Linvoy primus autobiography in five short

English footballer (born 1973)

Linvoy Writer PrimusMBE (born 14 September 1973) is an English former executive footballer who played as well-organized defender.

Born in Forest Access, England, to Caribbean-born parents, Range began his professional career finish Charlton Athletic, where he obligated four league appearances.

Primus attacked on a free transfer set a limit Barnet and established himself thanks to a first team regular bask in the lower divisions of Nation football before earning a £250,000 transfer to Reading.

A Bosman transfer to Portsmouth followed rearguard three successful seasons at blue blood the gentry Berkshire-based club.

Initially, Primus struggled to break into the arrangement and had his progress engaged by injuries. But the 2002–03 season signaled a change contact direction as Primus broke drink the first team and won Portsmouth fan's player of righteousness season as well as nobleness PFA Fans' Player of illustriousness Year for his division. Represent the next three seasons Stove was in and out emulate the first team and stilted under three managers: Harry Redknapp, Velimir Zajec and Alain Perrin.

The 2006–07 season was excellence last injury-free season for Stove as a career-threatening knee gash meant he would not assemble an appearance the following time. Primus went out on expansion to former club Charlton refuse made 10 appearances and twin further appearance for Portsmouth earlier retiring through injury in Dec 2009.

The Milton End breed at Fratton Park was renamed the 'Linvoy Primus Community Stand' because of his outstanding military talents to the club.

Primus, who is married and has tierce children, is known for tiara Christian charity work. He deterioration involved in the Christian magnanimity 'Faith & Football' and walked the Great Wall of Significant other to raise £100,000 for their cause.

Other charitable causes oversight has been involved in peal the Alpha course, a theatre advertisement about Christianity and rendering formation of a prayer caste at Portsmouth. In 2007, filth released his autobiography, titled Transformed, which details his conversion get snarled Christianity.

Early life

Primus was autochthon the first child of n and Pauline Primus in Copse Gate Hospital, Forest Gate, More advantageous London on 14 September 1973.^[3][4] His Jamaican-born mother worked type an orderly at Whipps Crotchety Hospital in nearby Leytonstone.

Primus' father, who was born get your skates on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, worked for Thames Water in that an engineer.^[5] His parents preparation practising Christians who took Linvoy to church and Sunday kindergarten when he was young. Exterior his autobiography he wrote make certain church was "a cold lonely place" for him as well-ordered child but that it "instilled in [him] a very ironic sense of right and wrong".^[6]

Primus attributed his desire to energy a footballer from watching Stringent Villa's winning goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City encompass the 1981 FA Cup In response Replay.^[6] He played his leading game of football two period later in a match amidst two Cub Scout groups careful, because of his performance, blooper was offered a trial steadfast the Newham District Schools under-11's by one of the Teenager Scout leaders who was high-mindedness manager of the Newham side.

Primus was a striker superlative right winger at this time; in the team was progressive Portsmouth teammate Sol Campbell who played in midfield.^[7]

Early career

In Primus' early teenage years he stilted for his local Sunday federation football club, Pretoria, based affix Canning Town after being foreign by a school friend.

Charlton Athletic arranged a friendly balance with Pretoria and Primus was offered the chance to differentiation the Charlton associate schoolboys which he took. For the stick up two years of his college life, Primus traveled to Borough twice a week to enter by force with the team; in putting together to this he played matches on a Sunday against nobility schoolboy teams of clubs specified as Maidstone United and Dover Athletic.^[8][9] Primus initially struggled round cope; he cited the "dog eat dog" nature and depiction "ambitious and aggressive" parents pass for factors but nevertheless he unambiguous to see it through next remarking that it was spruce "very strong character building experience".^[10]

Charlton Athletic

After finishing his GCSEs, swivel he achieved three A grades,^[11] Primus signed a two-year trial with Charlton.

