Global Green Army unites for 'fairy tale' match

From Denmark and Belgium to the United States, Australia and Japan, Plymouth Argyle's fan base is diverse and passionate.

Fans from around the world have been reminiscing as they look forward to the FA Cup clash on Saturday between Argyle and Manchester City.

Bo Sondrup, a Plymouth Argyle fan from Denmark, has been supporting the club for more than three decades.

The cup clash is "like a fairytale for me, because it's always been there for these past 33 years," he said.

Mr Sondrup's passion for Argyle began with a love for the team's green colours and the romantic imagery of ships and pirates.

Despite the challenges of being a fan in Denmark he regularly wears his Argyle top and has passed his passion on to his son, who is also eagerly anticipating the match against Manchester City.

"It would be too easy for me to support Liverpool or Man United or City," he said.

"Hopefully I'll be able to go to Plymouth to watch a game at Home Park, maybe during this season, if not the next one," he said.

Eric Nemes, from Plymouth, Massachusetts, has found a deep connection with Plymouth Argyle, a club that shares his home town's name and historical ties.

Living near the Mayflower and historical landmark of the Plymouth Rock, he was drawn to Argyle's logo and nickname, "The Pilgrims," which resonated with his area.

His passion for Plymouth Argyle has grown over the past year, becoming a dedicated supporter and helping to expand the club's fan base in the United States.

"We think that Plymouth Argyle is America's team," he said.

He and fellow fans organise watch parties and connect with other fans across the country.

He recalls the excitement of watching Argyle's FA Cup victory over Liverpool, describing it as "a win for the ages."

"It was very exciting. That was our Super Bowl of the day, watching Argyle beat Liverpool," he said.

With the upcoming FA Cup match against Manchester City, Eric is optimistic fopr another win.

"We are having a watch party at the Vitamin C Brewery on Water Street in Plymouth, and we have a view of the Mayflower replica," he said.

Tony Bullock-Formosa has strong ties to Plymouth Argyle, despite living in Australia.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Tony completed an apprenticeship at the dockyard before moving to London, where he met his Australian wife.

"My grandfather used to work on the gate, and he used to get us some tickets to the grandstand. The absolute treat."

Tony recalls attending two memorable games last season against Sunderland and Stoke, both of which ended in wins for Argyle.

"And everybody said to me, you must come back. Every time you come we win."

Tony's passion for the club has endured through the decades, even after relocating to Australia.

He frequently makes the long journey back to Home Park, attending games whenever he can.

He connects with other Argyle supporters in Australia and New Zealand, often watching games at odd hours due to time differences.

"Come on, you Greens!" he said, hoping for victory on Saturday.

Jeff Down, originally from the Plymouth, has been a dedicated Argyle fan since the glory days of the 1975 promotion season.

Now based in Flanders, Belgium, he recalls the excitement of the FA Cup runs in the early 1980s and is eagerly anticipating the game against Manchester City.

"It's kind of a nice distraction away from the relegation battle," he said.

Travelling to games is no small feat for Jeff, but he will be in Manchester on Saturday.

"Thankfully, the Eurostar makes things a lot easier," he notes, attending up to 17 games a season.

His dedication has even inspired Belgian and Dutch friends to adopt Argyle as their second team.

Tatsuki Usi, a devoted Plymouth Argyle fan from Japan, has been captivated by the club since he was five years old.

His passion was ignited when he watched an Argyle game against Everton on TV.

"I couldn't take my eyes off it," he said.

"The players looked like they were having so much fun, and they seemed like superheroes to me.

"I was completely hooked and from that day on, the Green Army stole my heart."

He is eagerly anticipating the FA Cup match against Manchester City.

"I can't believe we are actually going to play against Manchester City," he said.

Despite the early morning kick-off time in Japan, Tatsuki is determined to watch "every second" of the game.

For Tatsuki, supporting Plymouth Argyle is about more than just the results.

"I just want us to enjoy our football," he said.

"If we stick to what we do best, we won't lose."

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