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Jim Ayres

Exeter

England


I should really be a Brentford fan, if these things were decided geographically - they are the closest league team to Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey, where I was born and where I lived for 18 years. But just like the millions of "True Reds" across the world, who all support their team because they all have family from Manchester (a lot of Mancs in Japan, I've been told), I'm lucky enough to have a Plymothian for a mother. A lot of my relatives still live in the area. As a result, as a child I spent a lot of time in Plymouth (Whitleigh, to be exact), and it would be fair to say that I fell in love with the area at that time.

My first game was the 1-0 win over E*e*e*, 1993-1994, so in fact I started supporting Argyle just in time to jinx them and keep them in Division 2. Unperturbed, I came back the next season, only to send them into the 3rd. While I imagine nobody at Griffin Park enjoyed watching us getting hammered 7-0 in the rain that season (with Kevin "pinpoint pass" Nugent in midfield, if I remember rightly), I enjoyed it less than anyone else, knowing that I had to face the gloating hordes of Brentford fans at my school the next morning.

When the time came to leave home, there was only one way I was moving - West. I moved to E*e*e* for two reasons, Argyle and University (in that order of priority, I might add). Once I graduated last June, I decided against moving back towards the South East again. I wanted to be near Argyle, despite the dire fare on offer since I'd moved down here and started being able to go to HP regularly. How glad I was that I stayed in E*e*e*, come the end of season 2001-2002... Now I'm here for what looks like another four years as I complete a PhD course in animal behaviour.

Personal highlights from my time as an Argyle supporter, apart from Wembley, were winning 2-0 at Watford at the start of the 96/97 season (which I foolishly took as a surefire sign of another promotion in the offing), and the wins at Carlisle and Darlo this season, the latter of which was the best away performances I can remember seeing from any Argyle side.

I know I could be shot for saying this, but as an Argyle fan who's lived all but 4 years of his life in London, living in E*e*e* is like a dream come true. Getting to and from away games is that bit easier (only a five and a half hour drive from Darlington on a Monday night, rather than five and a half..) and HP is just down the A38. And them City fans just love it when green and white is worn in their high street....
   


Bob Banister

Portland, Oregon

USA


I am a Plymouth lad born and bred.  Joined the RAF straight from Southway Comprehensive School in 1972 which took me away from Plymouth and Argyle.  I had to rely on the BBC World Service and my Mum sending me the Sunday Independent to read up on the matches.

I left the RAF in 1980 and settled back in Plymouth.  While there I joined Hospital Radio Plymouth and in time took over the Saturday Sports Show broadcasting for 5 hours each week.  If Argyle were at home we would broadcast the whole game live. Eventually I joined the commentary team, first as sound engineer and then commentator and got to every home game and recorded interviews after the game with a good friend John Riggs who also frequents the Argyle web page from time to time.  We got to interview people like Gary Lineker, Gazza, George Graham, Joe Royale and everyone from the Argyle squads.  The hardest nut to crack was Peter Shilton who like his mentor, Brian Clough, was very tight lipped but had a great style of football on the pitch.

One of my travels took me to the rain forests of Guyana, South America and there I met my wife.  She was born and lived in the USA and her company got me a work visa so here I am in Portland, Oregon on the West coast of America.  I have been here since April 1995 so I missed out on the trip to Wembley and promotion. I have no expectations of returning to live in the UK as life here is too good, maybe my wife and I will retire there.

Portland is a great small city.  It has about 1 million in the travel to work area.  The weather patterns are much like Plymouth but the summers are warmer with more sunny days and the winters are great as we have a 11,000 foot mountain (Mt. Hood) only 50 miles from town, so skiing is a popular winter activity.

Portland is quite an arty farty town so we have no problems finding theatre, opera, live music, great restaurants and wine, oh yeah we have the Willamette Valley outside our door and it has a multitude of vineyard and wineries so weekends driving from tasting room to tasting room happen often enough.

If you haven't visited this side of the USA you should, the only drawback is that the sea (Pacific) is bloody cold due to the Artic currents, but the beaches are huge.