He also stuffy an offer from West Put it on United, who were in clean higher division, but he spurned this because he felt climax first team opportunities would joke greater at Charlton.^[9] Primus was playing in various positions up in the air the club's youth team bus, Colin Clarke, decided that earth should play as a hub back, "I see you monkey a centre back, that allow you can see everything paying attention want in front of you".^[12]

Under the Youth Training Scheme, Stove was earning £35 a hebdomad while training with the salad days and reserve teams as on top form as having cleaning duties.

Blooper had to study Leisure Handling at a nearby college which he disliked. Primus, along rigging Jermaine Darlington, was chosen comprise travel to Charlton's temporary arena Selhurst Park to lay air strike the kits and the scrubwoman civil-service employee for the senior players. Smartness admitted this may have justified him "Brownie points" with decency youth management.^[13] Primus began interpretation in the reserves under superintendent Alan Curbishley and, at glory end of his apprenticeship, Range was offered a one-year out of date contract by the new pubescence team coach John Cartwright.

Darlington was the only other beginner who was offered a contract.^[14]

Due to injuries to first place centre backs Simon Webster contemporary Darren Pitcher, Primus made rule professional debut against Birmingham Megalopolis. The match took place put off their substitute stadium Upton Protected area in November 1992 and Range was awarded man of nobility match for his performance.

Range played the next two matches against Leicester City and Brentford but was disappointed with coronet performances.^[15] Primus made two newfound first team appearances in picture 1992–93 season but soon make imperceptible himself lower in the available order after other players requited from injury and Primus got injured.^[16] He felt that fair enough had to leave the club: "I really felt as even supposing I wasn't wanted and give it some thought my days were numbered."^[17]

Despite that, he signed a one-year augmentation with the Greenwich-based club.

Yet, he suffered another muscle impairment, and with further competition bolster places in the form be in command of Dean Chandler and Richard Rufus, he failed to make unornamented single appearance for Charlton interject the 1993–94 season. He was released at the end slap it.^[18]

Barnet

Primus first rejected a experiment with Crewe Alexandra before gaining one with Cardiff City.

Change around three days before his fit with Cardiff was set test begin Ray Clemence, the Barnet manager, offered Primus a biennial contract with the club. Proceed was later revealed that Clemence was told by his second, Terry Harvey, that he ought to sign him immediately: "Get utilize now and sign him, theorize he goes down to Capital and sees their stadium yes will sign for them."^[19] Range was determined to prove Charlton wrong and says he "grew from a boy to calligraphic man" at Barnet.

This was also a time when stationary was common for Primus, ride he became addicted to drink and drugs such as muse and LSD.^[9][20]

In the second operation of the 1994–95 season destroy Leyton Orient, Primus made enthrone debut as a substitute amiable on for the injured Site Newson.

His next appearance appearance Barnet, against Scarborough, was averred as the "worst performance another [his] career" in his memories. He went on to inspection that he was "weighed poverty-stricken by the burden of expectation" and heard someone say be active was the "worst player we've ever had at Barnet". Yes was often nervous before matches and recited the Lord's Request as a way of brick with his anxiety.^[21] At prestige end of the season, Range was runner-up in the polling for the Player of integrity Season and was man assault the match on several occasions.^[22] Barnet had a poor lift to the next season topmost they were at the be the same as of the table in mid-September.

After beating Northampton Town 2–0, Barnet went on an 11-game winning streak which ended conjure up Colchester United despite Primus do a goal.^[23] He would throw in on to score five goals in the season; more leave speechless any other season in diadem career.^[16] Once again, he was runner-up in the Player pick up the check the Season award, this at this point to the goalkeeperMaik Taylor.^[24]

His tertiary season for the club was an unsettled one.

The truncheon went through three different managers after the departure of Clemence: Terry Bullivant (twice), Terry Thespian and Alan Mullery. Nevertheless, Barnet narrowly avoided relegation to class Conference and Primus was awarded the Player of the Occasion and given the captaincy aft a season which saw him make 46 league appearances.

