Romain Larrieu
Encyclopedia
Romain Larrieu is a French footballer who is currently a goalkeeper/first team coach for Plymouth Argyle
. Having joined them in 2000 from Valence
, he is their longest serving current player and club captain.
, but finding it impossible to dislodge the experienced French international Bruno Martini
, he decided to move on. His next club was ASOA Valence
where he played with another future Plymouth player, David Friio
, until their relegation into the French Third Division when Larrieu was released along with Friio in the summer of 2000.
Following a six-month break he was recommended to Argyle's manager, Paul Sturrock
and was signed on a one-month trial contract, making his debut on December 6, in the Football League Trophy
versus Bristol City
. Having been signed as a back-up keeper, he played 14 league games following injury to regular goalkeeper Jon Sheffield
and despite obvious rustiness and nerves he was rewarded with a permanent contract.
Larrieu was surprisingly made first choice for the 2001–02
season but this decision proved to be a masterstroke. Plymouth became champions of Division Three
(now League 2) with Larrieu conceding only 28 goals, keeping 27 clean-sheets (a club record) and pulling off many a fine save. He was also named in the PFA Division Three team of the year. He was again first choice for the 2002–03
season as he became a fan favourite at Home Park
. After that he was linked with a shock move to then Premiership champions Arsenal
. But his 2003–04
season was cut short after 6 games after sustaining damaged knee ligaments. Argyle won promotion from Division 2 (now League 1) that season, and in 2004–05
he shared goalkeeping duties with Luke McCormick
in the Championship
.
The following season (2005–06
) Larrieu resumed duties as first choice goalkeeper playing in 45 of the 46 league fixtures again putting in impressive displays. In the 2006–07
season, he suffered with testicular cancer, and after his recovery,he was allowed to go out on loan to Gillingham
.
He made his debut for Gillingham in a 2–0 away defeat to Swansea City
on 23 January 2007. What was originally intended to be a short term loan was extended until mid-April, because of injury to Gillingham goalkeeper Kelvin Jack
.
The 2007–08
season was another disappointment for Larrieu. With McCormick continuing to be the first choice goalkeeper, Larrieu was sent on loan to Yeovil Town
for a month long loan, where he made six appearances in the league for them. After some impressive form he returned to Plymouth and established himself as the number one goalkeeper until Christmas, where a second bout of ill health ended up ruling him out for the rest of the season, meaning he was only able to play 15 games for Plymouth all year.
Larrieu began the 2008–09 season behind former Arsenal
man Graham Stack, but returned to the side in the 2–1 win at Watford and kept his place for the remainder of the season, proving to be as influential as ever in his 40 league appearances. In recognition of his performances throughout the season, Larrieu was voted as Plymouth Argyle Player of the Year by the clubs supporters. As of the 2009–10 season he will be club captain.
on a temporary basis
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
. Having joined them in 2000 from Valence
ASOA Valence
Association Sportive d'Origine Arménienne de Valence was a French football team playing in the city of Valence, Drôme.-History:The team ended in 2005 due to financial problems...
, he is their longest serving current player and club captain.
Playing career
Larrieu started his career in his native France at MontpellierMontpellier HSC
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city...
, but finding it impossible to dislodge the experienced French international Bruno Martini
Bruno Martini
Bruno Martini is a retired French footballer who played as a goalkeeper.His professional career was closely associated with Auxerre, for which he played 13 years...
, he decided to move on. His next club was ASOA Valence
ASOA Valence
Association Sportive d'Origine Arménienne de Valence was a French football team playing in the city of Valence, Drôme.-History:The team ended in 2005 due to financial problems...
where he played with another future Plymouth player, David Friio
David Friio
David Friio is a French former professional footballer who achieved notable success in England with Plymouth Argyle between 2000 and 2005. He was a midfielder and now works as a scout for Manchester United....
, until their relegation into the French Third Division when Larrieu was released along with Friio in the summer of 2000.
Following a six-month break he was recommended to Argyle's manager, Paul Sturrock
Paul Sturrock
Paul Whitehead Sturrock is a Scottish football manager who, since July 2010, is the manager of Southend United. Until this appointment, Sturrock had most recently been at English League 1 club Plymouth Argyle in a business support role, having been relieved of his managerial duties, until he quit...
and was signed on a one-month trial contract, making his debut on December 6, in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
versus Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
. Having been signed as a back-up keeper, he played 14 league games following injury to regular goalkeeper Jon Sheffield
Jon Sheffield
Jonathon Sheffield is a former professional goalkeeper.Sheffield came through the youth system at Norwich City, but made just one appearance for their first team when he deputised for the suspended Bryan Gunn in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Carrow Road on 15 April 1989...
and despite obvious rustiness and nerves he was rewarded with a permanent contract.
Larrieu was surprisingly made first choice for the 2001–02
2001-02 in English football
The 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the...
season but this decision proved to be a masterstroke. Plymouth became champions of Division Three
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
(now League 2) with Larrieu conceding only 28 goals, keeping 27 clean-sheets (a club record) and pulling off many a fine save. He was also named in the PFA Division Three team of the year. He was again first choice for the 2002–03
2002-03 in English football
The 2002-03 season was the 123rd season of competitive football in England.-Most Memorable rise:*Wigan Athletic marked their 25th season of Football League membership by winning the Division Two championship and reaching the league's second tier for the very first time.-Most Memorable...
season as he became a fan favourite at Home Park
Home Park
Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901...
