I've seen both ends of the Argyle fan's spectrum today.
This morning I took my son to the Vigil at the Devonport End. Like any Argyle-supporting father, I want my boy to grow up supporting his local team. It's a passion my Dad instilled in me, and it's something I want to pass on to my boy. And I know I'm not alone in that.I hope IJN won't mind me mentioning what he said as he watched my hyperactive 3-year-old kicking a football around whilst wearing his replica shirt: 'Every time I see a little kid in an Argyle kit, it gets me there...' with that he gently punched his chest. I know what he means, bring 'em up right and they'll follow Argyle, bad parenting leads to Sky subscriptions and Man United on the box. Fact. Thats why the death of my football club would be beyond heartbreaking.
Then tonight my Uncle phoned me. Janner born and bred, he's as Green as they come. He and my Aunt live in Southampton now, close to their daughter, my cousin. My uncle, Trevor, isn't in the best of health, and has a lot of problems with his mobility. He thought that these problems would prevent him from ever seeing an Argyle game again; however at the start of last season, with a lot of help from Southampton FC, I was able to take both him and my Aunt to the opening game, the 1-0 win against Saints. You can imagine what that meant to them, and the sheer joy ffor them of seeing Argyle win was indescribable.
The phone conversation I had tonight was another matter. I could sense the fear - panic, almost - in my uncle's voice. He's been following Argyle since the late 1930's. He's a walking encyclopedia on Argyle (I swear, he'd be a great proof-reader for GOS). and tonight I had to go through all the latest news from Plymouth - the real reason for Zubar's departure; the duplicity of Heaney and BIL; the efforts of the supporters; the sacrifices of the staff; Peter Reid's attempts to build a team out of nothing.
In the end he was almost pleading with me for some good news. Just a little ray of light. I couldn't find anything to say that could possibly reassure. And to have to tell a man who, at almost twice my age had followed Argyle across nine(count'em - 9!) decades, that the club he loves was on the brink of destruction was something that will sit with me for years to come.
My son is Argyle future. my Uncle is Argyle past. they both deserve to have a club to support. That they may not is something that, if liquidation happens, should sit on the conscience of Guilfoyle and Heaney til their dying day. But I doubt that it will.
Heartbreaking.