Morgan Whittaker has been making headlines recently with his impressive performance for Middlesbrough, scoring three goals in his last three matches, including the decisive goal against his previous team, Derby County. As Middlesbrough intensifies its push for promotion from the Championship, Whittaker’s former club, Plymouth Argyle, finds itself in a desperate battle against relegation in League One. The contrast in fortunes has left Pilgrims fans watching on with envy.
Plymouth Argyle’s return to League One has not gone as hoped. After 17 matches, they sit just above the bottom of the table, sharing points with Blackpool and Peterborough United, but suffering from a worse goal difference that places them in 23rd position. The club’s challenges began after their relegation from the Championship last season when they anticipated that Bosnian head coach Miron Muslic would guide them into the new campaign. However, a surprising move to Schalke in Germany saw him leave Home Park, leaving fans and club officials disappointed.
In a scramble to find a replacement, Plymouth appointed former Watford manager Tom Cleverley on a three-year deal. The 36-year-old has struggled to adapt, and with the club now facing the real threat of falling into the relegation zone once again, the frustration among fans is palpable, particularly as they watch their record sale, Whittaker, thrive in the Championship.
Whittaker, who initially joined Middlesbrough for a potential £7.5 million from Plymouth in January 2025, has certainly made an impact there. The 24-year-old forward, who rose through the ranks at Derby County, spent time with Swansea City before making his way to Plymouth on loan and subsequently signing permanently in 2023 for a then club-record of £1 million. His time at Plymouth was fruitful, helping the team gain promotion to the Championship with 19 goals and eight assists across 46 matches.
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However, his transition to Middlesbrough was not without its difficulties. Whittaker went on a lengthy goal drought, with 24 games without finding the net, leading to questions from fans about the hefty fee paid for his transfer. Recently, though, he has turned his fortunes around, notching up five goals and two assists this season, including a remarkable three goals in his past three outings. This resurgence has come amid significant changes at Boro—head coach Rob Edwards’ departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers and the appointment of Kim Hellberg as his successor.
As it stands, Middlesbrough is in a promising position, sitting second in the Championship and eyeing a potential return to the Premier League. In sharp contrast, Plymouth Argyle is at risk of sliding into League Two if their form does not improve. With Whittaker having only recently left Argyle, the divergent paths of Middlesbrough and Plymouth serve as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in football. Fans of the Pilgrims are left to ponder what might have been, reflecting on the blistering success of their former star.