My abiding memory of Argyle is the FA Cup run of 1984 and the semi final trip to Villa Park, also up there is the days of Tony Waiters and promotion under Dave Smith, great days, I only hope that MacAuley leaves and gives us a chance of reliving those days again.
   


Andrew Boakes-
Stapleton

Eltham, London

England


I am Plymouth born, well ten miles outside the city at Flete Estate near Holbeton. I spent my early years in Holbeton and many happy summers later on after we had moved away. Quite a lot of time was spent on the local farms assisting with the harvest and also on Mothecombe beach. You may have seen the village and the beach on the recent re-run of the film International Velvet.

Dad was in the navy hence lots of moves eventually landing in Kent where I have been for the last 34 years. I regularly return to Devon and Cornwall and would dearly love to settle down in the 'Homeland' again.

Fondest memory is a run in the League cup some years ago and Argyle drawn away at QPR, one of their fans announcing PAFC were rubbish and had no hope. By the end of the game she had disappeared, Argyle winning 3-0 Yes! As I recall we went on to reach the Semi-Final. What chance a semi-final appearance in the FA Cup this year?
  


Julian Burrows

Coogee, Sydney

Australia


My name is Julian Burrows, and I went to Devonport High School for Boys, leaving in 1996. I went to Leeds University, continuing my love affair for the mighty Greens, travelling far and wide to see countless away wins (Yeah right!)

I am now exiled in Sydney, doing a Masters in Law and working at a Law firm in the City itself. My only contact with the Greens is unfortunately through the Internet. Every Sunday, I now have to wake up hung over, and walk a good hour to the nearest Internet cafe. It is the least I can do... 

I have many fond memories of watching Argyle, from going to see Reserve games (my love at that stage bordering upon obsession) to the highs and lows of the Play Offs. I still cannot say the word Burnley, without either turning very violent or dissolving into tears. If only... My  favourite moment at an Argyle game was the foul Peter Swan committed on Jose Dominguez in a midweek Coca Cola cup fixture. Whilst he was not a roaring success at HP, that foul - one of the dirtiest, and reckless challenges I have ever seen, still brings a smile to my face. I also still have happy memories of the 22 man brawl at Chesterfield. Happy Days. 

Of course, with Dan out and some decent long term strategy, we will be back where we belong. Until then, we can only continue to be some of the most dedicated and fiercely proud set of football fans in the country. Come on you Greens!
  


Neil Carhart

Leeds

England


I was born in Eggbuckland, Plymouth in April 1975 less than a week before Mariner et al achieved promotion against Colchester. Son of a sailor and a third generation (at least) Argyle fan I cannot envisage supporting another team (although I flirted with Liverpool in the early 80’s but then who didn’t).

I lived near Callington, moving to Elburton, then on to Northallerton in North Yorkshire in December 1987 due to a family job. Living in Yorkshire and having no Argyle friends seeing the Greens was very hard although my passion never wavered. After leaving college and getting a crappy admin job I was able to afford to travel to games, especially as we had dropped down a division or two and were playing more northern based teams. In late 1996 I needed a big change and left home to move to Leeds and study a degree in Events Management, this coincided with my discovery of the internet and more importantly PASOTI. Before PASOTI I had to rely on limited newspaper coverage and dare I say it Clubcall, I also had a brief membership with the Northern Supporters but this didn’t do to much for me at that time. Through PASOTI I have met some greens in the Yorkshire area and always have company now for games, I get to around 10 games a season.

My highlights of watching Argyle are very limited, I missed the Bristol game in ’86 as it was a school night but Wembley is the obvious one although that game passed me by due to the previous nights activities. Driving back with Darlo fans was fun especially playing them a tape of us lot singing, a tape that eventually got played on national radio (‘one nil to the Argyle’ & ‘are you watching *x*t*r’). That Burnley game was probably the most exciting Argyle game I’ve seen with the Scarboro game in ‘99 definitely the low point. The maddest thing I seen involving the greens has to be Mr Jimmy Glass’s goal for Carlisle which seriously saved every Argyle fans life in that ground that day.

I really don’t know what the future holds for Argyle but one thing is that I will be there. Personally, I start work on a musical project with some mates over the summer and have my final year to look forward to shortly after.

