The fanzine of the Argyle Fans’ Trust
End of Season Issue
Issue No. 4 Price 50p
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2 Kick Off Welcome to our end-of-season, bumper edition of the Grass is Greener. As ever, this issue contains a variety of articles with a wide range of topics and views. At the time of writing, Argyle sit in the last play-off place with seven games to go. It is likely to be a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat experience over the next month or so—two if we go all the way to Wembley. The Trust is planning a number of activities between now and next season. We are presenting our own Player of the Year trophy. We will be having a pitch at the Home Park Sunday boot sale—the first one on Sunday 12th April. We will be having a team at the Static Cycling event in the GTs’ tent on Saturday 25th April. We are supporting the RBL VE night on Friday 8th May - see pages 6 and 7. We have other fundraising events in mind - you can read about this on the next page. With all these we need your help and support. Please go to the website for full details. And the fanzine will be back in August. Send us your ideas and contributions to [email protected]. Resurgam! Celia Ellacott Editor Contributors: Andy Byford, Sam Down, Alex Fletcher, Bob Foale, Kevin Hodges, Ian Newell, A Ref, Dermot Roberts, Dave Rowntree (photographs), Gordon Sparks, Bob Wright. AFT Board: Chairman - Bob Foale Vice Chairman - Sam Down, (Acting) Secretary - Tim Chown: [email protected] Membership - Sally Snow, Bob Wright: [email protected] Fundraising - Virginia Pike: [email protected] Communications - Tim Chown: [email protected] Fanzine - Celia Ellacott Social Media - Sam Down, Josh Pope Treasurer - Paul Bartolini: [email protected] Board member - Ed Shillabeer. Web: www.argylefanstrust.com Facebook: facebook.com/TheArgyleTrust Twitter: @TheArgyleTrust
3 Onside Trust News Bob takes the Chair I am delighted and honoured to have been elected Chairman of the Argyle Fans’ Trust. My name is Bob Foale. I am a Plymothian, have lived in Devon for most of my life and have been an Argyle fan since 1962. I have four daughters and a son, and three grandchildren, so we are now into the fourth generati on of Argyle-supporti ng Foales. Having recently reti red aft er 26 years as a head teacher in the county, I now have the ti me not only to support the Trust more fully, but also to att end matches – I have been to every game home and away this season. As it states on our website, we believe that responsible supporter engagement in decision-making in partnership with the owner, the City Council, and other bodies with a legiti mate interest in the Club, is necessary to pave the way to renewed sustainability. To that end, we are meeti ng Martyn Starnes, PAFC’s Chief Executi ve, on a monthly basis, as well as speaking with members of the City Council, including the leader, Tudor Evans. We have already been in discussions over the ownership of parts of Home Park, next season’s ti cket prices, the conti nuati on of the open fans’ forums and the future of the grandstand. Most importantly, in the short term, progress is being made towards the establishment of a replacement for the now defunct Far Post Club, so that supporters can relax in the warm before and aft er a match, meeti ng friends to enjoy a drink and something to eat. This season, the Fans’ Trust has been proud to make a donati on to the Club to secure back of the shirt sponsorship status. That means Argyle players have been wearing the RBL poppy and WWI centenary logo for all their matches this season, home and away. Providing a link between the Club and the community is another important part of what we do. Why not visit our website: www.argylefanstrust.com where you can donate to the RBL shirt fund or, bett er sti ll join your fellow thousand members of the Argyle Fans’ Trust today?
Virginia joins the Board Virginia Pike has been co-opted onto the AFT Board and will lead on events and fundraising. Virginia who lives in Plymouth and works in telemarketi ng, has been an Argyle fan since 1960. There are already a number of projects in the pipeline for the rest of the year leading up to the Trust’s fi ft h anniversary in December. These include a Golf Day and a Memorabilia Fair. If you have any ideas for an AFT social event you would like to see, send them to: [email protected] 4 Onside Trust News Fans’ Forum - Saturday 28th February Finances: * PAFC confirmed a break-even situation for 2014 * debts to football creditors have been reduced. The majority (both in number and value but more in number) took up the Council loan offer. There is about ‘half a million’ left * the Club will get more money from tv deals in years to come. Grandstand/HHP: * the City cannot support three multi screen cinemas; therefore, a Bretonside development which is expected to be given planning permission, renders a commercial HHP redundant * other avenues are bring explored with the Council but nothing is expected to happen until after the May elections * James Brent confirmed that the existing grandstand will be open next season * temporary seating will not be reinstated in the Mayflower as it would be uneconomic but segregation would be decreased to increase capacity were Argyle to be promoted * Martyn Starnes confirmed that discussions are at an early stage about providing an alternative supporters’ facility to the defunct Far Post Club * James Brent confirmed that no further thought had been given to the option to buy the ground in Autumn 2016. Season tickets: * Peter Jones announced a freeze on ST prices in the earlybird period. The Club reserved the right to increase these prices if Argyle were promoted but supporters who had already purchased their STs would not be surcharged. Players: * Anthony O’Connor had not wanted to sign a long-term contract at any Club: this delayed his return to Argyle * Andy Kellett was set to sign on deadline day until this was surprisingly scuppered by Man Utd. * Drew Talbot (now recalled) and Olly Lee would not be available were Argyle to reach the play-offs. Tareiq Holmes-Dennis may be available but could also be recalled. Bobby Reid would definitely be available.
