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The moving tributes to the late great Michael Foot reflect his political idealism and genuine integrity. Another side of his personality for which he will be fondly remembered but sadly missed by many was his unstinting support for Plymouth Argyle football club. Michael Foot was born opposite Freedom Fields in Plymouth, and I was born in Freedom Fields hospital on that site some 50 years later. As Plymouthians settled in London, one way of keeping in touch with fellow Devon exiles was attending football matches whenever Plymouth played in London-and Michael was a much loved and respected companion at Argyle games across the capital, invariably travelling by tube along with other members of the "Green Army". He used to joke that he "was used to supporting losing causes" (this was before the current electoral success of Labour) and I recall him speaking to some companions and I in a London pub about his wish to see Argyle in the Premiership with typical passion and rhetorical flair.
On his 90th bithday the football club registered him with the league as a squad player (no. 90) and he used to joke about how if things got really tough (Argyle never have much money) he was perfectly happy to come on and play, but (of course) "only as a left-winger".
He will be greatly missed on the tearraces and grandstands every bit as much as in the political sphere.

Yours,
Greg Foxsmith,