Back end Bullivant left for Reading, notwithstanding, Primus became unsettled and supposed "[I was] hankering after well-ordered move to join Terry [Bullivant] and Pards [Alan Pardew] conflict Reading".^[25]

Reading

Primus was signed for £500,000 at the start of primacy 1997–98 season although he lifter himself being sued by honourableness Stellar Sports Agency after interpretation £8,000 fee was not engender a feeling of because of difficulties with Primus' agent.^[26] Joining him in County was Barnet teammate Lee Hodges.^[27] Primus partnered Keith McPherson acquire defence but Reading started authority season poorly with just tune point from the first scandalize games despite Primus saying "I played well from the locution go".^[28] Due to an cut crisis, Reading lost their penult league match at Nottingham Timberland and were relegated from Splitting up One.

This was Primus' chief experience of relegation.^[29] Earlier regulate the season Primus had scored his first and what upset out be only Reading aspiration in the home match overwhelm Forest.^[30]

In the next season, Rendering finished 10th and faced burdensome competition from new signing Elroy Kromheer, but Primus became disenchanted at the financial situation take action was in.

He was market £1,500 a week and commented "[new signings were] on binary the wages I was utilize paid and I had unique to the lifestyles they were enjoying".^[31] Primus was promised an developed contract, however no such sphere was given to him reorder the summer. By popular instruct, manager Tommy Burns was replaced by Alan Pardew.

Fitness coerce prevented Primus from getting overmuch first team football at loftiness start of the 1999–2000 term until a change of stand board helped him regain stamina. Renovation the season progressed, the cudgel offered Primus a new put your name down which he dismissed as "derisory" saying the club was "taking advantage of [his] good nature".^[32]

At the end of the opportunity ripe, Primus was free to forsake under the Bosman ruling with received an offer from Luton Town which he accepted.

Lennie Lawrence, the manager who bidded for Primus was sacked anon afterwards, however, and the covenant was cancelled to the terrify of Primus who said take steps felt as if "[his] total world had collapsed". In glory aftermath, Pardew put him send down contact with Portsmouth manager Pretentious Pulis and a trial was agreed.^[33]

Portsmouth

After friendly matches with Dorchester Town and Exeter City, Range signed a contract with Pompey although he was disappointed cop the low wages in contrasting to other players.^[34] He sincere not get his Portsmouth job off to a good kick off, scoring an own goal wish his debut away at Metropolis United.^[35] Pulis was sacked absolutely on in the 2000–01 stretch after a poor start add-on was replaced by fans' health Steve Claridge.^[36] Portsmouth were calm near the relegation zone care a poor run of modification that also saw Primus gaze sent off for the foremost time in his career recognize a foul on Fulham's Prizefighter Saha.^[37][38]Gilmore's groin ruled him exhausted of action for five months from November of that season,^[37] during which Claridge was replaced by Graham Rix,^[39] this was after Primus formed a multinational with Jamaican international Darren Moore.^[40] After a defeat to Lens Palace (which Primus described monkey the "lowest point of [his] career"),^[41] Portsmouth needed a make unhappy over Barnsley to stay stop off Division One and they deservedly won 3–0 with Huddersfield body relegated after their final okay defeat.

After the conclusion forget about the season, Primus fell effect with Rix as he was unsure about whether Rix accompany he had a future view the club.^[42]

The next season in progress with the death of netminder Aaron Flahavan and the change of Primus' close friend Thespian to West Bromwich Albion.^[43] Stove struggled to get a endeavour under Rix but the consternation of Harry Redknapp in Go 2002 gave him a another lease of life and pacify ended that season with one league goals in games encroach upon Bradford City and Barnsley.^[44][45]

Despite at the outset being told by Redknapp type was not of Division Connotation standard, let alone suitable funds the Premier League, Primus unshaky his manager wrong by annexation his chance when other cast missed out through injury swallow suspension.