AFT Board members have been having regular meetings with Martyn Starnes, Argyle’s CEO. The most recent was on 21st March. You can find details on our website: www.argylefanstrust.com The next meeting is on 1st May. If you have any questions you want asked, let us know. 5 Onside Trust News
Poppy shirt sponsorship The Argyle Fans’ Trust has been fundraising uniquely to sponsor the back of the current home shirt on behalf of the Royal British Legion. The deal has allowed us to raise the profile of the RBL in football and has increased donations by way of the poppy pots around Home Park. We need that final effort to push us over the line and ensure we reach our goal. To donate to the effort, go to our website. We appreciate every last penny that has gone towards our shirt fund so far. Every penny helps. Please give as little or as much as you would like. What Does the Royal British Legion Do? Ask your average person on the street what the Royal British Legion does and they will probably mention the poppy appeal and old men drinking. I’d like to change that perception. Here in Ivybridge we have a thriving RBL with more than 120 members. For an annual subscription of £17, they benefit from a quarterly magazine and comradeship through local activities and events. What we do can be broken down into four areas or pillars: Remembrance - this is probably what we are best known for. Ivybridge men and women wear their poppies with pride and more than 2000 attended the annual Remembrance Day service last year - the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One. In addition, branch members designed, built and funded our living memorial to WW1. ‘Harry’s Patch’ touched not only the town but the county and nation. Devon County Council gave our branch a ‘best garden award’. Welfare - we are very active behind the scenes helping those serving and veterans who have fallen on hard times. Ivybridge Branch has two volunteer welfare workers
On Friday 8th May, VE Day Ivybridge RBL will be holding a ‘dress up if you like’ 40s Swing Night at the Sportsmans Inn, Ivybridge. 40s music Hog roast with traditional wartime veg Plymouth Pipe Band • Children’s choir Auction and raffle Preliminaries at 6.00; food 7.40; swing dancing from 8.00. Tickets £7.50 each direct from Sportsman’s Inn thesportsmansinn.co.uk or 07984131309 6 who visit members of the service community and off er vital assistance. In 2014 I visited 12 veterans and helped them with housing issues, mobility scooters, debt problems and, in a couple of occasions, emergency assistance via food vouchers and with funeral expenses. We have formed strong links with the Argyle Fans’ Trust and have enjoyed social events and fundraising during the season. Comradeship - is delivered through our branch meeti ngs and acti viti es. We meet monthly and have also formed alliances with community groups such as the Scouts, local schools and colleges and other chariti es. Trips have included a visit to Malta and an outi ng to the Imperial War Museum. Representati on - the RBL stands up for the rights of servicemen and women, veterans and their families by lobbying Parliament and conducti ng campaigns. Recent successes have included improvements to widows’ and surviving partners’ pensions and the Community Covenant. This states that servicemen and women cannot be disadvantaged in terms of housing for example. So, the RBL is about old men sitti ng in clubs drinking beer but it is about so much more than that. Young men and women also drink beer with us, raise money with us, remember with us and help those less fortunate than ourselves. Dermot Roberts Chairman Ivybridge RBL For more informati on and to join www.rblivbridge.co.uk; 07984 131309 and www.rbldevon.co.uk.
Vehicle Servicing • MOTs & Repairs
9 - 10 The Mews Harford Road IVYBRIDGE PL21 0AS Call: James Watt on 01752 894517 or 07837 000020 7 Team Talk Argyle Ladies Match report v West Ham – venue Elburton Villa FC, Sun 8th March This was another superb defensive performance by the Pilgrims against their London visitors which earned them a valuable point in their fi ght to remain in the division. The match was sponsored by the Royal Briti sh Legion in commemorati on of the centenary of World War One. The players lined up with the standard bearer, the RBL Chairman delivered a eulogy which was followed by the last post, a minute’s silence and the reveille. Argyle were without injured striker Emily Mousley who could be out of acti on for at least a month through a ligament injury. Argyle’s tacti cs were obvious from the start. They allowed the visitors on to them and employed a fast break through fl ying wingers, Ezme Wells and Jenni Buckley, with Molly Taylor the lone striker. This almost worked when Wells raced clear to fi re the ball narrowly over the crossbar. Argyle were then denied a clear run on goal from Taylor when the referee inexplicably blew for a free kick in their favour. In the second half, Argyle goalkeeper, Michaela Phillips, made a superb save to ti p the ball over the crossbar. Argyle responded with good headers from Kate Middleton and Kayleigh Brown before surviving a hecti c goalmouth scramble. Phillips then pulled off another superb save to deny Vicky Kinsman. The game ended on a controversial note when the referee blew his whistle for full ti me a split second before Danica Revell bundled the ball into the Argyle net. Argyle manager Kev Rose was delighted man. “We defended well, I thought the whole team was magnifi cent. We have a tough match in London next week against Tott enham Hotspur who beat is 3-1 at our place.” Match report courtesy of Dave Potham Bob Foale, newly elected chair of the AFT was at the match and was impressed not only by the standard of football exhibited by both teams but also the passion and enthusiasm displayed. Michaela Phillips was his woman of the match, while Molly Taylor ran her socks off as lone striker. A thoroughly enjoyable aft ernoon’s entertainment, with Elburton Villa hospitable and welcoming.
