Sheridan makes Pilgrims pledge

John Sheridan promised that his Plymouth side will perform much better next season if he decides to stay on as manager.

Sheridan's side closed the campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Rochdale at Spotland but survived the drop by finishing a point above relegated Barnet. And the former Oldham and Chesterfield boss insisted the close brush with relegation would not be repeated next season - providing he's in charge. "Every manager is different and my standards are different - if I'm here next season then this will not happen again," he said. "I've said we'll talk about that once the club's position was secure. We've stayed up so I have to make decisions next week on my future and on players' futures. "I am happy here, the club has great potential and we'll sit down and sort things out." Plymouth were reduced to 10 men just 14 minutes into the game when Maxime Blanchard saw red for a foul on Rochdale striker George Donnelly. Rochdale bossed the contest after that but struggled to break down a gritty Argyle defence until substitute Joe Bunney headed the winner in the 78th minute with his first touch in professional football. While Plymouth's travelling supporters celebrated, Sheridan said he was not inclined to toast avoiding relegation and wanted to firm up the club's Football League status much earlier. "I didn't want it to happen in this fashion," he said. "I'm not celebrating anything but I am happy for the fans and keeping a club like Plymouth in the Football League was the top objective when I came in so I'm really proud we have achieved that. "I don't think it's something you should celebrate but I do understand the relief of everyone connected with the club."