Adam Randell a Plymouth Argyle role model for Will Jenkins Davies

With Plymouth Argyle placing increasing emphasis on producing their own young talent for the first team, 19-year-old midfielder Will Jenkins Davies is hoping to get a chance to follow in the footsteps of academy graduates Michael Cooper and Adam Randell.

Argyle are making a multi-million pound investment into the redevelopment of the Brickfields site in Devonport, which will become a new permanent home for the club's academy as a central part of the plans.

Cooper and Randell have gone on to play regularly for Argyle at senior level after coming through the youth ranks, while the likes of teenagers Freddie Issaka, Caleb Roberts and Jenkins Davies have all had some experience of first team football.

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Jenkins Davies has signed a new one-year deal after spending most of last season on loan to Torquay United in National League South and his aim is to be fighting for a place at Argyle next term.

He told Plymouth Live: "It's brilliant, a proud moment being able to say I have got another contract here but the hard work starts now and I can't wait to get back (for pre-season)."

Last season was the first for Jenkins Davies as a professional. It was a very challenging time for Torquay, who ended up in administration but were able to avoid relegation despite a sizeable points deduction.

Jenkins Davies said: "It was a club in a bit of turmoil, especially with administration and people coming and going, but I feel like it was a very valuable learning experience for me and we managed to stay up. I'm very happy for Torquay, and looking forward to the future at Argyle."

Last season started well for both Torquay and Jenkins Davies, but he then suffered a knee injury which sidelined him for a lengthy period. "I feel like it came at quite a difficult time," said Jenkins Davies. "The last game I played, Torquay were fighting for the top of the table.

"I felt like I was coming into a good bit of form and then unfortunately I had quite a serious knee injury. When I returned we were not in such a positive state. I had to fight to get back into the team and things like that."

On what he had learned from his time at Torquay, Jenkins Davies said: "The main thing is the difference between (under) 18s and men's football. It's just getting those valuable minutes where there is something riding on the game, it feels a lot more real. Regularly starting for a team with a big following, there is a lot of pressure.

"Also in that league there is a lot of ugly teams and ugly games so you have just got to have more character and be able to play on those sort of pitches in those sort of circumstances."

Torquay are now under new ownership, with Argyle legend Paul Wotton as their new manager and Neil Warnock a football advisor to the club's board of directors so it looks a lot more promising for them going into next season. Jenkins Davies said: "I have been following them closely. It looks like a positive time for Torquay so I wish them all the best."

As for his own future at Argyle, he declared: "The aim is to get into the team, to be up there fighting for a place, but wherever I'm playing my football next season it's all about improving. I just want to get better, train with good players and learn from them."

There will be a fresh start for all the players at Argyle when pre-season training begins on July 2 with England legend Wayne Rooney the club's new head coach.

Jenkins Davies said: "I feel like it's a big statement from the club. It shows the growth the club has got to, and what they look to do in the future. I will just see what happens and I look forward to working with him. Everyone is going to be wanting to impress and hopefully I will be able to show him what I can do."

On the possibility of another loan spell away from Home Park, the teenager commented: "I will just see what happens, see what the coaches recommend. They have nurtured me from a young age, bringing me through, and they know what's best for my development. I have been here since I was seven so it's 12 years at the club."

Being a central midfielder who has graduated from Argyle's academy and had a loan spell with Torquay at a young age, there are obvious comparisons between Jenkins Davies and Randell, who was with the Gulls for the 2020/21 season.

Jenkins Davies said: "I have obviously had a very similar career path to Adam Randell, who I look up to. He plays in the same position as me so I'm learning off him every time I get the opportunity to train with him.

"I'm always speaking to him. It's brilliant to be able to see the youth coming through and being able to play for the first team in front of the Green Army."

Argyle had their own fight against relegation last term but were able to retain their Championship status after picking up 10 points from the last six matches under the temporary charge of Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell, which included a tense 1-0 final day win against Hull City at Home Park.

Jenkins Davies said: "Torquay's season finished quite early on so I was able to see the last couple of games. It was very nervy against Hull but I'm so pleased we managed to get the job done and stay up.

"In the Championship you play against teams that have recently been in the Premier League - you play against top teams and top players. That's ultimately what we want to do, and that's how this club is going to get better and better."