8 Inside Home Park Milk Cup Report With Academy preparations for this year’s Milk Cup already underway, Kevin Hodges and Alex Fletcher offer their experiences on last year’s tournament Once again, the Academy U14 & U15 age groups benefitted from attending the prestigious Dale Farm Milk Cup Tournament in Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of the Green Taverners, we were able to raise enough funds to attend the competition. Preparations began in February, with the U13s, 14s and 15s taking part in additional training sessions. At the end of March, the training squad was reduced to 26 players and, in addition to the Monday night sessions at Saltmill, the group benefitted from several extended Saturday training sessions at Marjons. Preparatory matches were played against West Bromwich Albion, Southampton and Swindon Town. We tried to make the training as realistically like the tournament itself as possible. So we trained for a full day on Saturday, played a fixture on Sunday and trained on Monday evening – three days straight. This enabled us to monitor the performance of the Academy players and how they managed fatigue levels. It was a real privilege to witness the boys’ achievements in Northern Ireland. They conducted themselves in a thoroughly professional manner and their play on the pitch was excellent at times. For many of them this was a return visit after a successful tournament the year before when they finished a credible eighth. And I’m sure the boys attending the Milk Cup for the first time gained from the others’ experiences and all acquitted themselves well. We were beaten by the eventual winners, FC Corinthians from Brazil. The visit by our Chief Executive, Martyn Starnes and Director, Tony Wrathall, was much appreciated. I believe they were able to get a feel for the tournament and see how our participation and competing against teams from other nations benefitted the players’ development. It also gave opportunities to promote the PAFC brand. To finish third out of 28 teams was a fantastic outcome. Thanks to Chris Souness, Phil Stokes and Lee Hodge, physiotherapist John Richards, driver Chris Cole and Academy Secretary Pete Bellamy. The support they gave our young players before every game was an important part of last year’s success, as the players were able to focus fully on their football for five successive days. Opponents from Ireland, Japan, Australia, Brazil and Chile provided a varied challenge in every fixture. The continued progress and development of those who attended the tournament is hard to overstate. But just as pleasing has been the accelerated development of some of the younger players who trained with the squad but did not make the trip. This has resulted in a number of them playing and training above their age group at the start of this season, and is certain to stand them in good stead for this year’s tournament. Kevin Hodges 9 For me, the Milk Cup was a great experience and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It’s the biggest tournament for youth development in the world and has hugely benefitted my development as an Academy player. It all starts with the pre-tournament training schedule which runs from February until the final day before leaving for Northern Ireland. This not only gives a great indication of what’s to come in the tournament but is also a great opportunity for the younger players to challenge themselves against the older players. They may not experience the competition until the season after but it improves them greatly. The competition itself is an experience you couldn’t get anywhere in a one- off fixture, although we did have two matches against West Bromwich Albion and Southampton under 16s, both of which we drew. The time spent in Ireland provides the greatest reflection of what life as a professional footballer is like. Things like diet, rest and dealing with the fatigue brought about by the intense match schedule and the training between are indicative of this. The coaches constantly called us ‘young professionals’ which I believe is an effect of this competition. The teams we played against gave a totally different footballing challenge than we’d have on a weekly basis in our Academy league setup. Coming up against teams from all over the world offers different styles of football to compete against and deal with, such as the quick passing style of the Japanese national team and the overall physicality and power of the Brazilian giants Corinthians. I feel it developed the squad and myself. Coming third out of a total of 28 teams was truly amazing and a great achievement. The experience wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the fundraisers such as the Green Taverners and for this the squad is extremely grateful. Alex Fletcher The AFT wants to support this year’s Academy trip to the Milk Cup. If you would like to be part of our sponsorship, you can donate via our website: www.argylefanstrust.com
10 Team Talk The sprint to the finishby Sam Down As Argyle enter the last nine games of the regular season, everything stands on a knife-edge. When I started writing this, we had just suffered a dismal 2-0 defeat at Dagenham, sandwiched by two 0-0s against Oxford and Newport. By the time of printing, fortunes had turned, with the cheering win against the Robins at Cheltenham, a return to the play-offs and a fantastic cameo substitution by new loan signing, Zak Ansah. By the time of reading, things may have changed again. Personally, I think it will be a struggle (though not yet impossible) now to sustain the play-offs due to the blood-curdling inconsistency of this season and indeed of much of the current manager’s reign. I have never once doubted the quality of the playing squad. Our back three and goalkeeper (supported by the ever-steady Anthony O’Connor) have shown their class time after time. On their day, Reuben Reid and Lewis Alessandra are far too much for any League Two defender to handle and they have been supported by an array of rotating yet excellent options in midfield and at wing-back. However, in spite of the good players at our disposal, things haven’t gone as well as they might have done. Not disastrously either, but inconsistency has been the recurrent theme. Argyle’s season so far has seemed to be one of boom and bust. Long winless runs in the doldrums are followed by winning runs in which the defence appears invincible. Players like Alessandra, Reid (and Reuben’s namesake Bobby), who can be excellent on their day, are anonymous on others. We set ourselves up to play more conservatively away from home. In-game substitutions are often predictable, with certain flair players never getting a look-in, even at Home Park. While I would not dispute the recruitment John Sheridan has made, I would question a lot of what he’s done with the players we have brought in. It’s not as though there’s no mitigation. Argyle have fallen foul of the loan system a few times this season. Bobby Reid (earlier) as well as Drew Talbot and Andy Kellett have been dangled tantalisingly under our noses before being snatched away by their parent clubs. I can understand that it must be hard for John Sheridan to build a team when he is dependant on players who aren’t ours; it’s certainly a different ball game from promotion from this league under Sturrock. However, it’s a different ball game for everyone else too. There isn’t a squad in the league without a few loanees subject to recall. And, while I may not be bouncing off the walls with joy after the recent disappointing run, going into the final furlong, everything is still to play for. Teams around us are also slipping up and the good thing about Argyle’s inconsistency is that you never know when a good run could be just around the corner. It would certainly be nice if one of them came along before May. cont.
11 Are things going smoothly? No. Is it still a huge couple of months for the club in which we could get out of this truly awful division? Yes in a strange way, it’s still a pretty exciting time to be a fan. Player of the season: Peter Hartley. Cool, composed, a great passer and a secure physical presence he is everything you want from a centre-back in this league. The difference. Young player: Carl McHugh. It’s incredible to believe he’s eligible for this category but he really has only just turned 22. An immovable object who will put his body in the way of everything and can play a bit too.
