Adams returns to Plymouth as director of football

Derek Adams spent four years as Plymouth manager between 2015 and 2019

Plymouth have appointed former manager Derek Adams as their new director of football.

Adams was sacked from the club in 2019 after four years in the dugout, having led them to promotion from League Two in 2017.

The 50-year-old was most recently in charge of National League side Morecambe through a troubled period for the club before being sacked in August following their takeover by new owners.

An Argyle club statement said Adams would "manage the men's first-team structure" alongside head coach Tom Cleverley and head of football operations David Fox and "provide strategic guidance" rather than being involved in "day-to-day coaching responsibilities".

Plymouth are currently bottom of League One and have lost their past five matches in all competitions.

They have won just four out of 15 league games so far under former Watford boss Cleverley, who was appointed in the summer.

The ex-Manchester United midfielder said following their 3-1 defeat by Huddersfield on Saturday that he will "fight" to turn the team's fortunes around.

The club's former head of recruitment Tom Randle - who oversaw the summer transfer window - left the club by mutual consent last month.

Since leaving Plymouth five years ago, Adams has had three stints as manager of Morecambe during which he guided them to promotion to League One.

The Scot also spent eight months as manager of Bradford City in 2021-22 and resigned after 12 games as boss of Ross County in February 2024 following a third spell in charge at the Scottish Premiership club.

"Derek is someone who knows Argyle well after a long period of time here as manager," Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett said.

"He has extensive knowledge across all areas of the football pyramid in both England and Scotland and will provide valuable support to both David and Tom as we look to come through this challenging period.

"He is someone that has experience of tough circumstances and will work closely with all areas of the men's football department to ensure results and performances improve."

'Adams has a formidable task' - analysis

By Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport South West

If somebody had said at the start of the season that Derek Adams would be returning to Home Park in November they would probably have been laughed at.

But perhaps a return for someone who knows the club, is an experienced manager, and is well-versed in League One is what Argyle need to turn their fortunes around.

Adams has a formidable task on his hands - the Pilgrims' recruitment over the summer could be described as 'patchy' at best.

They struggled to secure a first-choice striker before bringing in the impressive Lorent Tolaj late in the window, while signings such as Bim Pepple, Brendan Wiredu and Jamie Paterson have struggled to make an impact.

The club's senior football staff behind the scenes has seen massive turnover during the past 12 months - Argyle fans will hope Adams can provide some stability and leadership that can strengthen the squad and propel them away from their perilous spot at the bottom of League One.