Former Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield chief John Sheridan is confirmed as theArgyle's new manager

John Sheridan was last night confirmed as Plymouth Argyle’s new manager.

The former Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield boss is expected to sign a contract until the end of the season. However, should Sheridan lead Argyle to Football League safety, it is likely that he would be rewarded with a longer-term deal.

The 48-year-old was introduced to Argyle’s players after their 4-0 defeat at Port Vale on Saturday. The Pilgrims fell into the npower League Two relegation zone after the setback in Staffordshire.

Owner and chairman James Brent attended the game, along with director Peter Jones and general manager Jason Turner. Sheridan, who sat in the directors’ box at Vale Park, had impressed at an interview on Friday and was offered the opportunity to take over from the sacked Carl Fletcher as manager.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

In a club statement released by Argyle last night, Brent said: “I am delighted to welcome John to Home Park.

“Following a distinguished playing career, John has a proven record of leading clubs to success in Leagues One and Two. John impressed the interviewing panel with his commitment to excellence and his approach to moving the club up the league table.

“He expressed an enthusiasm for attacking football and was confident in his analysis of what we needed to do to succeed,” Brent added.

“John noted his own experience of playing against Argyle at Home Park and the advantage that the Green Army’s passion gave to the home side. The Green Army has had a tough few years and deserves better – let’s all get behind John and the team and make Home Park a fortress once more.”

Sheridan said: “I am very privileged to get this opportunity to manage the club.

“Everyone I’ve talked to says what a good club it is and what potential there is. I’m very confident I can get us out of the position we are in if everyone – the players and fans – work together.

“I remember the support from the fans when I played down here with Leeds and Oldham, and that was one of the things that attracted me.

“From my time at Oldham and Chesterfield, I think I know what’s required from the players and what we need to do to succeed.”

Sheridan, a former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland international midfielder, was the manager of Oldham from June 2006 to March 2009. He led the Latics to the League One play-offs semi-finals in the 2006-07 season.

After leaving Oldham, Sheridan was appointed by Chesterfield in June 2009 and they were crowned League Two champions in 2010-11.

Chesterfield were relegated last term, though, and Sheridan parted company with the Derbyshire club in August last year. He was relieved of his duties after the Spireites picked up only two points from their first three League games.

Assistant manager Romain Larrieu and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell are set to remain at Home Park, working with Sheridan, for the short term at least. The new manager is set to be introduced by the Pilgrims at a press conference tomorrow.

Sheridan will not have the benefit of Darren Purse as a member of his squad, after the central defender parted company with Argyle by mutual agreement on Friday.

The 35-year-old will today complete a move to Port Vale on a contract until the end of the season. Purse watched from the directors’ box, sitting alongside Sheridan, as Argyle were beaten at Vale Park on Saturday.

Port Vale manager Micky Adams declared: “He’s experienced, he knows the job, and he’s a leader. Personally, I thought he kept Plymouth in the division last season with his leadership qualities.”

Argyle’s Zimbabwe international Onismor Bhasera could be the next departure from Home Park. The Pilgrims have stated that they cannot add to their squad until they part with players.