Derek Adams spell as Plymouth manager ended this weekend in rather disappointing circumstances.

The fiery Scot had enjoyed success at Home Park, earning League One promotion and taking them on a good cup run, but this season has proven to be a step too far.

Against a backdrop of resentment, some fans piled the pressure on early in the season. Adams, ever the bullish and belligerent character, responded and there's been an unease ever since.

Had the Pilgrims stayed up, maybe the board could have stuck by the boss, but after the humbling at Accrington, they've had to take action.

Plymouth are in dire straits and look likely to tumble out of League One this weekend. If they do, they've got a huge job turning around the morale and rebuilding the squad.

We've identified three candidates we think would be ideal for them, whether they go down or not.

Darrell Clarke

Clarke has to be considered. He's managed in the south west before with Salisbury and Bristol Rovers and has been a success at League One level.

Location is a big factor in taking the Plymouth job and he would see to have that on his side, as well as his experience.

Paul Hurst

Hurst must be aching to get into another role and perhaps this might just be the one.

He's done a grand job at Shrewsbury and Grimsby, but his Ipswich tenure sullied his reputation.

Whether he could be tempted to the south west is another matter entirely.

Ben Strevens

This one might come a bit out of leftfield, but Strevens has been doing a decent job at Eastleigh in the National League. There were fears once Stewart Donald's money went they'd struggle, but that hasn't happened.

The 38-year-old would be a gamble, but early indications are he's set for a decent career in the dugout.