'Green Army did us proud' says Steve Harper

Apr 21 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Harper has hailed “fantastic” Plymouth Argyle for the magnanimous way they handled Newcastle United’s promotion party on Monday night.

The two clubs are the furthest apart in the country but after a memorable night in Devon there are sure to be some friendships extended for years to come.

Argyle have earned widespread praise from travelling fans and players for both the generous welcome they extended to United supporters and their reaction at the end of the game.

Argyle’s supporters club unfurled a banner at the start of the match congratulating Newcastle for their promotion on behalf of Plymouth’s fans and then at the end played ‘Blaydon Races’, ‘Local Hero’ and ‘We Are the Champions’.

It was a terrific gesture considering they were coming to terms with their relegation to League One, and it has been well-received in the North East – with supporters flooding Plymouth message boards to praise Monday night’s opponents for their generosity in defeat.

Harper echoed the sentiments of many when he said that Plymouth, which is bidding to become one of the World Cup venues in 2018, helped make the night even more special.