Argyle Appoint Adams

Derek, 39, comes to Home Park after a highly successful career in Scotland, first as a player and latterly as a manager.

After taking over the reins at Ross County aged just 32, he managed the highland side to the heights of Scottish football, winning two titles in five years and establishing County as a top Premiership side.

In seven years at the Dingwall-based club, he also guided the Staggies to their first ever Scottish FA Cup final appearance and two Scottish Challenge Cup finals.

After a successful playing career as a striker between 1995-2009 for Motherwell, Ayr United, Aberdeen, Livingston and Ross County, he graduated to the County manager’s job in October 2007 and won the Scottish Second Division in his debut season in the dugout.

He topped that in 2011-12 by taking the Staggies into the top flight for their first time in their history, winning the First Division 24 points ahead of second-placed Dundee. The title was sewn up five games before the end of the season on the back of a 34-game unbeaten run, securing Derek the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.

The following season, he earned a second successive Manager of the Year nomination after guiding County to fifth place in their debut Premiership season, just one point away from Europe qualification.  In 2013-14, he secured a seventh place for County, from who he parted company last season.

In between his two title triumphs, Derek also took the Staggies to their first ever Scottish FA Cup final appearance, in 2010, beating Premiership sides Hibernian and Celtic on their way to Hampden Park, and a Scottish Challenge Cup final victory the following season. 

Everyone at Home Park, and the worldwide Green Army, wishes Derek continued success in his career as he becomes the 47th man – and 12th Scot – to have been entrusted with being in charge of Argyle since the Pilgrims entered the Southern League in 1903.