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KENNETH STEPHENSON
Came from: Royal Navy Went to: Royal Navy
First game: 12 September 1945 Last game: 27 April 1946
Appearances: 18 (18/0) Goals: 0
Although the Second World War was at an end, the Football League divided its competition into regional sections for the 1945-46 season because of the exceptional conditions at that time, with so many players still serving in the Armed Forces or employed on essential war work. Argyle played in the Football League South that season, against first-class opposition such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa and Wolves. It proved impossible for the Pilgrims to field a regular side; 72 players made an appearance and performances inevitably suffered. From week to week the club called on Armed Services players, guest footballers from other League clubs and local amateurs to supplement its registered playing staff.
Stephenson was one of 21 players whose only first team games for Argyle were in the Football League South season and who usually played in local football or for the Armed Forces. An inside forward – though most of his appearances for Argyle were at outside right – he was registered as an amateur with the Football League on 23rd August 1945, whilst serving at the Royal Naval Barracks (HMS Drake) at Keyham. He made his debut the following month in a heavy home defeat by Portsmouth, but unlike most players sourced from the Services – who were at best 'bit part' players during this wretched season – Stephenson was a rare find and went on to play 18 times in all competitions, though remarkably was on the winning side just once. Having helped Argyle during this difficult transitionary season, he went on to play for Plymouth United, with local press reports show him hitting a hat-trick for them in August 1946.
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APPEARANCE DETAILS [reselect competitions]
The details below reflect appearances in all first-team competitions.
I'm very grateful to many who have helped write GoS-DB's player pen-pictures, and to Dave Rowntree, the PAFC Media Team and Colin Parsons for their help with photos. Thanks also to staff at the National Football Museum, the Scottish Football Museum and ScotlandsPeople for their valuable assistance.
The following publications have been particularly valuable in the research of pen-pictures: Plymouth Argyle, A Complete Record 1903-1989 (Brian Knight, ISBN 0-907969-40-2); Plymouth Argyle, 101 Golden Greats (Andy Riddle, ISBN 1-874287-47-3); Football League Players' Records 1888-1939 (Michael Joyce, ISBN 1-899468-67-6); Football League Players' Records 1946-1988 (Barry Hugman, ISBN 1-85443-020-3) and Plymouth Argyle Football Club Handbooks.
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