When Luke Young was released by Plymouth Argyle at the end of last season, he said that it could be the making of him as a player.
Now- having signed for Torquay United- 'Youngy' will be looking to try and emulate the achievements of other former Argyle starlets who have carved out successful careers for themselves in the game after leaving Home Park for pastures new.
One such player is Ryan Leonard who made just one appearance for the Pilgrims- a substitute appearance against Blackpool in Ian Holloway's return to Home Park on March 27th 2010- before he was released by Peter Reid at the end of the 2010-11 season, whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration.
Following his release by Argyle, Ryan- the son of former Truro City and Plymouth Parkway boss, Dave Leonard- was snapped up by Southend United by former Pilgrims' boss Paul Sturrock; he has since gone on to become a regular fixture at Roots Hall under Sturrock's successor, Phil Brown, and in March 2014, he committed himself to a new three-and-a-half year contract with the Shrimpers.
Another player to have thrived as a footballer after being released by the Pilgrims is Scott Laird.
The son of former Bridgwater Town and Weston Super Mare manager, Craig Laird, Scott failed to make an appearance for Argyle, and was loaned out to Tiverton Town and Torquay before moving to Stevenage in 2008.
Whilst at the Amex Stadium, Scott helped The Boro to win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One under Graham Westley between 2010 and 2011, and later followed Westley to Preston North End- who he currently turns out for.
Moving away from Home Park also gave Luke Summerfield a fresh lease of life.
Like 'Youngy', Luke- the son of former Argyle midfielder and assistant manager Kevin Summerfield- made several appearances in the centre of the Pilgrims' midfield before he was released by the club in the summer of 2011.
On leaving Argyle, Summerfield junior signed for Cheltenham Town and helped the Robins reach the League Two Play-Off final in 2012, where they lost to Crewe Alexandra.
After their Play-Off final defeat, he joined Shrewsbury Town- another of his father's former clubs- before signing for York City, one of the Pilgrims' rivals in League Two this season.
Lastly, but by no means least, is Ryan Dickson who, after leaving Home Park in 2007, helped Brentford to win promotion from League Two in the 2008-09 campaign before he was snapped up by Southampton in 2010; he helped the Saints to win promotion from League One in the 2010-11 season and since appeared for Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient, Bradford City, Colchester United and Crawley Town.
So, all in all, Luke Young has a number of fine examples to follow as he looks to build his career away from Home Park.
