Sturrock returns for his second spell after successfully leading the club to League Two promotion in 2002, and replaces Ian Holloway who left for Coca-Cola Championship rivals Leicester last week.

He is likely to prove a popular choice at Home Park, after the success he enjoyed in nearly three and a half years from August 2000 to March 2004 - taking them from the bottom division to the top of League One before leaving for Southampton.

mfl