Tight Knit

Primarily, he will be most content that his side are sitting pretty at the top of the Sky Bet League 2 table. Adams can also be happy that his side boast the best defensive record in the league so far, even with Derek’s style of play meaning his teams are set up to play attacking football. The Greens have conceded just 12 goals up to this point in the league, keeping seven clean sheets in the process. 

“I’ve always said we try to play attacking football but we’re based on defending as well," said Derek. 

“All my teams have been based on having a defensive unit; having clean sheets, but having that attacking flair, creativity and goal scorers in the team as well. That’s what I’ve brought to every team I’ve managed.

“When I’ve had to rebuild it’s always been based on that.”

“It’s being able to have attacking players in your team who can create and score goals and having defenders that pride themselves in keeping a clean sheet.”

Part of Argyle's exciting attack this season is Gregg Wylde, signed by Adams in the summer after the manager saw first hand Gregg's attacking threat. The winger, though, respects the job that has to be done at the other end of the pitch.  

“I think everybody always gives credit to the attack but it comes from the back as well," said Gregg. "(Curtis) Nelson, (Kelvin) Mellor, (Peter) Hartley & (Gary) Sawyer have done really well and we’ve kept some good clean sheets.

“We trust our defenders and that’s the important thing. We trust them as a whole team and the managing staff as well. Our attacking going forwards is very good but there are bits and bobs we need to work on."

With this weekend's fixture set to attract the largest attendance at Home Park in many years, Adams has also heaped praise on the Green Army for the support they have given the team up to now. “I think they always play a part," said Derek, "home and away. They’ve played a part this season already, there have been big crowds at home and away from home and that following has helped us.”

Wylde, too, feels the love. “This season I’ve been overwhelmed (by the support)," he said. "I’m a quite surprised at the amount of people that come to watch a game.

“Even at York last week, it took nearly seven or eight hours to get up to York but it was unbelievable and hopefully the supporters can back us throughout the season.”