Paul Sturrock joins Plymouth Parkway
Former Argyle manager Paul Sturrock joins Plymouth Parkway
PAUL STURROCK has taken on a role as a football advisor at ambitious Carlsberg South West Peninsula League club Plymouth Parkway.
Sturrock, 59, will provide advice and support to manager Kevin Hendy but will not take up a position in the dug-out on matchdays.
The move comes only a couple of months after local businessman Mark Russell took over as the new chairman of Parkway.
He wants to see Parkway progress up the football pyramid, first by securing promotion to the Western League.
Russell believes that former title-winning Argyle manager Sturrock can play a part in helping the club to achieve that first target.
Sturrock said: “I first met Mark to discuss Plymouth Parkway a couple of weeks ago and straight away I could see the passion to drive the club forward and actually felt that I could help with the club moving forward.
“This was followed with a meeting with Kevin and vice chair Gez Baggott, where discussions moved to how I could help Kevin.
“I am delighted to be joining such a great club with ambition to grow and looking forward to helping the club succeed.”
Hendy believes he can benefit from the experience of Sturrock, who has managed at several clubs in Scotland and England.
He said: “When Mark first mentioned to me about Paul joining the club, obviously I was slightly surprised.
Parkway chairman Mark Russell (left) with Andy Notman (centre) and Gez Baggott
“However, I met with Paul and we had some really good discussions.
“This move is good for the club and also me personally as I am sure there are many things I can learn from someone with Paul’s experience.”
Sturrock already knew of Russell through his involvement with the Green Taverners at Argyle.
Russell said: “Paul is someone I have known from his days at Plymouth Argyle and spoke to him while he was in charge on many occasions.
“When I had the initial conversations with Paul about joining Parkway I was excited that someone of Paul’s calibre would be interested to join our club.
“As I am sure you can imagine, I have just joined the club and was also very keen to make sure Kevin knew that I wanted Paul to come and offer his knowledge and experience to help the club progress, and not to put Kevin under any pressure.
“I am really looking forward to seeing Paul at the games and also helping the coaching staff on the training pitch.”
Russell added: “Paul will also be working closely with the reserve team to help up-and-coming manager Seve Catindig-Stagg in his first season managing in men’s football.”
There has been quite a turnover of players at Parkway during the close season this summer, with brothers Levi and Michael Landricombe making the switch to Southern League club Tiverton Town.
But Parkway have, to date, brought in seven new players, including former Argyle apprentices Josh Grant and Mason Hughes.
Sturrock led Argyle to the Division Three title in 2001/02 with a then record 102 points.
The Pilgrims were also on the brink of another promotion in 2003/04 when the former Scotland international striker left to take over at Premier League club Southampton.
Argyle went on to clinch the Division Two title in their first match under new boss Bobby Williamson.
Parkway Partners
