West follows Pilgrims trail
Eyebrows were certainly raised when Nigerian international Taribo West joined Plymouth Argyle FC this summer. After all, a move to the unfashionable club on England's south coast was not the obvious career choice for a player who had graced AJ Auxerre, FC Internazionale Milano and AC Milan.
Upwardly mobile
But upon closer inspection, the transfer might not be quite as bizarre as it seems, as Argyle are a side on the up. Back in 2000, Plymouth were languishing in the old fourth tier and attracting average gates of only 4,000, but a combination of outstanding management and astute stewardship has seen their stock rise rapidly.
Rising stock
Paul Sturrock became manager of Argyle in October 2000 and took them into the third tier in his first season. Sturrock moved on towards the end of 2003/04, but his successor - and fellow Scot - Bobby Williamson continued his excellent work leading Argyle into the second division, where they now boast an average gate of 16,000.
West impressed
West, 31, says Williamson was a major factor in his deciding to join Plymouth. "The heart of the coach and his brilliance is what really attracted me to come to Plymouth," West told uefa.com. "I had a very good agent who is very close to Bobby. A couple of years ago I was supposed to go to Hibernian [FC], where Bobby was, but that could not happen. This year I heard he was looking for a very good centre-half who could help the team towards the Premiership."
Ambitious board
The former Olympic gold-medallist also cites the ambition of Plymouth's board as a reason for the transfer. "The board of directors have ambition and direction," he said. "The club is very, very ambitious. This is a good, wonderful family and unity is one of the principles that led me here. A family divided against itself cannot stand."
Chequered past
West, who played for Al-Arabi in Qatar last season, is certainly not your average footballer. He was part of a gang in Lagos when he was growing up and saw his best friend stabbed to death. Then he discovered football and went on to play for some of the most glamorous clubs in Europe and appear at two FIFA World Cups.
Guided by God
And about eight years ago he discovered God and set up a church in Milan, which he is still heavily involved with. West says God will look after Plymouth - who are nicknamed the Pilgrims - this season. "I believe so much that the hand of God is going to be an insurance policy on this team this year," he said.
Eclectic signings
West is not Argyle's only exciting purchase of the summer - Williamson has been busy bringing an eclectic batch of new players to Home Park. Centre-back Nuno Mendes has been signed from Portugal, winger Bojan Djordic has arrived via
Manchester United FC and Rangers FC, FC Porto were reportedly paid more than €1m to part with former Hungary Under-21 captain Ákos Buzsáky, and veteran English defenders Rufus Brevett and Anthony Barness have been signed on free transfers.
Financial acumen
The signings are a clear sign of Argyle's ambition and Williamson has not ruled out further forays into the transfer market. Vice-chairman Robert Dennerly insists the club is only spending what it can afford will never break the bank to achieve success. And if this well-run club continues to improve and attract even more players of the calibre of West, perhaps eyebrows should not be raised any more.
