Paul Sturrock inducted as Forever Green Icon

Legendary Argyle manager Paul Sturrock was inducted as a Forever Green Icon in an event full of laughter, emotion and nostalgia on Sunday afternoon.  

The former Pilgrims boss was joined by nine members of the 2003/04 promotion-winning Argyle squad, as well as goalkeeping coach Geoff Crudgington and physio Paul Maxwell, as they gathered just over 20 years since topping the third tier to seal a second title win in three seasons.

Nearly 200 supporters gathered in Club Argyle at Home Park to support the event, which included a two-course meal followed by series of videos and interviews as the memorable season was reflected upon.  

Romain Larrieu, David Worrell, Steve Adams, Ian Stonebridge, Marino Keith, Paul Wotton, David Norris, Hasney Aljofree and Michael Evans were all interviewed on stage in front of an audience hanging on every word.  

Keith and Worrell, who were attending the event having travelled from Aberdeen and Dublin respectively, both notably spoke of their fondness for Argyle, somewhere far from their base that they learned to call home.  

Goals of that season were discussed: Evans cleared up his intentions about a famous indirect free-kick goal at home to Swindon Town, while Keith took delight in bringing up his winner against the Robins in the away fixture, reciting a chant that has stuck in the memory.  

Funny stories abounded - Evans’ storytelling chops came to the fore as he recounted some slightly drunken escapades from pre-season tours – but there were plenty of serious, heartfelt moments, most coming directly from the players to their former gaffer.  

Larrieu thanked Sturrock for bringing him to England and kick-starting his career; Wotton said he was ‘going nowhere’ until Sturrock’s intervention; Norris recalled some tough love shown to the players, but recognised that high standards led to the success on the field; and many others of Sturrock, a manager who had signed them at more than one club, in the highest possible terms. 

The afternoon contained an auction and raffle which raised around £3,000 for Forever Green, which continues its twin aims of honouring past heroes of the football club and building a fund to exist in case any members are requiring of financial assistance.  

Thank you to everyone who attended. Click below to view our photo gallery of the day.