He's French, He's Aware

NEW Argyle goalkeeper Vincent Dorel is aware that...

...he is treading in the studmarks of a famous compatriot as he begins his Home Park career.

The 23-year-old Frenchman has joined the Pilgrims until the end of the season after impressing in training last week and his arrival has echoes of another largely unheralded arrival by a custodian from across the channel at the turn of the millennium.

Romain Larrieu was a year older than Vincent is now when he racked up at Home Park in 2000; by the time he pulled on the gloves for the last time, 12 seasons later, Le Keeper had become an Argyle legend.

“I heard he was very appreciated by all of the fans of Plymouth,” said Vincent, who came through the ranks at French Ligue 1 side Rennes, “and people tell me he was very good. At the time, I was too young, but I know that he is famous here.”

Romain acted as a mentor to current Argyle goalkeeper Luke McCormick, who will now take on that role for Vincent.

“He is an excellent goalkeeper,” said Vincent. “When I knew that Plymouth could be interested in me, I checked information and I know he played here in the Championship. I know he was a good goalkeeper and, after one week in training, I have seen he is a very good goalkeeper.”

Argyle were alerted to Vincent’s availability after Fleetwood Town defender Victor Nirennold, his friend and fellow Frenchman, brought him to England to train with the League 1 Lancashire outfit.
 
“I trained with them for two or three months,” he said. “They didn’t need a ’keeper but they let me keep my sharpness and training with goalkeeper coach David Lucas; I was very thankful for that. I went back to France for January and came back to England last week for my tryout.

“When I was in England, I ’phoned my agent, who told me that Plymouth could be interested. All the players and the staff and everyone in the club gave me a very good welcome. I know my English is not very good, but they try to speak with me.

“It’s like a family. I think the team is really together; we have to keep that to be promoted.”