Argyle send young duo to Torquay for competitive experience
Plymouth Argyle have loaned two of their academy prospects, Tegan Finn and Caleb Roberts, to National League South side Torquay United in moves intended to give both players more regular senior minutes.
Roberts, aged 20, has joined Torquay until January, while Finn, who is 18, has moved on an initial one‑month deal that could be extended. Both have already featured for Argyle this season as substitutes in the Carabao Cup second round defeat to Coventry City.
The agreements underline the pathway clubs in the region are attempting to create for young players to bridge the gap between academy football and the demands of adult, competitive matches. Torquay have posted a welcome on their official website noting the pair bring “significant experience of senior action at Championship and League One level” and thanking Argyle for facilitating the arrangements.
"This is a good move for both Caleb and Tegan. Both players have great potential and, as we know, they need to be playing more competitive football to aid their development."
The comment, from Argyle’s director of football, reflects the club’s view that exposure to regular first‑team football will aid the duo’s progression. Pre‑season contact between the clubs was recent: Roberts played the first hour of Argyle’s 1‑0 friendly win at Plainmoor in July. Finn missed that match through injury.
Opportunities at a competitive level
Torquay manager and staff will hope the new arrivals can contribute as the Yellows look to build on a recent 3‑2 victory over Folkestone Invicta, which ended a run of four matches without a win. The pair could be in the squad when Torquay travel to Maidenhead for a midweek fixture.
For Argyle the loans offer a practical way to give young players sustained minutes in a robust senior environment. Both Finn and Roberts have made a single first‑team appearance for the Pilgrims this term — coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry — and the club believes competitive matches at National League South level will be valuable.
- Caleb Roberts — 20 years old; loan to Torquay until January; played one hour against Torquay in pre‑season.
- Tegan Finn — 18 years old; initial one‑month loan to Torquay; missed pre‑season friendly through injury; both have one substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup this season.
The loans also reaffirm a co‑operative relationship between clubs in Devon and Cornwall, offering a route for young Pilgrims to gain experience without departing the region. For supporters in Plymouth, seeing academy graduates earn senior football at a neighbouring ground provides a nearer vantage point to track their progress.
| Player | Age | Loan length | Argyle first‑team appearances (this term) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Roberts | 20 | Until January | 1 (substitute, Carabao Cup) |
| Tegan Finn | 18 | Initial one month | 1 (substitute, Carabao Cup) |
Torquay’s statement highlighted the players’ prior senior experience and suggested their arrival will boost supporters’ optimism after the weekend victory. The move gives Argyle the chance to monitor their development in competitive leagues and to recall or extend the arrangements according to progress and need.
For the local football community, the short‑term nature of Finn’s agreement leaves room for further negotiation depending on form and fitness, while Roberts’ longer stint provides a steadier period of adaptation to senior men’s football. Both clubs will be watching closely to see how the switch to regular match nights shapes their readiness for higher levels of the game.
As the season develops, the success of such loans will be measured by minutes played, contributions to Torquay’s results and the readiness of each player to stake a claim for a more permanent role back at Home Park.
