Former manager Derek Adams has returned to Argyle as the club’s new director of football, in charge of the men’s first team.
Adams joined Argyle as manager in 2015 and enjoyed four successful years in the South West, which included promotion to League One.
Since then, the 50-year-old has had three spells with Morecambe and both Bradford City and Ross County and now returns as director of football.
Adams will lead the men’s first team structure and support Head of Football Operations David Fox and Head Coach Tom Cleverley by providing strategic guidance rather than day-to-day coaching duties.
Chief executive Simon Hallett is delighted with the Scot’s return and commented: “Derek is someone who knows Argyle well after a long time as manager.
“He has extensive knowledge of all areas of the football pyramid in both England and Scotland and will provide valuable support to both David and Tom as they navigate this challenging time.”
“He is someone who has experience of difficult circumstances and will work closely with all areas of the men’s football department to ensure results and performances improve.
“I’m delighted to welcome him back to Argyle.”
Paul Berne, Argyle’s chief executive, added: “We all recognize that the situation we find ourselves in is not good enough and the board is confident that bringing in someone with Derek’s experience will assist us in our work to improve.”
“He will work closely with the men’s football team as we approach a busy period and approach the January transfer window.
“He has the experience and expertise to contribute immediately to planning and decision-making and I look forward to seeing him back at Home Park.”
Derek will start his new role on Monday and we will have his first interview back at the club exclusively on Argyle TV next week.
Derek Adams speaks for the first time about the emotional and professional toll of his departure from Morecambe
Tom Cleverley reacts as Plymouth end up bottom of League One with a fifth consecutive defeat
Here’s how fans reacted as Derek Adams takes on a new role at Plymouth months after being released by Morecambe…
@Hopey_Media: I love that! I’m happy to see Derek back in football
@ArgyleMemes: We’re so back, Babbbby!!!!
@TomSagee: “First task: fire Cleverley and give myself the job”
@prouty_0205: 44 2 pass and move
@ripdan25: I never thought I would ever miss you. Welcome home, now show these useless cunts what it means to play for this club, please and thank you
@Bruntyy: Good appointment! Knows the club and the fans very well and can support TC with everyday football tasks. However, it will be interesting to see how DF and DA will work together! We keep our fingers crossed that we as a team can quickly improve the results
@FeedTheSpud: I’m so torn about this; Great experience in the game and will certainly bump some heads, but another has no experience with the actual role he is taking on. I am pleased that the board has recognized the need for change and leadership – more is needed. #pafc
@MaccaSouth: Derek Adams as DOF is a fantastic deal. A clubman who won’t settle for mediocrity. However, it’s the biggest statement to support Cleverley, whether it means L2 or not, he’s not going anywhere. Hopefully Clev will be successful when he has Derek supporting and sorting out the backroom. #pafc
@jm_bell95: The club has changed exponentially since Derek left. After a bad four months, he left the company in shock. The majority of his four-year reign was, if nothing else, great theater. He will not tolerate the performances we have seen recently. Still massive pressure on TC #pafc
@reecemoore613: Brilliant appointment. However, it has been almost a year since Dewsnip left and we were told that we did not need a Director of Football and that is now a new role that Foxy is taking on. Also, Derek isn’t a data man. We are moving away from pure data
@Fraser1874: That’s a bit like throwing a toaster into the bathtub when someone is drowning. It’s extraordinary that this fraudster continues to get gigs. Fair play to him I think #PAFC #SPFL
@DanNewnham: The most desperate, random, strange, very, very bad, but funniest, absolutely shitty thing the Argyle board could do?! What the hell are they thinking?! Funny, I think
@t_fenlon: 2018: Simon Hallett is owner of Plymouth Argyle and Derek Adams, head of football, is rotting away at the bottom of League Three. 2025: Simon Hallett is owner of Plymouth Argyle and Derek Adams, director of football, is rotting away at the bottom of League Three. It’s hilarious.
@OffTheLineBlog: You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see what’s going to happen here, or…
@MorecambeFCFeed: Incredible stuff, I hope it works well
@Niall_pafc: I remember when Derek had the position of Manager and Football Operations, let’s take that back completely!
@Aaronpress1: Now all I need to do is sack Cleverley and hire a decent manager to work with Derek.
@lxwiscooke_: Finally someone who really doesn’t give a shit about the club
@lwestlake7: So you’re basically saying that we haven’t had a first team structure for the last two years
The king has returned #pafc https://t.co/DJidvGPKZK pic.twitter.com/Wb5KjKP2iT
– Joe (@jm_bell95) November 11, 2025