My message to all Argyle fans is whatever you do, do it with a smile and if you’re feeling down watch the football bit in Kes with Brian Glover.
  


Michael Collins

New York

USA


I lived in Plymouth for 18 years, went to Nottingham University for 3 years then to work in London for 3 years, then Africa for 2 and now I've been in New York for a year. New York is fantastic but I miss keeping up with the greens. Their spread is certainly global. I have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Vietnam where I met a fellow janner on a boat trip, we dived into the south china sea for a photo opportunity with an Argyle shirt!

My greatest Argyle memory was the promotion game against Bristol City but then whose wasn't it?
  


James Dart

Bristol

England


Born and brought up in St Austell, Cornwall.  Now living in Bristol and working as a sports sub-editor for The Western Daily Press (very challenging when I have to cover Argyle games against Bristol City and Swindon, as I'm supposed to favour the local teams - no chance!!!).  I'm a third-generation supporter - grandfather 60 years, father 40 years - and I have been following the Greens for 17 years.
 


Ian Doherty

Stanley

Falkland Islands


My connection with Argyle is that I grew up in a small village just outside Truro in Cornwall and my first ever visit to a football match was the Mike Bickle testimonial between Argyle and Man City. Throughout my 'youth' I always used to enjoy going to Home Park and even now I always try to get in at least one match if ever I'm back in the UK. That doesn't happen too often (I think the last game I saw must have been 3 or 4 years ago, the season before they were relegated again). Now that we have Internet here in the Islands I always enjoy checking out the PASOTI site every day and GoS. 

I've been living in the Falklands for 14 years now. Believe it or not there are 3 resident Argyle supporters out of a resident population of 2,400, if only they could match that ratio in UK!
 

 
Andy Dooley

St Jose

California


I was born in Plymouth in 1957. I lived in Southway for the first six years of my life. My Grandmother used to run the "Star Inn" in Union Street from 1952 until 1973 when she retired to Plymstock. She took me to my first Argyle game in 1963. From that day I was forever "Green". I moved to Southampton as my Father worked in the Merchant Navy, serving on Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2. I spent many of the holidays in Plymouth staying with my Gran and watching Argyle's 1st team and reserve games. After school I joined the Civil Service at the Office of Population Census and Survey's as a Computer Operator in Titchfield just between Southampton and Portsmouth. I was married in 76 to Julie and proceeded to have 4 boy's and in 81 joined Hewlett Packard in Reading. In 88 I was transferred to San Jose, California were I remained until I went back to the UK in 93 until 96 on an assignment. I got HP involved with sponsoring Plymouth and my dream came true when I was invited to join the board. Only a brief spell but a pleasant experience including reaching the Wembley play-offs in 96. I try to watch the Greens at every opportunity I can get and enjoy meeting up with friends and fellow supporters I have not seen for a while.

San Jose is a great place to live and raise a family. It's at the heart of the High Tech industry and innovations and new companies pop up daily. I miss Plymouth dearly and hope one day in the future to return. Gerry Winsor and I have to be content for now with MLS Soccer and supporting are local team the San Jose Clash. Four disappointing seasons but hopefully for next year with new General and Football management. We are Forever hopeful!!  My favorite Argyle moments have to be the Cup run of 84. Gerry and I traveled to most of the games and the semi-final at Villa Park was the best feeling I ever experienced. We played well but just lost on the day. 
      


Stuart Duncan

Brisbane

Australia

   
I as born in St Budeaux in 1963, brought up just outside Glasgow then Salisbury returning to Plymouth when I was 15 and went to the now defunct 'Public' on Coburg Street. I was a dockyard sparky, then Paper Converting for a couple of years (what a crap place to work!) then went to South Africa to work in the mines, back to Plymouth after two and then with SWW for seven. Decided in 1993 to emigrate to Australia with my wife Louise (nee Lowry from Modbury - the big steep hill on the way to Bigbury - got it?). I have always been a totally avid Argyle fan, home and away for years. My best memory was the quarter final replay of the FA Cup in '84. We were in the 'yard' on the tuesday of the game having snack when someone suggested we go to Derby for the replay. We all got notionals (remember them any ex yardies?) and set off up the A38 in a crappy old Land Rover, we stopped at Tesco's Lee Mill and loaded up with Fosters for the journey, eight hours and about 15 cans each later we arrived at the Baseball Ground (well the pub outside 1st obviously). It was brilliant when the Andy Rogers corner went straight in (Steve Cherry was in goal so no surprises really) and we held on to win (remember Chris Harrison climbing the fence?). 2000 janners going mental - was fantastic. Other highlights were beating Pompey 3-1 at Fratton Park (I think George Foster scored a rare goal then) and the Boxing Day draw with Cardiff at Home Park when Gordon Nisbet went in goal.

