Following a review into the club’s footballing structure, we are pleased to announce some changes to the leadership in our football department. Derek Adams will become the club’s permanent Sporting Director, while David Fox will take on an expanded role as Head of Football Operations and Recruitment
Derek will take on a wider role, having been with the club for an initial 12 month period. He will lead all football strategy and development at Argyle, including the men’s first team, sports science and academy. Derek will continue to report into Chief Executive, Paul Berne.
Derek has brought a wealth of experience to the club since rejoining in October 2025, and he will take this role permanently and lead the footballing staff at Argyle.
David Fox will see his remit expanded and takes on the role of Head of Football Operations and Recruitment. David will continue to oversee football operations, and in addition will also now lead the club’s player recruitment strategy. David reports into the Sporting Director.
David will ensure talent identification, player acquisition and football administration all align with the club’s overarching strategy and aims. In addition, David will take responsibility for overseeing the pathway for players, as they develop within our Academy and become part of the first team squad.
Upon the announcement, Argyle Chief Executive Paul Berne commented:
“It is very pleasing to confirm Derek and David into their new roles. These appointments cement the way we have been working over the last 12 months, and bring continued stability to the football club, which I believe is important to our success.
"Derek brings a wealth of experience, which makes him well-suited to driving the strategy of the footballing side of the club, and leading the development of our Academy progression, following the investment in the facility at Foulston Park.
"David has already been working significantly on our talent identification and recruitment work during the past 12 months, and he builds on this good work by taking direct responsibility for this area. In addition, his knowledge of the EFL is a real benefit in helping us to bring players from the Academy and support them to progress into the first team environment.
"Derek and David are already working successfully with Tom and his coaching staff, and are ably supported by the data analysis, scouting and operations teams. Their appointment therefore allows us to clarify roles and to continue these ways of working.
"Results in recent times have been good, but we are not resting on our laurels and will continue to look for ways to continually improve. In confirming these changes, we will hopefully go on to greater success.”
