Plymouth Argyle are considering Malta for a pre-season tour although they are also weighing up other options, especially The Netherlands.

The Pilgrims, relegated this season, will return to pre-season training on 30 June.

Head coach Paul Mariner said, if push came to shove, Holland would be his choice, but he also sang the praises of Malta as a venue for the first team players.

“We’ve got a couple of irons in the fire pre-season which are Holland and Malta,” said former England striker Mariner, who played for Maltese side Naxxar Lions between 1990-91.

“I know the national training centre is a superb field and is not far from all the accommodation. And you’re guaranteed decent weather, too. The Holland base is at Papendal, right in the middle of nowhere, which is ideal. I’ve been there (Papendal) before with Ipswich and it’s fantastic.

“I know Vitesse Arnhem train there.

Mariner said the camps would involve matches for the playing staff, as well as training.