"Sooty" used to be a player that fans used to have a go at. As a winger that is fairly typical I guess, particularly in the early 60's when a winger's job was to dribble past defenders. Some times it came off and some times it didn't. He always gave his all for Argyle though. RIP.
I have never forgotten actually hearing the sound of "Sooty's" leg breaking. Such a nice, decent man. Always had time for everyone. I lived quite near him in Peverell, and he would often give me a lift to school(Devonport High). He and Bugsy Maloy shared digs, I remember.
I have it in the back of my mind that he was actually selected to play for England Under 23's but he incurred a bad injury in a League game, which prevented him appearing.. He never got a second invitation, He was big hearted winger not very tall, I recall.
First time I saw him play at Home Park he was taking the corners and from memory landed two onto the crossbar.That impressed me as a 12 year old..RIP Pilgrim
Very sad news. My first Argyle shirt (emerald green V-neck) had a number 7 on the back to look like Sooty's. My mum sewed it on, not like the modern printed versions. A rumour around at the time was that we really wanted Mike Summerbee, who was also playing for Swindon at this time, but couldn't afford him - Man City eventually took him for a much bigger fee than we paid for Sooty. After he finished his career he went to work in the Dockyard, in Goschen Yard, home of the big local club of the time, EEM Department. Met him there a couple of times when I picked my dad up after the annual Christmas party - the social event of the year. A great guy, and very modest about his footballing achievements. RIP Pilgrim.
