Introducing: Forever Green
Introducing: Forever Green, a new venture which will celebrate the players who have pulled on the Argyle jersey throughout our club’s storied history.
There have been 1,179 players to represent Argyle, since our first ever professional game, on 1 September, 1903. Every single one of them is Forever Green.
Forever Green is a natural successor to Argyle Legends, which has been run by Paul Hart and others for many years. Paul will be a part of the Forever Green team, employed by the football club, as we build the biggest ever community for former Pilgrims.
"I am honoured to have been invited to be part of this exciting new venture," said Paul. "Forever Green will ensure the wellbeing of all former players for many years to come.
"I am delighted to be playing a part in ensuring the history of our great football club will be available for future generations of fans to read about."
Every player to play for us has been assigned a Forever Green number and will receive a presentation gift set decorated with their unique number.
Each year, a series of events will take place, taking the form of friendly matches, entertainment evenings, fun days, competitions and more. These will celebrate the achievements and contributions of all of our ex-players, and will also generate funds to assist with the running of Forever Green.
The intention is to maintain a fund which will be available to assist with the pastoral care of all Forever Green members. We want to make sure that everyone who has worn the green and white have access to care, training and support should they need it. We intend to help out in any way we are able.
As mentioned, every former player immediately becomes a Forever Green Member. Some, via the poll below, will become our first class of Forever Green Icons.
A team from Forever Green, chaired by first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell, have curated a number of shortlists of players from different eras. We would like supporters to nominate their first, second, third and fourth choice in order of preference, in each.
The winners of the polls will be announced on Saturday, 20 January, at Home Park. This is the day that Argyle host Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship, and will serve as the official launch date of Forever Green.
The first class of poll-winners will be formally given their Icon status at a Forever Green event later in the year.
You can participate in the vote at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/forevergreen2024. The nominees are below. Voting closes at midday on Monday, 8 January.
FOREVER GREEN ICONS NOMINEES
Group A
Sammy Black
Jack Chisholm
Bob Jack
Jack Leslie
Group B
Mike Bickle
Wilf Carter
Steve Davey
John Hore
Group C
Mickey Evans
Kevin Hodges
Paul Mariner
Tommy Tynan
Group D
David Friio
Romain Larrieu
Ronnie Mauge
Paul Wotton
Group E
Paul Connolly
Carl Fletcher
David Fox
Gary Sawyer
Nancekivell – who is player number 815 on the Forever Green list – said: “I’m honoured to play a part in the launch of Forever Green. Our club is a very special one, and ventures like these underline the feeling of family that we have at Argyle.
“So many players who have pulled on the green-and-white shirt retain their fondness for our club. Forever Green will be an excellent way for them to stay in touch, and vice versa.
“I’m really pleased that Paul Hart will be part of the new venture. Like all of us, Paul loves Argyle, and has dedicated much time and effort into keeping in touch with lots of former players. His work with Argyle Legends will be highly valued in Forever Green.”
