Words on Smith

Smith joins fellow midfielder Ryan Donaldson and Yann Songo'o, who is also capable of playing in a defensive midfield role, as summer signings that will shape the new engine room for Argyle's 2016-17 campaign.

Adams has been quick to recruit new players in this area, and is pleased to have captured another player he has had his eye on for quite some time.

"We've watched Connor for a wee bit now," said Derek. "He's been at Watford, then he joined Stevenage on loan and then went to Wimbledon.

"He's a midfield player that is strong, likes to get on the ball, likes to get forward. From my point of view, playing him in our midfield will help us."

Smith is the third new player to arrive at Home Park during the usual hectic period for pursuing signatures - made even more so by Argyle's late finish to the 2015-16 season. However, Adams has working as hard as ever to put together a strong squad for pre-season preparations in July, and is buoyed by both completed and ongoing negotiations.

"It's always a challenge in the pre-season," said Derek. "We've got players that are out of contract, and some of them are waiting to see what other offers they will get from other clubs until they make a decision.

"They've got until June 30 so that's made it a wee bit more difficult, because we were in the play-off final. But that hasn't stopped me going out and recruiting new players for the new season.

"You always hope that things could be a bit quicker, but it's the nature of the game. The players that we've got in, I'm delighted with. The players that we've got agreements with that are going to come in during the weeks - it's looking good."