Mackie finally signs for Argyle

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Mackie finally signs for Argyle

Mackie's transfer to Exeter's Devon rivals Plymouth is complete
Plymouth Argyle have signed Exeter City's top-scorer Jamie Mackie after weeks of speculation linking the striker to the Pilgrims.
The initial fee of £145,000 will rise with add-ons depending on appearances and international call-ups.

"I'm absolutely delighted. I'm over the moon with the move. I can't wait," Mackie told BBC South West.

The 21-year-old scored 14 goals this season and was voted December's Blue Square Premier player of the month.

Exeter agreed to let Mackie go after he requested a transfer.

But despite moving to Exeter's Devon rivals he says he has much to thank City for.

"A lot of people helped me there. It was a brilliant club for me. It's helped me develop my game to get me back to this level, so I leave thanking them a lot," he said.

If you talk to Jamie he's going to be playing next Saturday and that's the kind of attitude I want to bring to this side

Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock

Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock says Mackie is one for the future.

"He's an exciting talent that just needs to be nurtured a wee bit."

"I'm not expecting him to come charging into the team but if you talk to Jamie he's going to be playing next Saturday and that's the kind of attitude I want to bring to this side," he said.

And Sturrock says there no reason he cannot be a success, citing the recent sale of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to Wolves for £1.5m as an example.

"Sylvan Blake came here as a 20-year-old from Manchester United and all of a sudden he was in their first team scoring goals."

Mackie is not eligible for Saturday's FA Cup game with Portsmouth as he already played in the tournament for the Grecians.