MARK PATTERSON

Born: 13 September 1968

Came from: Derby County   Went to: Gillingham

First game: 14 August 1993   Last game: 03 May 1997

Appearances: 154 (151/3)   Goals: 3

Mark Patterson joined Argyle from Derby County in the summer of 1993, and established himself as a classy and dependable right-back who was a warm favourite of the Home Park faithful. After failing to establish himself in an expensive Derby squad, Patterson accepted the advances of Argyle boss Peter Shilton – who had witnessed the young fullback's development first-hand when himself a Rams player.

Signed to replace the outgoing Gary Poole, Patterson was an integral cog in Shilton's 1993-94 playoff side. A pocket dynamo with a ceaseless engine, he was tigerish and persistent in the tackle; but it was his marauding runs down the right flank that endeared him most to the club's fans. Despite his attacking instincts, 'Patto' only scored three times in 154 appearances in a green shirt, but does deserve mention as the player who provided the superb cross for Ronnie Mauge to head home Argyle's Wembley winner against Darlington in 1996.

Few Argyle players have ridden such a dramatic roller-coaster ride in their Home Park tenures as Patterson. In three seasons, the former Carlisle United apprentice experienced a playoff semi-final defeat, then relegation to the basement division and a subsequent promotion at Wembley. He also played under three different managers during his four years at the club, in Shilton, Neil Warnock and Mick Jones.

Patto's final season at the club was marred by injury and he only managed a handful of appearances. With his contract expiring in the summer of 1997, he opted to join Gillingham despite insisting he would have remained at Home Park had an acceptable offer been forthcoming. After hanging up his boots, Patterson took over the reins of the Kent club's youth set-up.