Worrell signs for Plymouth - January 24, 2001
Former Irish u21 international David Worrell, who has been on loan at Plymouth since November, has been rewarded for his form with a permanent contract which will keep him at Home Park until the end of the 2002-03 season.
Plymouth looked set for a swift exit from the league when David joined in November but since his arrival they have turned their season around.
The club had only won four from 17 games, but since Worrell took up his position at right back Plymouth have only lost one of seven, winning four.
Worrell was one of the 'Lions of Malaysia' - a member of the Irish team that made the initial breakthrough in underage football by finishing third in the World u20 championship in 1997.
The 23-year-old started his career at Blackburn Rovers but found it impossible to break into the team so he decided on a move up north to join Dundee United who were then managed by the current Plymouth boss, Paul Sturrock.
Dave settled well in the Scottish Premier League and was beginning to make a name for himself when he was struck down with injury. While he sat on the sidelines Sturrock lost his job and the new manager brought in new players.
Sturrock came to Worrell's rescue and offered him a loan deal at Plymouth and now has gone a step further by signing him on a two-and-a-half year contract for a nominal fee.
Sturrock said: "It could be argued that he has been the best player for us in every game in which he has been involved.
"Five or six more players like him at the football club and we would be going the right way."