Whole Package

The former Ross Country manager has become the 39th man to take permanent charge at Home Park after an extensive interview process that saw around 100 applications to succeed John Sheridan.

That 100 became one on Thursday, when Adams, 39, was appointed by a chairman enthused by for a manager who took County from relative obscurity to the heights of Scottish football inside seven years. 

“He gives a great confidence he knows what he’s doing,” said James. “He knows how to get teams promoted and he knows how to motivate people. He’s obviously very tactically aware.”

The 2011-2012 PFA Scotland Manager of the Year was described by the Pilgrims chairman as: “very quiet, but very quietly confident and not arrogant in any way. He’s got some bright ideas and we look forward to supporting him in building a great team that hopefully play very attacking fast football and, most importantly, winning.”

More than 25% of managers in Argyle’s 120-year professional history have been Scottish – with five promotions having been secured under them – and James recognised qualities in Derek that have served his fellow countrymen well. “You can see in terms of the way he speaks,” said James. “It’s quiet confidence.  It’s not driven by arrogance; it’s driven by quiet knowledge.”