Plymouth Argyle have just come out of a season which to many fans can be looked on as a failure.

The Pilgrims were top of the league at Christmas and looking like automatic promotion would be nothing but a formality.

However, their form in 2016 is what cost the Pilgrims a promotion place.

A lack of investment in the January transfer window combined with poor form, mostly at home left the Pilgrims having to go through the playoffs to get promoted.

They beat Portsmouth in the semi-final, however froze when it mattered at Wembley, losing comfortably 2-0 to AFC Wimbledon side.

Progression is key though for Derek Adam's side, and when you put it in the perspective that 5 years ago it looked as if Plymouth Argyle would cease to exist, being one game away from League One is a noble achievement.

Derek Adam's squad which was assembled on a shoe string budget, either by him or predecessor John Sheridan, has featured many unsung heroes.

And in this article Football League World's Jack Sharp looks at THREE of the most under appreciated Plymouth Argyle players....

 

Carl McHugh

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When Carl McHugh first arrived at Home Park from Bradford in 2014, he was a central defender and was played in that role as part of a 5 at the back system by ex-manager John Sheridan.

However, when Derek Adams took over and started playing a more conventional four at the back formation, McHugh found himself playing as a defensive midfielder.

Outstanding has been a word to describe the evolution of McHugh from defence to midfield, the Irishman has been an anchor in the Pilgrim's midfield, particularly forming a formidable partnership with Hiram Boateng in the early months of the season.

The 23-year-old wasn't an ever present in the Pilgrim's team, having some injury niggles and suspension, however made 44 appearances, scoring four goals and making 3 assists in the Pilgrim's season; McHugh certainly doesn't always get the credit he richly deserves.

Peter Hartley

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Peter Hartley joined the Pilgrims from Stevenage in 2014, and since then has built a formidable defensive partnership with captain Curtis Nelson.

The pair were present in the Argyle starting 11 for the vast majority of the season, with Nelson perhaps getting most of the plaudits.

Hartley will go down in Argyle folklore as the player who scored the injury time winner to send Argyle turn Wembley, and the Green Army into raptures.

Hartley's impressive performances have warranted him a move to a higher division, joining newly promoted Sky Bet League One side Bristol Rovers.

Hartley had a very impressive 2015/16 campaign, making a remarkable 50 appearances and scoring 3 goals in the process; the 28 year old doesn't always get the credit that his commanding performances warrant.

Gary Sawyer

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Gary Sawyer was Derek Adam's first signing as Plymouth Argyle manager, joining Argyle after his contract expired at Leyton Orient.

Sawyer had already played for the Green's before Adams brought him to the club, making nearly 100 appearances for the club from 2002-2010.

Solid for almost the entirety of the season, Sawyer is one to be overlooked a lot in the Argyle back line - the 30 year old making 50 appearances for the Devon club in the 2015/16 season; making him a near ever-present.

Sawyer is a player who will get a consistent 7/10 most weeks, and is a player which makes the game ebb and flow, there is definitely a case to be made that Sawyer is under appreciated at the club.

So... Argyle fans, what do you think, correct decisions or is there a more under appreciated player? Leave thoughts and comments below!