By Chris Bevan

His never-say-die spirit has rubbed off on us - his personality and enthusiasm makes such an impression Paul Wotton on Ian Holloway

Life doesn't get much better than this for Plymouth stalwart Paul Wotton.

The 29-year-old Pilgrims captain has led from the front to help his hometown side make a flying start to the new Championship campaign.

Argyle were third after three games and still lie in seventh place, making this season one of the best in their history.

"Things are going great, not just according to plan," Wotton told BBC Sport.

"We can still improve in certain areas and we know that - but if you had offered to me in the summer that this is where we would be after 13 games then I would have bitten your hands off.

"Every game in this division is a tough one but we are just enjoying ourselves, while we are up there."

Since he took over in the summer, Plymouth boss Ian Holloway has been telling everyone who will listen that he wants to bring Premiership football to Home Park.

Few took him seriously until the season started - but with only two defeats so far and the division wide open, promotion is becoming a more realistic prospect.

"We have got to believe we can make the play-offs because otherwise what is the point," added Wotton.

"The manager has set us little targets of where he wants us to be after every 10 or 12 games. We are a little bit behind that target but we are doing okay.

WOTTON FACTFILE Born: Plymouth Age: 29 Clubs: Plymouth (95- ) Games: 421 (387 starts) Goals: 61 Honours: 2002 Lge 2 title, 2004 Lge 1 title

"Only one team has been better than us and that was Cardiff for the first 45 minutes of that game - in the second half we battered them and ended up drawing 3-3.

"There are certainly teams to be respected in this division but there is nothing for us to fear."

Playing for Holloway is another reason Wotton has plenty to smile about at the moment.

"His never-say-die spirit has rubbed off on us," Wotton explained. "His personality and enthusiasm makes such an impression on you.

"He has got his views on the game and we are slowly picking them up and trying to take them into Saturday.

"Every day in training is a step forward. We are still a little bit off where he wants us to be but I am sure that will come given time."

As a fearless defender with a powerful shot, Wotton has already enjoyed plenty of success in his 12 years at Plymouth.

He has played 421 games for the club after coming through the club's youth system and lifted the League Two title in 2002 before winning League One in 2004.

We have the belief that we can make the play-offs if we keep ticking along - and if we are in the same position in another 10 or 12 games then that will grow and grow. Paul Wotton

Collecting the Championship trophy would make for a unique treble but Wotton prefers to keep his feet on the ground rather than talk of possible future glory.

"Over the years every Plymouth side I have played in has had a fantastic work ethic and a great attitude," he said.

"This team is no different but there is a little bit more quality about us individually now.

"There are definitely similarities with the teams that won those titles - the way we go about games and try to get the best out of each other for a start.

"However great those achievements were, this is a whole different level - the Championship is a lot tougher.

"But we have the belief that we can make the play-offs if we keep ticking along - and if we are in the same position in another 10 or 12 games then that will grow and grow.