By Tom George
January 22 2007

Gillingham have today swooped for French goalkeeper Romain Larrieu. On loan from Championship side Plymouth Argyle, Larrieu will become the Gills’ fifth keeper of the current campaign, which is still only 5 months old. Larrieu is a massive presence between the sticks, and was very highly rated in the west country, describes as “The Best Keeper outside of the Premiership”.

The Gills’ new recruit was an integral part of both teams that won promotion to Plymouth’s lofty position in England’s second tier after his signing on a free in 2000.

Recently however, the wind has been somewhat taken out of the Frenchman’s sails; after an almost ever present season in the 2005/6 campaign he has struggled to find a place in the Argyle squad- kept out of new boss Ian Holloway’s side by his old rival Luke McCormick.

Ben Saunders, a Gillingham fan in the West country had this to say about the latest recruit: “Frankly I am surprised that Larrieu has been allowed to leave by Argyle- He was very highly rated down here, and would have a place in most Championship teams. An excellent signing for Gillingham.”

Romain Larrieu Facts:

Date of Birth: 31/08/1976 (Age 30)
Height :6’2”
Weight: 14 st 0 lbs


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Meanwhile Luton have recalled Dean Brill to play in their FA Cup replay tie. Brill was one of the star performers against Cheltenham and it is hoped that the highly rated Larrieu shall fill Brill's gloves!