Who is your Player of the season and Young Player of the season? Write in and let us know. Argyle Fans’ Trust PO Box 290 Plymouth PL5 9BW
Argyle Ladies Fixtures
Home v Away Type
March 2015 Sun 22 Tottenham Hotspur 14:00 Plymouth Argyle League
Sun 29 Portsmouth FC Ladies 14:00 Plymouth Argyle League
April 2015 Sun 5 Charlton Athletic WFC 14:00 Plymouth Argyle League Sun 19 Plymouth Argyle 14:00 Charlton Athletic WFC League
Home matches played at Elburton Villa FC. Haye Road, Elburton, Plymouth PL9 8HS
12 Inside Home Park Backroom Boys Alec Henderson worked for Argyle for seven years from 2004 until the start of administration in 2011. He has a raft of stories about his time at Home Park and those he worked with… How did you get your job at Argyle? It started when I was working abroad and I was flown home with cancer. I spoke to David Tall, whom I knew as we were both ex-Navy, and asked if there was any chance of a part-time job. I was taken on originally for a fortnight, which became seven years until the Club went into administration. I did spreadsheets for Andy Budge and various other jobs. Then I did some HR work until a young lady who was fully qualified in HR was recruited. Initially we had to share a seat because the office was so small but we managed – hardly the ideal working environment. After that I provided various stats and figures for Michael Dunford, including things such as attendances. You were an Argyle fan before this? I followed Argyle for many years since leaving DHS and throughout all the time I spent in the RN and working abroad. Among the highlights were the visits of Spurs and Newcastle in fantastic cup games. What do you do for Argyle now? I still keep in touch with Rick Cowdery and every fortnight I go up there to proof read the programme before every home game. The lowdown on… Tony Pulis He just commanded respect. A man you don’t want to mess with. There was no querying what he said. He was the boss; it was as simple as that. He had a hell of a voice…when he opened the door you knew who was coming. He is the only Argyle manager who insisted on writing his own programme notes. Ian Holloway An amazing character. He’s another one who, when you opened the door, would be be singing and shouting his head off. When he joined he got all the players and staff in a room and made a list of pledges which we all contributed to. When he left, he signed a copy of his book to all the staff with a message: “unfinished business”. Who knows? He pulled some fantastic signings out of the bag. I’d love it if he came back, but it is debatable whether he’d be welcome. The ‘New World’ board They spent thousands of pounds of the Club’s money on architectural plans for the World Cup bid…whether that was the ultimate cause of the club going downhill, I don’t know. But it all felt like dreamland. They were talking about these fantastic designs but there was no car park. They were saying “don’t worry about the car park”. There were ideas about streaming games to Japanese TV and having signs around the ground in Japanese. All their eggs were in that basket. Guilfoyle When the Club went into administration, there was a lot of talk about redundancies. Guilfoyle split the staff in two and took my half into a room whilst the others went off with his cronies. He said to us “the first thing to know is, don’t worry you’re not being made redundant”. Then he got a message to tell us “Sorry, I got that wrong, you are being made redundant”. That’s just not the way you do things and a certain way to ruin morale. Interview by Sam Down 13 Inside Home Park Player profile Anthony O’Connor talks to the Grass is Greener
First and foremost, how does it feel to be an Argyle player at the moment? It’s nice. We’re going well. We’d like to be even further up the table but we’re in a play-off place and we’ve just got to keep going now. What’s the feeling like in the squad? Positive, definitely. The energy and positivity has always been there. It’s about us sticking together as a unit and taking each game as it comes. We’ve had some good results, but we can’t rest on our laurels. What inspired you to become a footballer in the first place? I don’t know really. I just picked up a football one day and never put it down! I remember getting a ball for the first time and just kicking it against a wall every day with my mates. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do; It’s what most lads want to do, I was one of the lucky ones. Looking at my little lad at home, he’s only two and he’s the same. Hopefully he’ll grow up to be in my shoes one day. And you never looked back? No, I was delighted when I first came to England: it was a dream come true. I’ve never taken it for granted. Where was that wall? It was back home in Cork, in Ireland. It was in a quite rough area, to be fair, but I never got into trouble or got caught up with the wrong group because I always had that football. That’s where Conor Hourihane came from isn’t it? Yeah, I know Conor. He grew up in a different part of Cork, probably a bit more posh! He’s a couple of years older than me and he’s a good player. He did well for this Club. What really drew you to Argyle then? I knew they wanted me. I just wanted to come out and play first team football. I knew Plymouth were a Club that were on the up. Is location an issue for you? Not for me; I just love playing football. My boy is at home in Cork. They live in Ireland because I’m only here on a short contract and who knows what the future holds? They’ll come over when I’m settled. Have you changed much as a player with the different positions? I’ve always been the type of player who’s hungry; who loves heading and tackling. 14 I’ve always been a right-back or centre-half but playing in midfield is something I’ve relished. I don’t say to the gaffer ‘play me here’. Are you hungry for more goals before the end of the season? Yeah, I am, but I won’t be too mad if they don’t come. It was a nice feeling scoring the first goal. Hopefully the Superman t-shirt will make another couple of appearances! I’ll just pull it up next time; I won’t take it off. I knew I was going to get booked but it was my first goal and it was a special moment. What are your personal aspirations? I want to play as high as I can and hopefully it will be with Plymouth. I’m not the kind of lad who’ll just settle for playing in this League. I try to improve every day. What are the main differences between Argyle and your previous Clubs? The fans, obviously. I had a really good season at Burton, personally and as a team. Torquay were a good little club as well. I did well personally, although the Club went down. We’ve done really well and hopefully I’ll get a promotion on my CV now. If we got promoted, and you were offered the right terms, would you stay? Yeah, staying at the Club is definitely something I’m thinking about. Hopefully we’ll go up, I’ll have a nice break and think about what I’m gonna do. If the Club are in League One, it’ll be hard for me to turn it down! Interview by Ed Shillabeer and Sally Snow (with thanks to Rick and Rob at Argyle) Harwell Veterinary Centre Edmund H Shillabeer BVSc, MRCVS Surgeries at Peverell & Elburton £15 to Identichip your pet 20% off if done during a consultation or with a booster vaccination 01752 662312 10 Peverell Park Road St Matthews Church Car Park Plymouth PL3 4NA Elburton PL9 8HX Peverell Open Surgery Times: Elburton Open Surgery Times: Mon - Sat 9am - 9.30am Mon - Fri 2p - 3pm Mon - Fri 6pm - 7pm Sat 11am - 11.30am [email protected] • www.edmundshillabeer.co.uk 15 Inside Home Park Sam Down talks to ‘Legend’ John Uzzell Why don’t you start by telling us how you came to sign for Argyle? When I was growing up, I always went to games. I fi rst got involved with the club when I was about 13. I went up there on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the apprenti ces and I never stopped. I was lucky enough to stay.
