OCTOBER 31, 2000, was one of the most significant days in the history of Plymouth Argyle, when Paul Sturrock was appointed as manager.
This year was the 23rd anniversary of his arrival at Home Park and the importance of it still cannot be understated almost a quarter of a century later.
Argyle were floundering around near the bottom of Division Three (now titled League Two) after losing six of their first 10 games under Kevin Hodges, and with chronic under-investment from then owner and chairman Dan McCauley.
Hodges was sacked after a 3-2 defeat by Barnet on September 30, 2000, which was played in front of a crowd of just 3,423 at Home Park. What a contrast to all these years later and the regular sell-outs at the Theatre of Greens.
Kevin Summerfield was the caretaker manager for the next five matches – with a record of two wins, one draw and two defeats – and experienced lower league boss Ian Atkins looked likely to be appointed to the less than coveted role.
However, there was to be a late twist as Paul Sturrock, a household name in Scotland but almost unheard of in far-away Plymouth, was given the task of leading the Pilgrims away from the bottom of the Football League.
At that time, I was in my fourth season as the Argyle reporter for the Evening Herald, as the newspaper was called then. As a fan of football in general, I was aware of Sturrock’s reputation as a player in Scotland.
Denne historien er fra November 02, 2023-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 02, 2023-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Burglar's 24-hour rampage'
A MAN is set to face a judge for sentencing later this month after he admitted burgling a series of commercial businesses, including two of the city's most well-known latenight eateries.
Many mourning Stephen's death
WELL KNOWN AS VOSPERS CAR SALESMAN
Dockyard sees fall in profits as tax skyrockets
DEVONPORT Dockyard has seen a massive hike in revenue - but profits fell by more than £10m as it was stung by a huge tax increase.
Last chance to have your say in city trees probe
INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO DECISIONS OVER ARMADA WAY
Plea for help as Hayley awaiting life-saving op
CANCER SURVIVOR NOW NEEDS LIVER TRANSPLANT
Tania sets up new gym which is for "everyone'
A WOMAN who is staunchly proud of her ADHD has opened a safe and supportive gym and fitness centre near Plymouth.
Cricket club see their gear go up in smoke
APPEAL AFTER SUSPECTED ARSON ATTACK IN SALTASH
Support grows to have Schu back at Home Park
GREEN ARMY WANT TO SEE FORMER BOSS RETURN AFTER A YEAR AWAY
McPhee knows Parkway need to make their dominance tell
IT seems the bigger they are, the harder they fall for Plymouth Parkway.
Tavi bring in Edgecombe to shore up their defence
IF the alarm bells weren't ringing for Tavistock, then they certainly are now after a miserable Christmas saw them lose 3-2 to relegation rivals Falmouth Town and the club dropping into the Southern League Division One South relegation zone.
