As the tenth Scotsman to manage Plymouth Argyle, Derek Adams
will be hoping to lead a revival in his country’s managerial fortunes.
It seemed like a strange thing to say as over the years the
likes of Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Sir Alex Ferguson and George Graham have
all made a big impact in English football, winning league titles and bringing
success to the teams that they managed.
A number of other managers also followed in the footsteps,
including the likes of David Moyes, George Burley, Alex McLeish and Paul
Lambert.
However, the dismissal of Lambert as Aston Villa manager
earlier in the year saw the number of Scotsmen working in the English
Premiership fall to zero. Nevertheless, Norwich City’s promotion – under the
guidance of Adams’ fellow countryman Alex Neil – will ensure that Scotland will
be represented in managerial terms in the English top-flight next season.
Only three Scotsman are set to take charge of Championship
sides next season; Dougie Freedman, Steve Clarke and Steve Evans at Nottingham
Forest, Reading and Rotherham United respectively.
Meanwhile in League One, Gary Caldwell will be looking to
revive the fortunes of Wigan Athletic, following their relegation from the
Championship, and adopted Scot Graham Alexander will be starting his third full
campaign in charge of Fleetwood Town.
His predecessor as manager of the Cod Army Mickey Mellon
will be looking to help Shrewsbury Town consolidate their position in League
One, after winning promotion last season.
Adams’ sole compatriot in League Two is also one of his
predecessors as Pilgrims in the form of Paul Sturrock, who is now – of course –
in charge of Yeovil Town.
Former Dundee United stalwart Sturrock led the Pilgrims to
two promotions between 2000 and 2004 in his first spell in charge before he
went on to manage Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town.
Let’s not forget that David Moyes is currently managing Real
Sociedad in La Liga and Alex McLeish is in charge of Belgian side Racing Genk.
Several of the other nine Scottish managers to have taken
charge of Argyle – including Bob Jack, Jimmy Rae and Dave Smith as well as Sturrock
– all won promotions at Home Park, and that is an achievement that Adams will
be looking to emulate in the 2015-16 campaign.