Then you broke into the fi rst team… That’s right. Tony Waiters was the manager when I was off ered a professional deal and Mike Kelly was the manager when I broke into the team. Everyone talks about Tony Waiters’ great youth policy. When Tony left , Mike Kelly—who was the reserve team manager—was promoted to manager and took a lot of the younger players into the fi rst team with him. Malcolm Allison had a wonderful theory that wingers should be fullbacks. Having played 60 games in my fi rst season under Mike Kelly, I went to about 16 games because I was more of a natural fullback. He wanted more experienced players. Bobby Saxton came in and I played for a bit. Then I got a great run under Bobby Moncur. This was the ti me that the nucleus of the FA Cup side was forming? Yeah it was a great ti me. Bobby Moncur started that. Then Johnny Hore came in and built on it. The atmosphere with John was good. It was a strange situati on because the League form wasn’t so good. You’ve got press aft er you every fi ve minutes, and the buzz got more the further the roller coaster went on. The home game against Derby was incredible. 36,000 and Home Park absolutely rocking. I was injured for about two weeks in the lead-up to the semi-fi nal. It was touch and go, but Johnny kept faith in the players who got him there. Full-ti me at Villa Park was probably the worst feeling. The Club laid on a trip to Jersey at the end of the season but everybody was defl ated. Sadly you missed out on much of the promoti on season through injury? Yeah. I’d actually broken my big toe. They just thought I’d bruised my foot and that was all. I just kept saying “there’s something not right about my foot”. The physio at the ti me had a theory that you pull the bone out and wiggle it. I hit the roof. He took another player out for a sprint every week, and every week he tore his hamstring. There was uproar about it. The only regret I have is the lack of professionalism at the ti me. How was it stepping up to the second ti er? It was a step up. But you just take everything in your stride. I’d played 80% of my ti me in the Third Division. When you step up a division with the same Club, it’s not like moving up. The knitti ng of the team is there and you’re part of it. 16 It must have been great to be a part of one of Argyle’s most successful teams ever? Yeah it was. It feels good to hold your own. Ken Brown came, changed a few things and brought a few younger players in, but I still played until around March in my second season under him. It was still a great time to be part of the PAFC Finally you left for Torquay. That must have been emotional after all those years of service? It was actually the most disappointing thing. I never thought I would leave. I was put in an untenable position where I wasn’t really going to be playing. Having said that, it was exciting to go to a new Club and be thought of as a bought player. It’s a wonderful experience. You’re the new kid on the block.
If Argyle were to play Torquay in the Cup tomorrow- who would you want to win? Oh Argyle-all day long. Just don’t tell the Torquay fans!
- BOB FOALE - PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT 163 Exwick Road, Exeter, EX4 2BB Since taking early retirement last year, I have worked across a number of primary schools in the South West. During my 26 years as a Head in Devon, I enjoyed collaborating with colleagues in my roles as Local Leader of Education, Professional Partner and Assigned Head. With 40 years’ experience in education and, having survived seven very successful OFSTED inspections, I have worked this year alongside head teacher colleagues on a range of initiatives including head teacher appraisal, OFSTED preparation, governor training and appointing staff. I am available to work alongside you, independent of the Local Authority, on a daily or half-daily basis throughout the academic year. Please get in touch to discuss ways in which I might be able to help improve your school. Home Tel: 01392 410567 • Mobile No: 07712196441 email: [email protected]
PAS GOLF SOCIETY Meeting dates of the Plymouth Argyle Supporters Golf Society for 2015 Monday 27 April, Friday 29 May, Friday 26 June, Friday 31 July, Monday 24 August and Friday 25 September
We will be visiting courses such as Carlyon Bay, Yelverton, Staddon Heights, Boringdon, China Fleet and St Mellion during 2015 Please email [email protected] or text 07768 914934 if you would like to be kept informed of future arrangements. 17 Outside the Box Sparky’s spot Away antics Travelling to away games in a working capacity means my position in the visiting radio station’s commentary position is always amongst the home fans. Normally that isn’t a problem and I meet many interesting and friendly people. Take, for instance, Brenda-a lady of certain years who-with members of her family, is a proud season ticket holder at Accrington Stanley. The main stand at the Crown Ground is only around six rows deep, and Brenda occupies the position right in front of the visiting BBC seat. Visits to Accrington have become so familiar that Brenda now greets me with “Aw’right Sparksy” and always has a large bag of humbugs that she is willing to share. On my last visit, she reminded me about the length of the journey home, and offered me to “her place”, just around the