A New Opportunity
NEW Argyle signing Paul Anderson says he can’t wait to get back to playing football after agreeing a deal at Home Park.
The wide-man began his professional career with spells at Hull and Liverpool, before cutting his teeth in league football with the likes of Swansea, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Ipswich Town.
The 30 year-old recently left Mansfield Town and has the opportunity to make an impact at Home Park, starting with the visit of Rochdale tomorrow in Sky Bet League One.
“It’s been the whole of this season really without getting to be a part of a first-team game,” said Anderson. “For me, that’s been difficult, because for the most of my career I’ve been in and around the first-team.
“That atmosphere, walking out in front of the fans, I’ve really missed it. Hopefully, I can just get back playing, get the minutes I want and whatever I can help Plymouth with, I’ll do my best.”
During his short trial at Home Park, Paul played in Tuesday’s Central League win against Exeter City. He was pleased with his performance and hopes, when given a chance, he can bring some flair to the Argyle attack.
“I thought I did relatively well in the first-half [against Exeter],” he said. “Second-half, I found it quite a scrappy game, it was difficult for anyone to impress, really. I felt relatively sharp considering I haven’t played that many games this season.
“I’ll bring the odd bit of creativity here and there, but for me, at this moment in time, I’m just desperate to get in with the lads, get as fit as possible, and whatever time and minutes I’m given, I’ll give everything I’ve got.”
Paul is looking forward to walking out in front of the Green Army for the first time and knows that a relationship with the fans is important. A bond with supporters could not be better illustrated than when, playing for Ipswich, he helped a fan who had over-indulged after a goal he had scored in the play-off semi-finals against bitter rivals Norwich
“This guy tweeted me showing me a picture of his hand, and he’d punched the ceiling in [while celebrating Paul’s goal], so I paid for it,” he said.
“It was such an amazing moment in my career. Unfortunately, we didn’t go on to get promoted, but at that moment in time I was on a bit of a high, really. I sort of said, ‘I suppose it’s my fault, I should pay for the damage.’ It was a little bit of banter, really. We got in touch and I paid for it – it’s nice to build a connection with the fans.”