I miss Argyle and the pubs and am hoping to get back again next year to catch a few games. Will stay in Brisbane, Oz now though as life's easier and the weathers' fantastic. Got three children James 13 born in South Africa, Karis 12 born in Plymouth and Thomas (she forgot the pill and I lost the jonnies) 10 months born in Brisbane.

  

 
Robin Flower

Portland, Oregon

USA


I was born in Plymouth in 1960. I remember standing on the halfway line with my dad as a kid watching all the old great Argyle players, being there to watch Pele and Santos, and Man City in the semi final cup game (lot's of kids missed school that day) in the 70's. I then moved to Falmouth for 5 years to work, then on to Bournemouth for 3 years. In 86 I traveled around the States ending up in Portland. I got married and have since made a great life for myself, which I would find hard to give up and move back home. My marriage did not work out and ended up in divorce and I now live on my own in my house about 15 from the city centre. There are plenty of British lads that live here and I have got to to know a few of the old Portland Timbers football players that moved here in the late 70's and ended up living here. Who remembers Willie Anderson, ex-Manchester United and Scotland winger, Clyde Best (now living in L.A.) and my good mate Bernie Fagen? He played for Sunderland (left the year prior to Sunderland winning the F.A. Cup), then played against George Best (on his return to United) when he scored 6 goals against Northampton in the F.A. Cup.

I try to come home every 2 years and catch at least one game and I thank all of you loyal fans for making these web pages happen.      
      


Richard Giles

Neath

Wales


I was born in Plymouth in 1956, we left Plymouth almost immediately to live near Swindon until my father found a job in Plymouth and we returned when I was 7 years old. It was then that I discovered going to Home Park and supporting the "greens". My earliest memory was seeing Argyle play Huddersfield in an FA cup match in 1963. Argyle lost 2-0 but I was hooked from then on.

Highlights were reaching the semi final of the league cup in 1974 and being in a packed Devonport end on a Wednesday afternoon, having mitched off school, seeing Argyle give the then mighty Manchester City a run for their money.  Also the promotion year in the seventies with Mariner and Rafferty, and us winning 7-3 at Bournemouth. And of course, Wembley 1996. I never thought that I would ever see the day when I would see the greens at the twin towers.

I moved to Wales in 1990 because of my work and have lived here ever since. I met and married a Welsh girl and now live in Neath, near Swansea. I have managed to convert my wife to following the greens, although of course rugby is her first love. The highlight of last year was beating the Swans at the vetch, especially as most of my workmates are Swansea supporters. I try to get to as many games as I can, although this means more away games than home. Here's hoping that the greens stay in the bottom division will be a short one. I would be happy to hear from any Welsh based supporters so that we could talk about all things green! 
      


Kellie Gilroy

Perth

Australia

    
My name is Kellie and I am from Western Australia. I wasn't born in Plymouth, nor am I even from England, but my interest in Plymouth Argyle is one out of loyalty. My boyfriend was born there and he now lives in Manchester. He has told me all about them and now that I have a vested in soccer/football, I have a vested interest in Plymouth.

I check the scores to see if we won, and am always interested to know what is going on, and as I arrive in England in 3 weeks, one of the first things that I will be doing is getting taken to a game, and if memory serves that game will be against Exeter!
       


Karen Glanville

Greenwich, London

England
    

    
I am in Greenwich, being a student for the second time - this time doing a PhD. I was born and bred in Torpoint though, and have always supported Argyle. I can still remember being taken to Tommy Tynan's testimonial by my brother, and him buying me a pair of Argyle knickers with 'It's easy to score at Home Park' on them - do they still do those?
      


