Although Graham Carey’s summer 2015 transfer to Plymouth Argyle was a low-key move, the Irish winger ended up being one of the Pilgrims’ best recent additions.

The then-26-year-old, who had made 70 appearances in Scotland’s top division, came with a mediocre background after making a pretty harmless free move from Ross County, a lowly SPL team.

 

Graham Carey’s free transfer

Carey finished the 2014–15 season without scoring or providing an assist in any Highlanders games since November of the previous year, and Ross County finished ninth in the league.

His contract was not extended, and a transfer to the English fourth division was viewed as a much-needed step down, even though it is uncertain how much better the Scottish and English teams are.

Carey’s manager at Ross County from 2013 to 2014, Derek Adams, was aware of the Irishman’s potential. Adams welcomed his former winger on a free transfer after being named Plymouth’s manager in June 2015.

Carey would feel at home with fellow Celts Carl McHugh, Jordon Forster, and Gregg Wylde, despite the fact that the 653-mile journey from Dingwall to Devon was undoubtedly one of the longest intra-British moves in professional football history.

Two incredible seasons in League two

Carey made an immediate impression, scoring a deflected goal from thirty yards out on his debut in a 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.

The season proceeded as planned, with Plymouth starting the year in first place. However, a string of defeats in March condemned them to just a play-off spot.

Ironically, Argyle would lose to AFC Wimbledon 2-0 in the final. Carey was nevertheless named the 2015–16 League Two PFA fan’s player of the year.

In the subsequent season, Carey made even more progress. By September 3rd, Plymouth had regained their automatic promotion spots despite losing their opening two games, and they would not fall below that crucial third place for the rest of the season.

He would contribute a staggering 30 goals in the League alone, demonstrating that his speed and deft dribbling on the right wing were simply too much for League One defences to handle.

Carey quickly cemented his position in Pilgrims legend as Plymouth’s top scorer and assistant during this promotion campaign. His season-ending goal against Newport County, the third of a 6-1 thumping victory that guaranteed promotion, perfectly captured the terrifying potential he had shown opposition fullbacks all season.

Carey’s legacy at Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth nearly missed out on the League One play-offs the following season after a late surge in form that saw them finish second.

Carey, who was now somewhat of a biblical figure in Devon, was once again their top scorer.

Unfortunately, Plymouth’s fortunes were cut short the following season as they were demoted back to the fourth division. Adams was relieved of his responsibilities, and Carey—who was now too talented for League Two—made an odd transfer to CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.

He is considered by many to be one of the most dynamic players in Plymouth Argyle’s recent history after spending four years there. In hindsight, a deal for millions would still have been a steal for someone who signed on a free transfer.

The ‘Irish Magician’, who currently plays for St. Johnstone, is a hero at Home Park. Even though the years since his departure have been more profitable, some fans may still consider the Adams-Carey years to be their best.