corner from the stadium, for “a bit of tea”. Tempting as a nibble with Brenda might have been, I decided to make my way home after post-match interviews while there was still some daylight. Often, home fans within earshot may have a word in two in passing, either at half time or at the final whistle. More often than not, it’s difficult to engage with them as I am either still in live broadcast mode or ready to deliver the considered report of the game. But there have been times when the atmosphere has not been quite so accommodating. This season at Northampton, the chap in front of me vented his feelings by slamming a clenched fist on my desk which snapped it away from its bracket. For the remainder of the broadcast it left me to balance kit, notes etc on my knees while the other equipment was on the floor. This was witnessed by local journalists who, like me, sent a report to the Club. The gentleman concerned has been warned about his behaviour and moved to a seat well away from the media area. Another female fan at Stockport springs to mind, but not with the same demeanour as dear Brenda. I remember exactly the quote I gave which set her off. “In the recent league meeting at Home Park (player-manager) Carlton Palmer said the 2-0 defeat would be different, because he would be playing in this Cup tie. It is different, Carlton. Argyle have scored three this time.” The lady immediately to the left grabbed my sound effects microphone, which was positioned on the wall between the media area and fans. She then proceeded to shout: “Why don’t you shut up?” I don’t think she was particularly happy, and our audience would certainly have had that impression as well. Then there was Millwall. Ah yes, Millwall. On one particular visit, I took former Argyle and Millwall player, David Byrne, with me. For protection, if nothing else. But it was when he left my side to get a half-time cuppa that things started. Tom Watt, you may remember him as ‘Lofty’ in EastEnders, was my opposite number for Radio London. Accompanying him was the legendary figure of the former West Ham player, Billy Bonds. Well, legendary in all areas apart from The New Den. Billy Bonds had a very . 18 brief and unsuccessful stint as manager of Millwall. We were sat next to each other and, as David went to get coffee, so did Tom. Several others did, leaving ‘Bonzo’ and I in the only seats being occupied in the immediate area. We then felt one or two objects raining down in our direction. It may have been that the hostile element of the home support thought the easily recognisable football hero was with me. He then pointed to my water bottle on the desk in front of us, blaming the Argyle crest on it for the assumption he was giving an anti-Millwall stance on the radio. He laughed it off. He must have had numerous tackles with more venom during his playing days. But for every angry Millwall fan, there are dozens of people like Brenda! You never know whom you will meet at away grounds but, in the main, win, lose or draw, the visit and the work side of things are more often than not pleasurable experiences. In the next issue, I will give an insight on how I have – on too many occasions for my liking – to try (usually without success) to overcome my fear of heights when making my way to certain commentary positions.
Puzzle These Out Guess The Players. ROB PET RUNNING RICE LOTS NUNS RBL Commemorative LADLE MEN SAY WW1 Mug £7.50 CLUCK ROCK MIME ROMAN VAN GRIM MANNA HOST HAT RATTLE HEY REP RAY ETHYL REV EVEN MILK ROLL SEAWALL SARDINES RBL Commemorative TOTAL OWN UP WW1 Scarf £9.49 STEER MINT JAB Available from Plymouth Argyle Club Shop or online Answers on p26 argylesuperstore.co.uk 19 Classified Adverts
Our charge for a classified ad (approx. 20 words) is £10 – AFT members are given one complimentary ad a year. Send your ad and cheque made payable to Argyle Fans’ Trust to Argyle Fans’ Trust, PO Box 290, Plymouth PL5 9BW for our next issue. *A.B. Gas Installation. All types of work undertaken. Gas Safe registered. Tel. 01752 302741. Fun Free Fitness Want to know how to lead a more healthy active lifestyle? Contact me now for your FREE Wellness Profile. 10% discount for AFT members. Rachel 07531446627 [email protected] Josephine M Cropper – psychotherapist, UKCP registered. Consultations available by Skype. Free first half hour appointment. www.jmcpsychotherapy.com. 01204 696395
Special offers for AFT members If you would like to offer AFT members a discount, we will list your business free of charge. Simply send your ad to Argyle Fans’ Trust, PO Box 290, Plymouth PL5 9BW or email [email protected] for our next issue. Members – please ensure you have a valid Membership Card to take advantage of these offers.
BRITANNIA INN, OUTLAND ROAD OFFERING REAL ALES FROM £1.90; LAGERS FROM £2.15 FULL MENU SERVED ALL DAY EVERYDAY 20% off food (excludes meal deals) FORTESCUE HOTEL, MUTLEY PLAIN Visit us for a warm welcome, TVs showing sport, great atmosphere. Home and away fans alike. 10% discount on all real ales ROSS ELSEY General Builder, 22 years’ experience, NVQ qualified - for all your building needs, including extensions, driveways, interior/exterior plastering and painting and decorating. Tel: 07531 578226. 10% discount STUDIO FLOWERS For all your floristry requirements. Wonderful and unique arrangements.
