DAVID FRIIO

Born: 17 February 1973

Came from: ASOA Valence   Went to: Nottingham Forest

First game: 02 December 2000   Last game: 05 February 2005

Appearances: 185 (172/13)   Goals: 44

Born in Thionville in the north-eastern French department of Moselle, close to the Luxembourg border, Friio was a midfielder. He began his career as a defender with SAS Épinal, around two hours to the south, making 104 appearances and scoring five goals across three seasons. He then joined Nîmes in the French Second Division, where he played 48 times and scored twice, before moving to Valence, where he teamed up with future Argyle team-mate Romain Larrieu. Although he made 33 appearances and scored three goals during his first season, the club suffered relegation and he was among a number of players released.

Paul Sturrock offered Friio a trial in November 2000 and, after impressing, he signed a short-term contract until the end of the season. Having watched from the stands as Argyle lost 2-1 to non-league Chester City in an FA Cup First Round replay, Sturrock's first home game as manager, he was then thrust straight into the side for the Devon derby against Exeter City at St James Park just four days later. The debut came as a surprise to many among the travelling supporters, who had little idea who the unfamiliar Frenchman was in the days before smartphones and social media.

An impressive debut and a rare victory at St James Park proved the perfect introduction. A two-year contract extension followed and Friio became a key figure in Argyle's Division Three title-winning side of 2001-02, scoring 11 goals and earning a place in the PFA Division Three Team of the Season. After another excellent campaign in 2002-03, he signed a further contract extension before finishing as the club's leading scorer as Sturrock's side won the Second Division title the following season. He was again selected in the PFA Division Two Team of the Season.

He also scored a memorable hat-trick in the 7-0 demolition of Chesterfield at Home Park in January 2004. Remarkably, Argyle were 5-0 ahead after just 18 minutes and led 6-0 at half-time. Ironically, Friio completed his treble with an ungainly header in the closing moments, the ball appearing to strike more of his face than his forehead.

Having fallen out of favour following Bobby Williamson's arrival, and with his contract nearing its end, Friio was sold to Nottingham Forest for a fee of £100,000. Injuries hampered his time at the City Ground and he was forced to retire after just 22 appearances across 18 months.

After retiring, Friio moved into scouting. He initially worked for Nottingham Forest in France before undertaking similar roles with Manchester United and later Saint-Étienne. He subsequently joined Marseille as Head Scout before being promoted to Technical Director. In September 2023, following Marcelino's resignation, Friio also took temporary charge of the French giants for their UEFA Europa League match away to Ajax, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

In December 2023, he was appointed sporting director of Lyon. However, he was suspended from the role nine months later while the club were investigated for alleged financial irregularities.

During the summer of 2025, Friio was linked with a return to Home Park following Neil Dewsnip's departure as Director of Football. Although the move never materialised and Derek Adams was eventually appointed, Friio reiterated the affection he still held for Argyle, saying: "I wish them the best. If I can help the club at some point in the future, you cannot say no. If they need help I will always be there."