Adams becomes Plymouth Argyle sporting director

Derek Adams was sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager in 2019 after four years in charge, having led them to promotion from League Two in 2017 [Shutterstock] Plymouth Argyle have appointed Derek Adams as the League One club's sporting director. The former Pilgrims manager - who had been director of football since last November - will lead on all football strategy at Home Park. David Fox, who had been head of football operations, will now add recruitment to his remit and will report to Adams. Fox will also be responsible for overseeing the pathway for academy players to head coach Tom Cleverley's first team. Adams' return to Argyle last year coincided with an upturn in form at Home Park -the Pilgrims were bottom of League One when he arrived but, with Adams supporting Cleverley and Fox, results turned around and they finished one place off the play-off positions in May. Adams returns to Plymouth as director of football This season, Argyle have had a strong start - they are top of League One after six wins from their first 10 games. "Derek brings a wealth of experience, which makes him well-suited to driving the strategy of the footballing side of the club, and leading the development of our academy progression, following the investment in the facility at Foulston Park," chief executive Paul Berne told the club website. "David has already been working significantly on our talent identification and recruitment work during the past 12 months, and he builds on this good work by taking direct responsibility for this area. "In addition, his knowledge of the EFL is a real benefit in helping us to bring players from the academy and support them to progress into the first team environment. "Derek and David are already working successfully with Tom and his coaching staff, and are ably supported by the data analysis, scouting and operations teams. Their appointment therefore allows us to clarify roles and to continue these ways of working." All the latest Plymouth Argyle news