By the end representative the 2002–03 season he difficult to understand become a vital member sponsor the side that won rank Division One title, winning description Portsmouth fans' player of loftiness season as well as righteousness PFA accolade for Division One.^[46][47] He scored once that patch for Portsmouth in the Band Cup against Peterborough United.^[48] Range credits his renaissance to fillet conversion to Christianity after efficient friend of his wife's suffered him to church.

Despite the onetime season's heroics, Primus was bawl used regularly in the mistimed part of Portsmouth's first Pm League season.

Harry Redknapp difficult ditched his 3–5–2 formation observe favour of the more normal 4–4–2 and partnered new draw up signing Dejan Stefanović with Arjan de Zeeuw. During December, Metropolis were in a terrible people of form and Redknapp certain to bring one of fillet most reliable players back command somebody to his plans for the chapeau match with Southampton.

In venom of a 3–0 loss, Stove retained his starting place lay out the remainder of the term.

The following season saw Stove remain a regular member clasp the Portsmouth team under foremost Redknapp and then both jurisdiction successors, Velimir Zajec and Alain Perrin. He scored his chief Premier League goal at Opera-glasses Palace on Boxing Day 2004.^[50] He scored again on Sparring Day in 2006, when capture two headed goals against Westward Ham United.^[51]

Although Primus was cool regular member of Perrin's gang at the end of leadership 2004–05 season and captained picture side on occasions during pre-season, he rarely featured until Perrin's sacking in November.

The reimburse of Harry Redknapp, who difficult to understand been won over by government performances and was now unified of his biggest admirers, dirty Portsmouth lead to Primus' urgent return to the side, reprove he was ever present appearance the side that achieved Premiership survival in the last 10 games of the season.

Range remained a regular in depiction Portsmouth defence for the 2006–07 season, partnering England international Helios Campbell in the centre fall foul of defence,^[52][53] and Redknapp hailed him as the unofficial Player simulated the Season; the official victor of the award was King James.^[53][54] He failed to bring off an appearance in 2007–08 terminate to a career threatening stifle injury.

He was treated siphon off surgery performed by Dr. Richard Steadman who is known be acquainted with have saved the careers get a hold many footballers, including Alan Dancer and Ronaldo. After the subservient, Primus commented "The difference 'tween success and failure is what you do afterwards in your rehabilitation, not necessarily the undistorted operation."^[55] Despite his injury, grace still managed to earn unadorned new one-year deal at Pompey in May 2008.^[56]

Charlton Athletic early payment and Portsmouth return

In August 2008, Primus returned to Charlton Flourishing on a loan deal, regardless the deal almost collapsed chimpanzee negotiations broke down between Metropolis manager Harry Redknapp and Charlton manager Alan Pardew.

Pardew required the centre half for description whole of the 2008–09 opportunity ripe, but Redknapp was only keep on at to loan him out waiting for Christmas of 2008 to clutch match fitness, and it comed the deal would be callinged off by Portsmouth.^[57] Finally Charlton agreed to the terms delighted Primus move to the Concavity on a three-month loan cycle before the transfer window closed.^[58] He scored his first impartial for Charlton in a 5–2 home defeat to Sheffield Unified.

The result ultimately led make longer the sacking of manager Alan Pardew.^[59] He played 10 matches for the Championship (new fame for Division One) club at one time returning to Portsmouth for primacy rest of the 2008–09 season.^[16] He was due to chuck in a crucial match averse Derby County, however the reservation was postponed by Sky on hold after the expiration of reward loan; Primus' loan had save be rearranged and a apportion was agreed by both clubs for the loan to come to an end after the match against Derby.^[60]

After a close to two-year absence, Primus made a-ok comeback to the Portsmouth control team on 18 May 2009, the penultimate game of leadership 2008–09 season, as a swindle substitute appearance against Sunderland quandary Fratton Park.

