Greatest Wingers: 25-21

THE Greatest Pilgrims, voted for by the Green Army, lists the top 25 Argyle legends in all positions and it is next the turn of the wing wizards.

Greatest Pilgrim Wingers
Ranked No.25
Jake Jervis

When Jake Jervis arrived at Home Park in 2015, it is fair to see his young career had been nomadic, loaned out on eight occasions after coming through the ranks at Birmingham City.

Jervis then spent six months in Turkey, brief spells at Portsmouth and Ross County, where he played under future Argyle boss Derek Adams. Jake was soon recruited again by Adams when the Scot took the reins at Home Park.

Often deployed in an attacking role from the right flank, Jervis had finally found somewhere he could settle down and show his talent, causing problems across League Two defences with his pace and power.

Jake could also play a central role but many felt he was at his most dangerous from the wing, playing a major role in Argyle reaching the play-off final in his first season and then promotion in the following campaign.

His Argyle adventure came to an end in January 2018 when Luton Town came in with a substantial bid. Jake spent last season on loan at AFC Wimbledon but had done his bit for a place in Pilgrim history.

Greatest Pilgrim Wingers
Ranked No.24
Mike Trebilcock

Mike Trebilcock was one of the finest players to emerge from Cornwall in the 1960s and his time at Home Park laid the platform for FA Cup Final glory.

An elusive and creative forward, Trebilcock began his career in amateur football at Tavistock and Wadebridge, scoring bags of goals and catching the attention of the scouting team at Argyle.

Trebilcock made an immediate impact with the Pilgrims and later formed a fine partnership with Frank Lord. He was equally effective down the middle or out wide and had made enough of an impression to earn a move to Everton.

Although he had few opportunities in three years at Goodison Park, Trebilcock wrote his name in Everton folklore by scoring twice in the FA Cup Final win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1966.

Trebilcock later played for Portsmouth, Torquay and Weymouth before moving to Australia.

Greatest Pilgrim Wingers
Ranked No.23
Yannick Bolasie

For sheer explosive pace and bamboozling skill, Yannick Bolasie was one of the most unpredictable players to ever grace Home Park.

Known as Yala, Bolasie learned his trade in the non-league game and was actually playing in Malta when Paul Sturrock brought him to Home Park. Although frighteningly fast, Yala was very raw and inexperienced, and went out on loan to Rushden & Diamonds and Barnet.

Bolasie was finally given his chance with the Pilgrims and effectively stamped his mark with an extraordinary match-winning performance at Barnsley, coming off the bench to completely change the game with searing pace and direct running.

It is probably fair to say Yala was not always sure what he was going to do next, which made him so difficult for opposing defenders. He could light up any game with outrageous skill and Bristol City were convinced enough to sign him in 2011.

Bolasie then moved to Crystal Palace and proved to be a hit in the Premier League. He moved in a big-money deal to Everton but a serious knee injury put him out for a season. The DR Congo international has most recently enjoyed loan spells at Aston Villa and Anderlecht in Belgium.

Greatest Pilgrim Wingers
Ranked No.22
Neil Dougall

The great Neil Dougall was a Home Park hero for the best part of a decade from 1949 and a brilliant, versatile footballer.

The Scotsman was learning his trade at Burnley when World War Two started and, like many fine players of the era, lost some vital years in his football development. He signed for Birmingham after the War and won a cap for Scotland.

Dougall joined Argyle in 1949 and a manager’s dream for his ability to perform in a number of positions. He was, however, at his best on the wing, where speed and quality on the ball made him a massive asset.

He played a total of 290 games for the Pilgrims before a brief stint as our manager. Dougall later ran a fitness club in Plymouth and sadly died in 2009 at the age of 88.

Greatest Pilgrim Wingers
Ranked No.21
Billy Strauss

A wonderful sportsman, South African winger Billy Strauss was a talented footballer, cricketer and badminton star.

Strauss chose football as his path and enjoyed a fantastic goalscoring record at Aberdeen before the outbreak of World War Two. He signed for Argyle in 1946 and the Green Army were in for a treat.

A dazzling winger, Strauss had the grace and talent to roam around the pitch, causing problems for even the toughest of defenders. His game was all about pure ability and there is no doubt Strauss had the raw talent to play at the highest level.

He scored 42 goals in 166 appearances before retiring in 1953. Billy sadly left us in 1984 but will always be a great Pilgrim.

For information on the Greatest Pilgrims, please click here.

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Greatest Winger Results So Far
21. Billy Strauss    
22. Neil Dougall  
23. Yannick Bolasie
24. Mike Trebilcock
25. Jake Jervis