JIM PATERSON

Born: 25 September 1979

Came from: Motherwell   Went to: Released

First game: 09 February 2008   Last game: 07 May 2011

Appearances: 68 (48/20)   Goals: 1

Paterson, a left-back who also played on the left side of midfield, moved to Home Park from Motherwell. He had spent over four years there after beginning his career at Dundee United, where he was given his debut by Paul Sturrock. A former Scottish Under-21 international, he broke his leg twice early in his career, but recovered to make over 100 appearances for United before moving to Fir Park.

An injury saw him miss several games after an impressive start at Argyle and he was then unable to win a regular starting place. After two years on the fringes of the first-team, Paterson joined Aberdeen on loan for the second half of the 2009-10 season, but returned early after suffering an Achilles tendon injury. At the beginning of the next campaign he looked set to join Greek side Kavala but the move fell through and he returned to Home Park.

The second half of the 2010-11 season saw Paterson back in the Argyle first-team, largely due to the size of the depleted squad, but he produced some of his best performances in green during his final few months with the club. Whilst praised for his professionalism by Peter Reid, he was told he would be allowed to leave Home Park if he could find a deal elsewhere. An unfruitful trial for Yeovil Town in July 2011 was followed by a move to League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers, for whom he played in the UEFA Europa League. However, after just eight appearances for the club he returned to Great Britain, first on trial with St Johnstone in January 2012 before being lured back to the Westcountry by his former Motherwell manager Mark McGhee when he signed for Bristol Rovers.