On this day 65 years ago

[memory man]

On 25 April 1959 Argyle made their first (and only) visit to Peel Park, Accrington. The game ended 1-1 and Argyle secured promotion to the Second Division. The players travelled to Wolverhampton that night and then on to Home Park on the Sunday. A cavalcade of cars and vans met the coach at Ivybridge and accompanied the team down the old A38 past the Lyneham Inn and then down the Ridgeway). The players are, left to right, George Baker, John L Williams (his introduction to champagne), Geoff Barnsley, Peter Anderson, Reg Jenkins and Harry Penk. I've never been able to find out who the chap in glasses is - any ideas? The photograph came from Harry Penk's collection. IJN has (or had) a magnificent action photograph taken at the game which I hope he may be able to post.

 

[Winslow]

Thanks for posting this. Brings back a few memories. Recognised Geoff Barnsley straight away. Used to see Peter Anderson after he retired as he ran a florist shop just outside Efford Cemetery.

 

[IJN]

 

[Bovey Green lady]

Look at the state of that pitch! I'd almost forgotten how bad some of them were in those long ago days! My Dad, Mum and I were among those who met the coach at Ivybridge and "escorted it into the City. Seeing Len Casey, Gordon Fincham, John L Williams and George Robertson reminds me just how tough some of our team were!

 

[Keith Whitfield]

My first Argyle experience. I was on the supporters club coach that met the team coach at Ivybridge, quite a way up the old A38 in those days. The roads had loads of supporters on them cheering the team home. The journey was slow.
Picked up at the ground by my aunt and uncle while my parents joined the team and directors for their first taste of champagne. From all accounts it was some party!

 

[memory man]

My first Argyle experience. I was on the supporters club coach that met the team coach at Ivybridge, quite a way up the old A38 in those days. The roads had loads of supporters on them cheering the team home. The journey was slow.
Picked up at the ground by my aunt and uncle while my parents joined the team and directors for their first taste of champagne. From all accounts it was some party!

You don't recall the man in glasses,?

 

[Greenheart]

Is that photo from straight after the kick off, or has it been doctored in some way?

We know pitches were that bad back then, but all the players are absolutely minty clean.

 

[djg145]

Is that photo from straight after the kick off, or has it been doctored in some way?

We know pitches were that bad back then, but all the players are absolutely minty clean.

Looks like the colour has been enhanced.

 

[Swillyboy]

Awesome kit!

 

[RochdaleGreen]

Awesome kit!

I agree, lovely kit, in correct Argyle Green, with black trimmings. Perfect! I've always loved that photo at Stanley.

 

[Quintrell Green]

You don't recall the man in glasses,?

That Arthur Askey got everywhere, apparently!

 

[memory man]

That Arthur Askey got everywhere, apparently!

Certainly the glasses are right.

 

[memory man]

Looks like the colour has been enhanced.

The original was black and white and it was coloured by a top, top man who does it professionally. He has delivered some remarkable work. As someone who was around in those days the colour is exactly as I recall.

 

[Bovey Green lady]

The original was black and white and it was coloured by a top, top man who does it professionally. He has delivered some remarkable work. As someone who was around in those days the colour is exactly as I recall.

Still my all-time favourite strip.

 

[Keith Whitfield]

Not sure, Steve, on that man. He looks a bit like Mr Ron Lucas, promoter of the Green and Black pool, but pretty sure it is not him. That was a common style in those days. Just as well the swinging sixties and the Beatles came along!