In this new feature, we take a look at a former Gull and see what happened to them after they left Plainmoor and what the devil they are up to now. This week: Jimmy Aggrey.
Super Jimmy Aggrey signed for the Mighty Gulls on October 29, 1998 after coming through the ranks at Chelsea. Spells with Fulham and Scottish outfit Airdrie didn’t work out and he signed for the Yellows on what was initially a one-month deal.
The giant cente-half made his Torquay debut in a 1-1 draw against Scarborough and impressed enough to earn a permanent contract before breaking into the first-team in the 2000/01 season. That season was arguably the most impressive of Aggrey’s career. After being named Man of the Match an incredible 15 times that campaign, he was deservedly voted the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’. This was at a time when at his own request, Jimmy asked to be made available for transfer but withdrew this when manager Wes Saunders departed.
However, the following season, Aggrey was frozen out by new Gulls boss Roy McFarland and after a unsuccessful trial at Rushden and Diamonds, agreed a settlement of his remaining six-month contract with Chairman Mike Bateson.
So what did Super Jimmy get up to after that? Well let’s just say that he never needed to unpack when moving house because over the next four years, the bruising defender had spells with Dover Athletic, Taunton Town, Harrow Borough, Yeovil Town, TNS, Bohemians and Woking! Phew!
In July 2005, Jimmy hung up his boots at the young age of 27. So what then for the former United number 7? An office job? Perhaps a job as a doorman? Or how about…..a job as an actor!
Incredibly, Jimmy Aggrey has followed in the footsteps of Vinnie Jones and has been seen on screen by millions! Aggrey made a few brief appearances in Eastenders as one of Johnny Allen’s henchmen and is now a regular on Sky One’s Dream Team.
The programme is about a fictional Premiership side called Harchester United and Jimmy plays a character called William-Laurent Dioup. He plays a tough-tackling midfielder from Senegal and although he is very much an ‘extra’, he has had the odd line here and there!
Who would have thought it. Former Gull favourite Jimmy Aggrey pursuing an acting career! Well good luck Jimmy. You deserve it and we’ll never forget your heroic defending in the 2000/01 season.
The names Aggrey, Jimmy Aggrey!
Did You Know?
– Jimmy’s middle name is Emmanuel.
– Jimmy has experience in the UEFA Cup after playing in a qualifying game for Welsh side TNS against Manchester City.
– Jimmy scored on his debut for Irish side Bohemians against Shamrock Rovers with the Dublin Derby being shown live on Irish television.
– Jimmy’s character on Dream Team was named William-Laurent Dioup as the producers were reminded of Fulham and Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop when they saw him.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts with regards to Super Jimmy Aggrey.
The comments thingy’s not working – I keep trying to leave a comment but it won’t let me 🙁
Typical it did that time! Great article Tommy
Yes very interesting i often wonder what happens to these people, and its great that you have taken the time to let us know.
A really good read