Graham Carey

After Derek Adams became Argyle boss in the summer of 2015, he turned to his native Scotland to make several signings of players he knew of from north of the border. Many became popular players, fans’ favourites who played their parts in the run to the play-off final in 2015/16, and then promotion from League Two in 2016/17. 

But none shone quite like Graham Carey.

Arriving in Devon aged 26, the Irishman was in his prime. It was quite a coup for the club to be able to attract Carey, on a free transfer, following his time at Ross County and, before that, St Mirren, where Carey won the Scottish Cup. 

Carey scored on his debut, at Wimbledon, and it was the first of 49 goals in 197 appearances over four seasons. Many of them were spectacular, long-range efforts with his sensational left foot. Some seasons, the conversation was not ‘what was the goal of the season?’ but ‘which of Graham Carey’s goals is goal of the season?’

Carey encapsulated what it meant to be a modern ‘number 10’, effortlessly drifting between the lines, making assists as frequently as he scored. 

Since departing, Carey has played for CSKA Sofia, St Johnstone and Livingston. He made a fun return to the green and white when representing Argyle at last summer’s TST event in the United States of America.