Press Box Named After Commentary Legend Sparks

We are delighted to announce that the press box at Home Park will be named after broadcaster and legendary Argyle commentator, Gordon Sparks.

A lifelong fan of the Pilgrims, ‘Sparksy’ began his long association with Argyle by attending games with his father, before beginning his stellar commentary career in arguably the club’s biggest-ever game, broadcasting live from Villa Park in the Pilgrims’ narrow FA Cup semi-final defeat to Watford.

More than three decades later, Gordon continued to provide the radio soundtrack to highs and lows throughout history, his impassioned tones underpinning iconic victories and difficult times alike - first for Hospital Radio Plymouth, then Plymouth Sound, before making the move to BBC Radio Devon.

As hardened members of the Green Army know too well, following the Pilgrims up and down the country and holding down a regular weekday job can be a challenge. As such, Sparksy relinquished commentary duties at the end of the 2015/16 season – his final commentary coming fittingly at the national stadium, as Argyle fell short in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final against AFC Wimbledon at Wembley.

Upon hanging up the commentary microphone for the final time, Gordon was immediately awarded the honour of becoming an ambassador for Argyle. In his role, Gordon has maintained his wonderful association with the Argyle community through regular appearances in the Club Argyle hospitality lounge on match-days, as well as penning a regular column for pafc.co.uk, and hosting dinner events and fans’ forums.

Upon hearing that the press box at Home Park would be named in his honour, Gordon said: “Between my first game on radio at the Villa Park FA Cup semi-final in 1984 to my final broadcast at Wembley in 2016, Home Park is the place where I commentated on hundreds of memorable matches.

“It’s an absolute honour to have this area named in such a way and I’m so grateful to Plymouth Argyle and all the support of listeners for something that was just a combination of two passions - radio and my football club.”

Argyle Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Parkinson, said: “We are thrilled that Gordon accepted our offer to name the press box after him.

“Gordon has provided the soundtrack to many of the club’s greatest moments – and his knowledge and passion for Argyle is as strong as the thousands of loyal supporters he would broadcast commentaries to every Saturday through the years.

“Throughout his esteemed career Gordon has maintained a consistent link with Argyle , and he is very much woven into the fabric and history of our club. I am sure our supporters will agree that the Gordon Sparks Press Box is a fitting name, preserving his legacy for generations to come.”