Argyle's FA Cup heroes return to Home Park for anniversary event

The former players association, Forever Green, held their Inaugural event on Sunday, 14 April, celebrating Argyle’s heroic 1984 FA Cup semi-final side. 

Exactly 40 years to the day of that match at Villa Park, nine of the 13-man squad that were involved gathered at Club Argyle to reminisce and share their stories of that incredible cup run. 

Players and their partners were greeted in the Boardroom prior to the main event, and it was clear that everyone was pleased to see each other four decades on. 

Drinks flowed as everyone enjoyed hearing stories from all the players about their own memories and experiences. There were also video messages from Gordon Staniforth and Mike Ham, plus a special message from Gordon Nisbet.  

A brilliant afternoon concluded some four hours later, with each player receiving a commemorative gift. Manager of the side, John Hore, was inducted into Forever Green by Chairman Simon Hallett, as an Argyle Icon.  

John becomes the sixth player to be awarded this status, the previous five (Jack Leslie, Tommy Tynan, Mike Bickle, David Friio and Gary Sawyer) were chosen in a fans poll in January 2024. 

Paul Hart from Forever Green commented: “We are delighted that our first event was a huge success, and we look forward to staging our next one on Sunday, 21 July when members of Paul Sturrock’s promotion winning team of 2003/04 return to Club Argyle”.   

Details for the forthcoming Paul Sturrock event will be announced in due course. 

A total approaching £2,400 was raised on the day and will go into the Forever Green Players Fund.