Plymouth Live

Plymouth Argyle's Green Army show their support for radio legend Gordon Sparks

Plymouth Live logo Plymouth Live 29.08.2022 12:06:27 Chris Errington
The Green Army show their support for Gordon Sparks, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, before Argyle's League One game against Bolton Wanderers at Home Park on Saturday, August 27, 2022 - Photo: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK

The Green Army came together to show their support for long-time Plymouth Argyle radio commentator Gordon Sparks at the League One game against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

A banner with the words 'Sparksy We Are With You' was displayed in the Devonport End at Home Park shortly before the kick-off.

Gordon is undergoing cancer treatment and was at his home as the Pilgrims beat Bolton 2-0 in front of more than 14,000 fans.

The banner was the idea of Nick Tomlinson, the driving force behind the PAFC Displays group. "We wanted to show our support to a man who is a modern day Argyle legend," he said.

"His commentary back in the 2000s brought to life some of the most iconic moments in the club's recent history. Most memorable for me are the two goals versus QPR in 2004 (when Argyle clinched promotion and the Division Two title).

"He is highly thought of by all Argyle fans. If we can help give him a boost during these rough times then we will and this is how we do it, in our own way. Sparksy, we are with you."

The North Devon Greens also displayed their 'Sir Gordon Sparks Stand' banner which has often been seen at away grounds around this country and during pre-season tours abroad.

Although Gordon was not at Home Park for the game against Bolton, he did see on social media some of the photos which were taken of the banners.

He posted a message on Twitter which said: "Thank you so much @PAFC_Displays. I'm filling up. The time, effort and money spent on that is so appreciated. (The 'Sir' banner made its' debut on an Austrian pre-season tour and was often taken to away games.)"

Argyle manager Steven Schumacher also paid tribute to Gordon after the win against Bolton. "He's going through a difficult time at the moment.

"It was actually quite emotional seeing the banners in the Devonport End as me and Nance (first team coach Kevin Nancekivell) walked out.

"He's a huge part of this club. He's a legend round here and everybody loves him. We wish him all the best. We are all supporting him and hopefully we have made him smile today."

Argyle announced earlier this month that the Press box in the Mayflower Grandstand at Home Park would be named after him.

A lifelong fan of the Pilgrims, Gordon began his long association with Argyle by attending games with his father, before starting his stellar football commentary career in arguably the club's biggest-ever game, the 1984 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Watford at Villa Park.

For more than three decades, Gordon continued to provide the radio soundtrack to highs and lows throughout history, his impassioned tones underpinning iconic victories and difficult times alike - first for Hospital Radio Plymouth, then Plymouth Sound, before making the move to BBC Radio Devon.

Upon hanging up the commentary microphone for the final time in 2016, Gordon was immediately awarded the honour of becoming an ambassador for Argyle.

In his role, Gordon has maintained his association with the Argyle community through regular appearances in the Club Argyle hospitality lounge on match-days, as well as penning a regular column for the official club website and hosting dinner events and fans' forums.

For more Argyle content that you cannot get anywhere else, sign up for Chris Errington's weekly Inside Home Park newsletter HERE

lundi 29 août 2022 15:06:27 Categories: Plymouth Live

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