Steve, GoS

Plymouth

England
    

    
Bored on one of those post-Christmas days at the end of 1998, I started to play with what is now Greens on Screen. The first pages were published in the January of the new year, and it’s been a case of ‘hanging on in there’ ever since. Nearly 20,000 visits in the first year has been fantastic, especially as I’ve never deliberately advertised the site or made it known to search engines, so the vast majority of visitors are true Greens. And rather fittingly, it’s been a bit like supporting Argyle: a constant love-hate relationship! Effort, dedication, frustration, doubt, but sometimes real pleasure and reward. But we Plymothians are made of sterner stuff. Faith, boys and girls!

And what about me? Born at Flete House in Holbeton (a post-war maternity home for Plymouth and district), I lived all my childhood years in Peverell, just a stone’s throw from Central Park (and there were plenty of stones thrown in those days). Ah, those days of wet gaberdine macs and wellington boots! After Hyde Park Infants and Juniors (anyone else go there?), I went to Sutton High between 1963 and 1970. Then it was a disastrous couple of months at Loughborough University before doing a University of London degree at Plymouth Polytechnic. So as you can see, I’ve never escaped.

Like many who were brought up in the sight of Home Park, the Greens have always been part of my life, for better or worse, for richer for poorer…. Oh yes, I married my childhood sweetheart (she’ll kill me for that) at Peverell Methodist in 1975 and have two fantastic daughters, both now living away from home. Unlike me, both will take the world by storm, but like me, PAFC will always be with them.

And my favourite Argyle moments? I can’t remember my first match (it was probably around 1960), but my earliest memories are both in 1962: the 7-1 win against Preston, and Jimmy Greaves and Tottenham in the FA Cup (with 40,000 at Home Park!). Other memories? Of course the 1974-75 season: 7-3 at Bournemouth, 28,000 for the top of the table clash against Blackburn (no delayed kick-offs then, many didn’t get in until half time). And of course, Bristol City at the end of the 1985-86 season. More recently, the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Colchester in 1996 had everything. Although the final had the whole Wembley thing, the Paul Williams winner in that semi-final, just three minutes from time after a night of constant drama, well, that’s the game for me.

But the best thing that’s ever happened to me is ‘er indoors. And she’s got green blood too (albeit after a transfusion or two over the years). The chicks have flown the nest, but the two of us are on the terraces for most home games and occasional aways. And that reminds me. Engagement? Bristol Rovers in the first round of the League Cup in 1974. Wedding? Home to Oxford Utd, August 1975. Golden wedding? Answers on a postcard please.
     


Paul Hambly

Puerto Iguazu

Argentina
    

 
I was born in Plymouth in 1962 and hence have always been an Argyle supporter. Up until 1987 I lived in Plymouth and was a fairly regular visitor to Home Park. On moving to London I was distracted by other vices and only managed to see the Argyle on their occasional trip to London.

In 1994, having had enough of England, I moved to Argentina where I live with my Argentine wife and three children (my eldest son will be the next Maradona, without the hand of God, so when we are next in Plymouth I will give Home Park a call).  I did manage to take a week off work, I am a Casino Manager, to return for the Argyle v Cheltenham game. Great atmosphere, great crowd, great stadium and Argyle champions of Division 3. Lets hope its just the start, I need something to make me want to return to England.
      


Tim Hamp

York

England
    

    
I was born in Oxford and until recently lived in Oxford but when I was a kid I was taken on holiday to Plymouth regularly as my cousin lives there. At the time my Dad supported Oxford United and he took me to games to try and win me over to the yellow flock. However, on one occasion the opposition were Argyle and I supported the greens that day just to annoy my Dad more than anything else. It was a pretty brave decision considering I was standing in the Cuckoo Lane End. Anyway the game finished 0-0 despite Argyle running the show. I felt they were hard done by (not for the last time) and my days as a 'U' were numbered.

The first home match I can remember watching was against Sunderland, we won 1-0 with Mark Fiore lobbing Tony Norman. Since then I have seen over 70 games home and away (both Slough and Wembley).

