Paul Sturrock has admitted the last two weeks have been the most taxing of his managerial career after Plymouth Argyle's January exodus.The former Scotland international and Dundee United striker has been a manager since taking over at St Johnstone in 1993. He has also manged at Dundee United, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon and is now in his second spell as Argyle chief.

The 51-year-old revealed: "It's been a difficult time. The last 10 days has probably been the most difficult of my managerial career, it's not very often you lose the players of the standards we have lost and at the same time try and win football games."

Sturrock openly admits he could not wait to see the back of January and slamming the transfer window shut after losing the services of six players, including top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to Championship rivals Wolves and midfield ace David Norris to Ipswich.

Meanwhile, Jim Paterson and Jamie Mackie will have to wait to play for the Pilgrims as Tuesday's scheduled reserve-team game against Exeter was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Home Park.

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