January 19th 1963 , I was 10 years old and the country was gripped by “the big freeze “.
Somehow got in free at half time and stood next to the floodlight at the grandstand Barn Park End ( did my parents know where I was? ) .
Pitch glistening white with frost , players steaming in the cold, cigarette smoke mixing with the foggy air.
Lost 2 0 to Newcastle ,first home defeat of the season. I was well and truly hooked.
Back for next home match against Middlesbrough... lost 5 4 and I still have the match programme signed by players from both teams.
First win witnessed was in April , 3 1 against Leeds with a newly signed Peter McParland hattrick followed by a 2 1 win against soon to be promoted Chelsea.
58 years on and those early memories still shine on with the ensuing agony and ecstasy in roughly equal measure including 7 promotions and 8 relegations.
Will never forget Nicky Jennings and Dave Corbet galloping and tricking their ways down their respective wings to provide perfect crosses for Frank Lord to head home.
Carter, Bickle, Rafferty, Mariner and Tynan goal scoring heroes all.
Silky midfield skills from McAnearny, Burnside, Bloomfield and Machin not to mention Barry Jones on the right wing.
The rugged defending of Fincham , Newman, Nelson, Saxton ,Provan and Molyneux.
Miracles in goal performed by Maclaren, Furnell Cherry and Larrieu amongst others.
Thousands of games and hundreds of players too numerous to mention individually. But half empty classrooms at DHS for the Man City game. The thrill of Villa Park for the FA Cup semi final.
Wembley play offs twice. These and the bread and butter of grim battles with the real clubs of the lower leagues ( Port Vale have to get a mention ! ).
The pre game excitement is still there. The tingle on entering the stadium or the anxiety following the score on PASOTI or the radio.
Thanks for everything Argyle and here’s to a great future.