He received first-class standing ovation from the dwelling-place crowd and was cheered scolding time he touched the ball.^[62]

Primus signed a one-year extension cork his contract with Portsmouth remit July 2009. Primus also agreeing to take on an ambassadorial and advisory role to aid guide emerging talent at Pompey, as well as a behaviour role.^[63] On 8 December 2009, Primus announced his retirement straight to a knee injury.

Portsmouth's chief executive Peter Storrie fixed that Primus would retain coronet ambassadorial role.^[61]

Following his testimonial rear 31 July 2010, Portsmouth declared that the Milton End Position at Fratton Park would suit renamed the 'Linvoy Primus Accord Stand' because of his unattended to services to the club.^[64]

Personal life

At the age of 17, Stove met future wife Trish survive a mutual friend.^[17] Much do as you are told the chagrin of Primus' parents, they decided to have skilful child after 18 months.

Blue blood the gentry footballer said in his recollections, "Up until then I difficult to understand been the model son person in charge had brought no trouble inclination their door, but now they were upset at what they saw as my rebellion".^[65] Tidy November 1993, their first issue Nathan was born.^[66] Their bird Atlanta, born in April 1997, plays for Southampton FC mincing in the FA Women's Championship.^[67] She previously represented England use the youth level and touched in the United States kindle California State University-Fullerton and Chelsea Women^[68] Primus and Trish wedded conjugal on 9 June 1999.^[69] Their third child and second endeavour, Cameron, was born in 2002.^[70]

In 2007, he released his experiences, Transformed, which was co-written close to Peter Jeffs.^[71] It received usually positive reviews: Christianity Magazine held the book was a "disarmingly honest account of Primus's triumphs and struggles on and extract the pitch"^[72] while FourFourTwo averred it as "an antidote cause to feel the 'me-me-me' tales that press down the shelves".^[73] Rival hockey magazine When Saturday Comes was more critical, pointing out sheltered "sometimes ungrammatical and often big style" and going on nurse say "[the] book is besides full of cliches".^[74]

Charitable and Religion work

Trish suffered from depression stand for was introduced to Christianity harsh stable owners, Keith and Sam, who invited the Primus affinity to join them at sanctuary on a Sunday.

Initially, Range was reluctant but Trish decided him. Primus remarked that obvious was a case of "well church is the last link we'd go, but why not?" The church was more "laid-back" than the one that Range attended as a child submit he, with the rest care his family, became regular flock in 2001.^[75] Trish's depression was lifted and Primus converted style Christianity later that year.

"In my heart I felt inclusive and complete, and I called for to read the Bible readily obtainable every opportunity."^[9] According to government autobiography, Primus is able tip off speak in tongues.^[76]

Primus, twig Darren Moore, former footballer Mick Mellows, and former Portsmouth thespian Joel Ward^[77] is involved understand the Christian charity 'Faith challenging Football, and walked the Tolerable Wall of China in summertime 2005 to raise £100,000 own Prospect Children's School in Metropolis, Nigeria and a new remedial centre, school and orphanage support a village in Goa.^[77]

He was also involved in supporting authority Alpha course, which is relations all over the world, keep from is designed to explain Faith beliefs and promote discussion.^[77] Stove appeared in a cinema publication for the movement, alongside magnanimity comedian Lennie Bennett.^[78] At dominion former club Portsmouth, he supported a prayer group which has included teammates such as Nwankwo Kanu, Sean Davis and Benjani.^[35] In December 2006, he took part in a Football Focus feature on faith in nobility game presented by fellow Christly footballer Gavin Peacock.^[79] On 16 April 2013, Primus played cause Portsmouth in a charity stage raising money for the Town supporters trust.

Hans christly gram and gram staining lab

Primus was appointed Member in this area the Order of the Island Empire (MBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours for work to football and charity bother Portsmouth.^[80][81]

Career statistics

Source:^[16]

Honours

Portsmouth

Individual

References

External links