Plenty to cheer now Bobby's on the beat

Such is his satisfaction with the state of play at Plymouth that his input ahead of tomorrow's big game has been minimal. Summerfield has continued to take training and will pick the team to face Rangers, although he is expected to leave the club in the summer to join Sturrock at Southampton.

In a sense Williamson is in a no-win situation, as the plaudits for success will go elsewhere with criticisms for any failure being firmly aimed at his door, but he has no complaints. He said: "The lads have done a great job up to now and deserve to be where they are. I've tried not to interfere too much and was determined not to come in and tell everyone what to do. I've not discussed tomorrow yet but I'll probably be in the background.

"If it goes badly it'll be all my fault but that's always the case for a manager. When things go wrong it's your fault and when you're doing well you're in the background, nothing changes that."

Plymouth's boldness in giving Williamson a long-term contract at such a crucial stage of the season contrasts with the situation at Loftus Road, where Ian Holloway has received no guarantees over his future. The Rangers manager has begun talks about extending his contract but no decision will be made until the end of the season. Promotion is a necessity.

Holloway said: "All that matters at the moment is the next three games. Plymouth will be right up for it but I want to spoil their party. I believe we're good enough."

Rangers' hopes have been boosted by the return from injury of Clarke Carlisle, Richard Johnson and Martin Rowlands, with only long-term victims Dan Shittu and Nick Culkin missing.