The Ox in the Box.

When Barry Hayles signed for Argyle in the summer of 2006, aged 34, many thought he was in the twilight of his career. However, this evergreen striker had other ideas. He quickly became a fans favourite, was Argyle’s top scorer that season and is still paying now, some 18 years later.

His story began in South London in the 1970s and although never picked up by a ‘big club’ he always knew football was the path for him.

From prolific non-league days to scoring at White Hart Lane, home to his boyhood club, Barry Hayles has seen a lot.

At 52 he is still going strong and despite a slight hamstring injury right now, is showing no signs of hanging up his boots just yet.

This is the story of Barrington Edward Hayles.

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Argyle Fives on best comebacks.

Everyone likes a comeback. Late drama, the range of emotion and almost certainly the ‘winning feeling’ is one of the greatest things about this great sport. And Argyle have been involved in a fair share.

In the fourth of the Argyle Fives series, Charlie Price, Kevin Nancekivell and Rob McNichol dive into the club's history to narrow the list down to just five.

There are derby days, promotion charges, season definers and just plain mad games included in the discussion; which, as is now normal, becomes heated at times.

Argyle Fives is also available to watch on Argyle TV - enjoy!

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Welcome Tee-Jay.

Nigerian striker Muhamed Tijani was the second player to join the club in the summer of 2024.

Growing up in West Africa, Tee-Jay idolised Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney. He was always the best in his school and dreamed of one day playing in Europe.

Those free-scoring school days led to that dream move, where the sun and comforts of home was replaced by the cold and rain of Banik, Czechia – but it was the place to be for Tee-Jay. After a couple of loan spells and a fruitful under-20 World Cup, one of the big boys, Slavia Prague came calling. The self-confessed lion was beginning to roar.

A season of good form and new experiences followed before the lure of one of his childhood heroes came calling. Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle the destination for the big man from Nigeria.

This is the story of Muhamed Tijani.

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The latest episode of the Argyle Podcast is available to listen to!

Super Frank Nouble.

Not many footballers, have played for 19 clubs, featuring in the top six of divisions in England, spent two years in China and has set up their own Academy. Well, Frank Nouble has amongst many other things.

Growing up in south London, he and his brother Joel, both signed for Chelsea in the early 2000s. Frank flourished, under the guidance of Paul Clement and Brendan Rodgers. 

Blues legend Gianfranco Zola convinced him to swap Stamford Bridge for Upton Park and a three year spell followed. It was here that Frank began to rack up club after club.

Frank had already played in three countries and 17 clubs by the time he appeared at Home Park in the summer of 2020 and despite a goalscoring debut, he never managed to stake a claim in Green.

Even though he spent less than a season at Argyle, the impact the club had on him and his family was immense and in Frank’s words, “the club is incredible.”

This is the story of Frank Nouble.

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The first signing of the Wayne Rooney era.

In May 2024, Nathanael Ogbeta became the first signing of the summer as Argyle prepared for their second successive Sky Bet Championship campaign.

The highly rated full back has been on the books of Manchester City since the age of eight and captained England at youth level.

Brought up in a sporting family, he and his sister Naomi have helped each other through some high pressure situations. Naomi is a multiple British Champion at triple jump and with Nat being a professional footballer at one the world’s biggest clubs, they have been each other’s councillor though the good times and bad.

With football being a cutthroat business, Nat’s Christian faith has been a pillar of stability. The church, it’s community and values have shaped the 23-year-old into the person his is and the player he is.

Now, in the newest chapter of his career, he hopes Plymouth Argyle is the perfect place to get him hitting the heights that were expected of him as a teenager at Manchester City.

This is the story of Nathanael Ogbeta.

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“Oh Bobby, Bobby…”

Winning promotion in your first game in charge isn’t a bad way to introduce yourself to the Green Army. That is exactly what Bobby Williamson did in April 2004.

His 504 days in charge of Argyle certainly were eventful. From that magical day against QPR, to beating Sunderland, Wigan and Reading in the Championship; signing Taribo West and then losing his job six days into a new season. Some of the stories of Bobby Williamson’s career at Home Park are well worth a listen.

Now out in Kenya, having stepped away from football he’s had time to reflect on what has been a wholly successful career in the game.

This is the story of Bobby Williamson.

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He led us out at Villa Park.

What a moment that must have been for 22-year-old Leigh Cooper. An FA Cup semi-final, with half of Plymouth in the stands and one game away from Wembley.

At the time he was one of the youngster captains in the Football League and although that day didn’t go his or Argyle’s way, Leigh was able to re-build his career after falling out of favour with fans and managers.

Converted to a full back, he was an integral part of the 1986 promotion winning side and was almost an ever present the following season when Argyle achieved their highest ever league finish.

A career cut short by injury and without much luck, it’s testament to the man that he managed 387 Argyle appearances, which puts him 11th on our all-time list.

This is the story of Leigh Cooper.

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‘A complete nutter.’

A phrase used to describe Andy Morrison by Blackpool manager Sam Allardyce. And, if you were to ask anyone who played against him, they would probably be the same. 

However, to played in the Premier League twice, captained half of the clubs you have played for and be named as Manchester City’s best ever captains, you’re more than just a hardman.

Jock, moved to Plymouth from Scotland as a two-year old and rose through the ranks at his beloved Argyle.

A move to the Premier League beckoned with Kenny Dalglish bringing him to Blackburn Rovers and although it didn’t work out there, success flowed Jock wherever he went. Blackpool, Huddersfield and Manchester City regard him as one of their finest ever players.

Now, as a coach, he is in Sri Lanka trying to build a football dynasty there, just as he did in the Welsh Premier League before.

This is the story of Andy ‘Jock’ Morrison.

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The future is bright, the future is Green!

Nothing males a football fan prouder than seeing ‘one of their own’ break through and make it. Over the last few seasons, there has been success after success coming out of the Argyle Academy.

The 2023/24 season has been no exception. The under-18s were double winner, the under-10s won the Oakham tournament, Freddie Issaka was nominated at the EFL Awards for the Sky Bet Championship apprentice of the year – and that’s just to name a few.

It’s been a brilliant year and this week’s episode of the podcast explore the reasons why. Academy Manager Phil Stoke, under-18s manager Jamie Lowry and star performers Caleb Roberts and Freddie Issaka all talk through their experiences form a stellar season.

This is a look back at the Argyle Academy’s season.

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The one everyone wanted.

The story of a promising footballer failing to live up to the hype is common. But what about the story of the best youngster the country has produced who was tipped to lead England to World Cup glory? Step forward Cherno Samba.

A Championship Manager ‘must buy’ who was also the hottest property in the real world. Clubs were falling over each other to get the then 15-year old’s signature.

However, like so many before him, it didn’t work out. Spells in Spain, Greece and Finland followed as well as a happier time at Home Park.

This is the story of Cherno Samba.

WARNING – some listeners may find some of the topics in this podcast upsetting.

If you have been affected by anything raised in this podcast, then you can find out information on how to reach out to the club here. Alternatively you can contact Samaritans of Plymouth, East Cornwall and South Werst Devon by calling their free phone number 116123 or going to their website here.

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