, with relegation, Argyle have suffered some blows regarding outgoings, with talisman Ryan Hardie hitting the hardest as he departed earlier this summer to Championship new boys Wrexham.

Since then, Plymouth have recruited forward Aribim Pepple from Luton Town, who spent last season on loan at League Two side Chesterfield, scoring five goals.

With this in mind, Don Goodman has reflected on their arrival, and whether he can go on to replace the void left by Hardie’s departure.

Don Goodman sees potential in Plymouth Argyle, Aribim Pepple signing

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has said it would be “impossible” to predict whether Aribim Pepple can act as a Ryan Hardie replacement, but insists the transfer business Plymouth have conducted can steer them back in the right direction.

Goodman said: “Aribim Pepple is a 22-year-old young player, who has never played higher than League Two football, I believe. He did well at Chesterfield last season. Five goals is great.

“Is he the answer to all of Plymouth Argyle's problems? Can he replace Ryan Hardie? That's impossible to say.

“What Plymouth have certainly done is they've invested in a real bit of potential, and actually, that's the way Plymouth Argyle need to play the transfer market, play their recruitment in investing potential future stars.

"They've got it right on a few occasions, and I'm pretty sure they'll be hoping that they've got it right again with this young man.”

Plymouth Argyle, Aribim Pepple signing is an investment for the future

As of right now, Plymouth Argyle are going into the League One season with a very youthful strike force, with Aribim Pepple rivalling the likes of Owen Oseni and Joseph Hatch for a starting spot, who are 22 and 18 respectively.

Although that could be added to before the first ball is kicked of 2025-26, you would have some concerns about those kind of players stepping up and adapting to League One football immediately.

That can certainly be said for Aribim Pepple, who, despite having a positive spell at Chesterfield, only scored five goals in that campaign, and he will need many more to get Plymouth into promotion contention while stepping up a division.

Without previous experience in League One, it’s difficult to see the frontman hitting the ground running and transforming into one of the top goalscorers in the division, but if he can get a similar tally as to what he did last term at the SMH Group Stadium, then that will be a sign of progress.