20 Outside the Box
Football in the age of the internet I’ve supported Argyle now for 47 years, man and boy. There’ve been some amazing changes during that time but, no doubt, everyone else from my age group feels the same. Off the field, the internet is possibly the biggest--some great stuff has come out of it. However, a lot of my friends haven’t completely taken on modern technology, and what they say is “Why do you bother with all that rubbish; most of the people don’t attend Home Park from what I’ve seen and the pseudonyms they use makes them feel they can say anything and get away with it”. I try to defend online fans but it’s a hard battle and I’ve rather given up the ghost these days. I simply accept that there are those who hate the internet and those who have embraced it. Another oft-made comment is ‘the AFT, who are they, what are they, and why do we need to know about them?’ I try to explain why I think we should have the AFT: it has a role to play as the eyes and ears of those fans who want to be represented. Better to have a body of volunteers than a group of moaners—be it about the size of the stadium, the colour green (a favourite of mine) or carrots in the pasties. This is certainly not unique to PAFC; all Clubs suffer from the moans of disaffected fans. I often do it; I think it’s probably in the DNA of a football fan. Sometimes we have a point and sometimes we don’t, but we care, and that should make clubs sit and listen. The non-attending ‘internet hoodie’ is a modern phenomenon though, and I have a real issue with the swathe of people that simply make noise by sending non-stop emails to club officials about what is ‘wrong’ with the club they no longer attend for whatever reason. Some people lament the passing of the: “Can’t wait until I get home and read the Evening Herald” era, I was certainly one of them. But these days, all the news I read seems to be second-hand, I’ve already read about it on the internet. A growing number of people now believe the journos copy what they read there and then simply pass it off as a story. I don’t, but I can understand why people believe that as sometimes ‘breaking news’ does appear to fall in the right timeframe. I personally still love reading the Herald for nothing else than Argyle ‘stuff’, but I suppose that’s my age shining through. The internet troll is another matter, I have more than my fair share of these creatures in my world but, as owner of PASOTI, I suppose it’s an occupational hazard to try to keep the site free of the bad language and potentially libellous comments that can come from various corners of our new internet community. The internet is here to stay. The quicker football completely embraces it and people understand that the modern fan demands to know the ins and outs of every Club the better. Rather than dismiss such a craving for knowledge, some Clubs could perhaps look inwards and understand why that has come about. Partly it IS due to the internet, but so many Clubs have hit hard times it is absolutely understandable why fans are more politicised than they’ve ever been before. 21 Ian Newell Offside A referee writes for the Grass is Greener What would you do? In previous issues, I asked people to consider two incidents that have occurred in games I have been involved in, relating to what we refer to as ‘outside influences’. 1. The ball is played forward and a branch falls from a tree: the ball is deflected by the branch as it hits the floor. 2. The ball is played forward close to the dugout touchline but doesn’t go out of play. The attacking player leaves the field of play to get past a defender and run onto the ball, but is tripped up by a substitute who is sat in the dugout. In both cases, an outside influence has resulted in an interference with the game and play must be stopped. Again, in both cases—and it might come as a surprise to some—the game restarts with a drop ball. It’s the second incident that is most intriguing and requires a judgment call. There are a couple of factors here. The attacking player has left the field of play. The laws of the game state that a player entering or leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission results in the game being halted and the player being cautioned, unless the player concerned does so accidently as part of a playing movement. In this example, I would suggest this is the case although it could be argued that, as the player did it deliberately to avoid a defender, it might not be as part of a playing movement. Having determined that the act was accidental, we now move onto the outside interference. Here the substitute is still considered a player and therefore should be treated the same as if he was on the field of play, so he will be cautioned and the game restarted with a drop ball. Handball – when should it be given and how denying a goal scoring opportunity is assessed. It seems a good time to write about this, given the Matt Duke incident not so long ago. Firstly, I have not seen the Duke incident as I wasn’t at the game and I haven’t seen it on TV either. However, from the opinions on PASOTI, there is a definite split as to whether the referee got it right or not. These range from explanations quoting laws (or rules) that do not exist to incorrect interpretation of the laws that do. Having imagined the scenario described by a number of posters, I get the feeling the referee 22 got this right, but to clarify, I think it would be good to go through some scenarios and what sanctions should be applied. The act of the ball striking a player’s arm is itself not an automatic handball situation. Players cannot remove their limbs in an attempt to stop the ball hitting so the rule I tend to apply is that as long as the arm position is a natural one for the position the player is in then I won’t give handball. For example, if a shot comes in and the player stands still with his hands by his side, then handball cannot result. The other consideration is whether the player has controlled the ball and gained an advantage from doing so even if his arms are in a natural position. Say a player is running through pumping his arms, the ball pops up and as part of the running action, he punches the ball forward, this would be a free kick for handball. Where this becomes difficult is when a player, for instance, is sliding to block the ball and it strikes his arm as part of that action. Having decided that a handball has taken place, then we have the question of sanction. Here the difference between a caution and no action is purely down to whether the referee considers the act as unsporting. In the Matt Duke incident, the question is whether he carried the ball out of his area as part of an action to catch the ball – he may well have started inside the area but ended up outside which would be different to him coming out of his area to deliberately pick the ball up. For an outfield player, there’s a similar comparison—where a through ball is blocked by an arm already in an unnatural position, as against a deliberate arm movement to block the ball. One results in a free kick only; for the other a caution is issued as well. For a sending off offence to occur, an obvious goal scoring opportunity needs to have been denied. This means an attacker already has the ball at his feet when the handball takes place, or is in a position to pick up any loose ball to create an immediate goal scoring opportunity. On this theme, how would you deal with the following? Again these are all ones that I have had to deal with in games. 1. An attacker shoots from distance; the keeper is considerably out of position having made a mess of an attempted clearance which fell to this attacker, and the ball strikes the arm of a defender just inside the penalty area. The defender is jumping up in an attempt to block the shot and his arms are out sideways from his body. You are positioned almost directly behind the shot and can see it would have resulted in a goal had it not struck the defender. 2. A through ball is played and an attacker challenges the goalkeeper just outside the area in a 50/50 situation. The challenging goalkeeper dives on the floor with the ball striking his hand to prevent the attacker collecting the ball. 3. A goalkeeper comes out of the area and catches a through ball. The nearest attacking player is six yards away and two defenders are running back towards the goal, one tracking the attacking player and the other in between the goalkeeper and the attacker.