Now however I am in York (at University) and seeing games is difficult but I try and get 10 games a year so far I have accumulated just two.

Supporting Argyle from a distance is difficult but these days it has its advantages.
      


Keith Hennessey

(Kiwi Keith)

Christchurch

New Zealand
    

I was born in Sidmouth, December 1950. Don't remember how I got to become an Argyle fan, but it must have happened around1960/1. Names that bring back memories include Book, Baird, Nelson, Piper, Reynolds, Kirby and Bickle to name a few. I lived in Plymstock and Plympton and attended Plympton Grammar. Emigrated to New Zealand in 1970 and sadly have never returned to see the mighty greens. Married to Isabel for 26 years and have 2 grown up sons. Still as green as ever and always will be. Could not imagine life without GoS and PASOTI and thank Steve especially for his amazing work. A lot of you at home probably take GoS etc. for granted but having been exiled for over 30 years you can imagine what it means to me. Hope you enjoy the pic of me and my pride and joy. Stay green.


Luke Hildyard

York

England
    

    
Although my family is Plymothian, and I was born in the city, I haven't actually lived there since I was very young, but nevertheless have been an Argyle fan as long as I can remember. It's probably my Grandad who I hold responsible for instilling in me my devotion to the greens, as he has been a season ticket holder on the Mayflower for as long as I can remember, and used to coincide his visits to us up North with an Argyle game, and I was usually pushed off with him in a green and white scarf by my parents. Back then we would watch them against the likes of Middlesboro, Bradford and Leeds, whereas now I go of my own accord to the likes of Hartlepool, Rotherham and York, but still with the unshakeable belief that we will rise form the depths to which we have plummeted.
   


Jon Holmes

Liverpool

England
    

    
Born in Barnstaple, now living and working in Leeds for TEAMtalk, where I am now Argyle correspondent. Have a degree in Journalism and have been supporting the club since I was 13 (when I was able to escape the clutches of my egg-chasing school and get down to HP to watch a real sport). If you're nearby get in touch, and we can meet up at some away games in the North.
  


Conrad Howard

Paris

France
    

Although I grew up in Leicestershire, my status as a Pilgrim was secured by my Plymothian father at an early age. First game was a 0-0 draw away at Sheffield United in 1981, but I was hooked. Living in the Midlands meant that a trip to the Hallowed Turf every other week was a bit unrealistic. So my dad, little brother and myself made pilgrimages to 70 + away grounds over the seasons. As many of these trips were in the days before Argyle won away, it proved to be a real test of character. Our masochistic tendencies were rewarded with holiday trips to HP. Highlights? The FA Cup run (West Brom away, Derby County away), Shilton's team, WBA2 PAFC5, THAT Mauge goal and, of course, the Championship season.

Have been living in Paris for 2 years now, working as a roofing carpenter.


Russ Hunter

Morelia

Mexico

    
I'm Russell Hunter and I'm in Morelia, Michoacan (State) in Mexico as from next Monday (11-10-99).  Basically, I used to be a student at Essex University, where I read Politics.  Last year I studied for a Masters in Latin American Politics and Government and was invited to go to Mexico this year. My brief (as it were) is to work on an academic paper with a Mexican friend of mine, from which he can hopefully complete his PHD Thesis. 

I shall miss the Greens whilst I'm away. although I'm relying on you to keep me in contact with all the goals (I just hope his PC has all the right plug-ins!)  Whilst at university it was really the fan site and GOS that kept me in contact with all the action at Home Park. So please do publish all my details, especially my e-mail.  Some Janner-contact would be nice as I struggle to learn Spanish.
             


Rob Johnson

Melbourne

Australia

    
My name is Rob Johnson, user name is RobJ. I am frequently found in the Argyle chat-room and consider the service provided on the net as invaluable; a wonderful link to my beloved Argyle. I am originally from Totnes and have been living in Melbourne since 1987. I am married to an Australian lady that I met in London when I was living there in 1985. We took a year to get to Australia and I haven't been back to England since. I have 2 kids and life in Melbourne is sensational, although I do miss Argyle and the pubs!!!!!!

I was fortunate to be in Devon in the halcyon days when Mariner etc were at the fore, let's all hope those days can return soon.