. After that he was linked with a shock move to then Premiership champions Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. But his 2003–04
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
season was cut short after 6 games after sustaining damaged knee ligaments. Argyle won promotion from Division 2 (now League 1) that season, and in 2004–05
2004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
he shared goalkeeping duties with Luke McCormick
Luke McCormick
Luke Martin McCormick is a former English football goalkeeper. He played for Plymouth Argyle between 2003 and 2008, but his contract was cancelled by mutual consent in July 2008 after he caused a car crash which killed two children...
in the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
.
The following season (2005–06
2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
) Larrieu resumed duties as first choice goalkeeper playing in 45 of the 46 league fixtures again putting in impressive displays. In the 2006–07
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
season, he suffered with testicular cancer, and after his recovery,he was allowed to go out on loan to Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
.
He made his debut for Gillingham in a 2–0 away defeat to Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
on 23 January 2007. What was originally intended to be a short term loan was extended until mid-April, because of injury to Gillingham goalkeeper Kelvin Jack
Kelvin Jack
Kelvin Kyron Jack is a Trinidadian football goalkeeper who currently plays for Maidstone United. He has earned 33 caps for Trinidad and Tobago since his international debut in 1997 and played for his country in the 2006 FIFA World Cup....
.
The 2007–08
2007-08 in English football
The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
season was another disappointment for Larrieu. With McCormick continuing to be the first choice goalkeeper, Larrieu was sent on loan to Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
for a month long loan, where he made six appearances in the league for them. After some impressive form he returned to Plymouth and established himself as the number one goalkeeper until Christmas, where a second bout of ill health ended up ruling him out for the rest of the season, meaning he was only able to play 15 games for Plymouth all year.
Larrieu began the 2008–09 season behind former Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
man Graham Stack, but returned to the side in the 2–1 win at Watford and kept his place for the remainder of the season, proving to be as influential as ever in his 40 league appearances. In recognition of his performances throughout the season, Larrieu was voted as Plymouth Argyle Player of the Year by the clubs supporters. As of the 2009–10 season he will be club captain.
Coaching career
On 19th September 2011, Larrieu was appointed first-team coach to new interim player-manager Carl Fletcher following the sacking of Peter ReidPeter Reid
Peter Reid is an English football manager, pundit and retired player, who is currently without a club since his departure from Plymouth Argyle.A defensive midfielder in his playing days, Reid enjoyed a long and successful career...
on a temporary basis
Career statistics
| Club | League | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Montpellier Montpellier HSC Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city... |
Ligue 1 Ligue 1 Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2.... |
|||||||||||
| 1996–97 1996-97 in English football The 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1997–98 1997-98 in English football The 1997-1998 season was the 118th season of competitive football in England.-Premier League:Arsenal overhauled Manchester United's lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| ASOA Valence ASOA Valence Association Sportive d'Origine Arménienne de Valence was a French football team playing in the city of Valence, Drôme.-History:The team ended in 2005 due to financial problems... |
Ligue 2 Ligue 2 Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division... |
|||||||||||
| 1998–99 1998-99 in English football -Premier League:Manchester United overcame close competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea to win their fifth Premiership title in seven seasons thanks to the comeback of Roy Keane after his long-term injury and a transfer raid totalling nearly £30 million which netted Aston Villa striker... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1999–00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Plymouth Argyle | Third Division Football League Third Division The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two... |
|||||||||||
| 2000–01 2000–01 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season The 2000–01 season was the 88th competitive season in the history of Plymouth Argyle Football Club.-Matches:-Standings:-Matches:-Matches:-Matches:-Squad statistics:-External links:**... |
15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 0 | ||
| 2001–02 | 45 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 0 | ||
| Second Division Football League Second Division From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams... |
2002–03 | 43 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 0 | |
| 2003–04 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2004–05 | 23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2005–06 | 45 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 0 | ||
| 2006–07 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| Total | 183 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 199 | 0 | ||
| Gillingham Gillingham F.C. Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium... |
League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
|||||||||||
| 2006–07 2006-07 in English football The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five... |
14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| Total | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
||||||||||||
| 2007–08 2007-08 in English football The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool... |
6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Total | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Plymouth Argyle | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
|||||||||||
| 2007–08 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season The 2008–09 football season was Plymouth Argyle Football Club's 40th season in the Football League Championship, the second division of English football, and their 104th as a professional club. It officially began on 1 July 2008, and concluded on 30 June 2009, although competitive matches are only... |
41 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season The 2009–10 season was the 115th season in the history of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, their 85th in the Football League, and 41st in the second tier of the English football league system. Their 21st place finish in the 2008–09 season meant it was their sixth successive season playing in the... |
25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | ||
| League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
2010–11 2010–11 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English association football club based in Plymouth, Devon. The 2010–11 season is their 108th as a professional club, their 86th as a member of the Football League and 39th in the third tier of the English football league system... |
18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 0 | |
| League Two Football League Two Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
2011–12 2011–12 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season The 2011–12 season is Plymouth Argyle's 100th as a professional football club, their 87th as a member of the Football League and their sixth in Football League Two, the fourth tier of the English football league system.-Background:... |
7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| Total | 106 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 116 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 310 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 337 | 0 | ||
Club
Plymouth ArgylePlymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
- Third Division ChampionsFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
(1): 2001–022001-02 in English footballThe 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the... - Second Division ChampionsFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
(1): 2003–042003-04 in English footballThe 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
Individual
- PFA Third Division Team of the YearPFA Team of the YearThe Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
(1): 2001–022001-02 in English footballThe 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the... - Plymouth Argyle Player of the Year (1): 2008–09
External links
- Romain Larrieu player profile at pafc.co.uk