Reg's Journey

Their second visit to the iconic stadium was in October 1955 and it proved to be a memorable one for one Argyle defender and his friend, Gerald Parsons.

Gerald, who is a former captain of Cornwall County Cricket Club, takes up the story:

“When I saw the draw for the third round of the FA Cup, it brought back memories of the same fixture 61 years and two months ago, a league game - Liverpool v Plymouth Argyle.

“I was stationed at the 64th Training Regiment Royal Artillery, Park Hall Camp, Oswestry, Salop. I was a drill instructor on the square and training young men aged 18-21 years old during their National Service (ten weeks training). 

“One of the many young men I met during my time at Park Hall was a professional footballer called Reg Wyatt, from Plymouth, who, at the time, as he told me, was playing mainly at weekends for Argyle reserves. 

“He was a tall man and played centre-half or full-back. He was always training in the camp, and he was working in the regimental stores as chief storeman.

“I had my 500cc Matchless motorcycle in the camp and I was amazed when Reg came around to my bunk to ask me if I could take him to Anfield as he had been selected to play for the first team against Liverpool. He was very excited about it, as was I.

“Anyway, the big day came and away we went. We arrived at Anfield, 45 miles away, and I parked up near the away dressing-room, 40 minutes before kick-off. Reg said: ‘Just wait there and I will see if I can get you a good ticket.’ 

“He came back after about 10 minutes; he was smiling and he gave me a complimentary ticket to watch the match. After the match, I ended up in the Liverpool Directors’ Box, and what an afternoon I had. 

“Argyle lost 4-1 but what a day out - I will never forget it. We had a safe journey back to camp.

“Best of luck to Argyle on Sunday - wonders never cease.”