23 Extra Time Argyle Supporters Groups PASTA PASTA (Plymouth Argyle Supporters Trapped in Avon) has been going for nigh on 25 years. We are based in what could be described as the Greater Bristol area, covering Bristol, Bath, Somerset, southern Gloucester and West Wiltshire. Currently, we do not charge a membership fee but do arrange regular socials, including big name guests. We also help put fans tin touch with each other to share travel to both home and away matches. We have a closed Facebook page but are very open to new joiners and are putting out a regular newsletter. If you would like to join the group, contact Tony [email protected] for details. Other Supporter Group contacts Argyle Legends Support the Argyle Legends with membership for as little as £5. Contact Paul Hart on 07880 863761 or visit www.argylelegends.co.uk North Devon Greens Contact: Paul Hocking – 07800 682188 or Paul Richardson – 07902 624088 Facebook: North Devon Greens (Plymouth Argyle): Twitter: @ndgreens PACSA (Plymouth Argyle Cornish Supporters Association) £10 pa for adults (Junior and Family rates available). Quarterly Janners Journal. Contact Paul Sweet on 01208 873017 PADSA (Plymouth Argyle Disabled Supporters Association) For those supporters who are disabled or have additional needs, and their carers. Contact: Chairman Barry Hendy on 01752 363909 or email: [email protected]. Dedicated mobile number: 07936542497. www.padsa.co.uk PASALB (Plymouth Argyle Supporters Association London Branch) Membership is just £10 a year (£5 for seniors) which includes the season’s travel guide. To join, please contact our membership secretary Rob Preece at [email protected] Plymouth Argyle Supporters (Travel) Club (Plymouth Branch) Membership is £9 a year for which you receive a discount on club travel costs to away games. Mike Pengelly, 67 Beaumont St, Plymouth, PL2 3AQ www.argylesupportersplymouthbranch.yolasite.com Senior Greens Meet every last Thursday of the month except June. Membership £8 a year (frozen until 2016). Contact Sylvia Warren on 01752 336386 or Alex Pound on 01752 229787. www.seniorgreens.jimdo.com 24 Extra Time Home Park thoughts from abroad – Greens on Tour Andy Byford – Toronto, Canada
In a career that has transported me from the London Underground to sunny Sydney and now to not-so-sunny Canada, one thing hasn’t changed – my love of the Greens. I first saw Argyle back in 1978-9, when two successive 4-1 home victories over Gillingham and Carlisle prompted me to wonder why all my Ivybridge School mates followed United, Forest and Liverpool when here was a team of winners on our doorstep? I promptly went to the old portakabin club shop and, ignoring all the “big club” gear on sale, bought a scarf, mug and kit, most of which I still own. The Argyle shirt caused much merriment during games lessons, not least when my teacher asked why I “wasted my time” at Home Park. Now, nearly 40 years on, I know I made the right choice. Supporting Argyle has been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. From the highs of Villa Park (apart from the result), Wembley and the ‘Luggy’ years, to the lows of Elm Park (because of the result), Burnley and the ‘New World’ era, there has never been a dull moment. As my best Argo mate, Matt Ellacott, always says (regardless of time remaining or score): “we could still lose this”! What makes Argyle particularly special for me isn’t just the football. It’s the characters you meet along the way such as Umbrella Vi, Noddy and Loud. It’s the Far Post Club (RIP), Semper Fidelis and the blokes you sit with. It’s seeing Sean McCarthy get sent off on his Home Park return for the Scum. It’s why I’ve never given up my season ticket and why I never will. Here in Canada I have my own Argyle shrine. My office has a signed shirt and a picture of Wottsy (note to self: don’t bid on things at auctions after eight pints!) while my man cave houses my pride and joy, a shirt signed by the legend that is Paul Mariner. And I’ve persuaded my local pub to be the Official Plymouth Argyle HQ with a scarf wrapped round a moose head. One day, we will move back to Plymouth and settle down. But until then, I will be there in spirit, keeping it green across the Pond and educating Johnny Foreigner that no, we don’t all follow Man U!
25 Extra Time Answers to Ask the Ref from page 23 1. This is actually a hard one to think about in the micro second you have in a fast- paced game, although the punishment is actually quite easy to determine on the facts. The main issues here are a) was it deliberate? I say yes, as his arms are spread in an unnatural way and the harder one b) was an obvious goal scoring opportunity denied? The reason this is hard is that the mind is almost pre-conditioned to think of a red card for a save on the line and this was a long way from goal where you would normally expect the goalkeeper would make a relatively easy save. So the crucial element here is the fact the ‘keeper was in no man’s land and was never going to effect that save. Once I realised that, I had little choice but to award a penalty and send the defender off.
2. In the heat of the moment, you might think that the handball here is not deliberate - the goalkeeper’s arms are beside his body in a natural position. What complicates matters here, is that the goalkeeper has dived on the floor. Inside the penalty area this is totally acceptable, but outside it is not. The handball becomes deliberate and obviously the attacker has had a goal scoring opportunity denied. Again, I sent the player off.
3. This is the interesting one for me, as it highlights the difference between the Matt Duke incident and other scenarios. The first question is was it deliberate? Answer: yes, as the handball took place after the keeper left the 18-yard area. It wasn’t momentum that took the player out of the area, as happened in the Matt Duke situation, where only a free kick was awarded. The next element to consider was whether a goal scoring opportunity might have arisen. It is hard to portray the exact circumstances but my opinion at the time was, even if the attacker had been quick enough to get to the ball first, he would have come under immediate pressure from one defender and would have had others to negotiate. With that amount of doubt in my mind, a caution was issued for unsporting behaviour.
Answers to Puzzles on page 19 ROB PET RUNNING BEN PURRINGTON RATTLE HEY REP PETER HARTLEY RICE LOTS NUNS CURTIS NELSON RAY ETHYL REV TYLER HARVEY LADLE MEN SAY DEAN SMALLEY EVEN MILK ROLL KELVIN MELLOR CLUCK ROCK MIME LUKE McCORMICK SEAWALL SARDINES LEWIS ALESSANDRA ROMAN VAN GRIM MARVIN MORGAN TOTAL OWN UP PAUL WOTTON MANNA HOST HAT NATHAN THOMAS STEER MINT JAB JAMES BITTNER
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