Sturrock won 50% of his games at Swindon, losing just 11 of 52

The 51-year-old, who had a successful stint at Home Park from October 2000 to March 2004, has left Swindon to succeed Ian Holloway, who is now at Leicester.

"I've taken a difficult job because of the expectation level," said Sturrock, who has also managed Dundee United, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.

"There's the old onion that you never go back but I feel comfortable with coming back. I can fit back in again."

Argyle have agreed compensation with Swindon for Sturrock, who joined the Robins a year ago, and his coaching team of Kevin Summerfield and John Blackley.

In a very strange league who knows what we can achieve? Paul Sturrock

Sturrock guided Plymouth to promotion from what is now League Two in 2002 and they were promoted again in 2004 after he moved to Southampton.

However, he lasted just 13 games at Southampton and spent more than two years at Sheffield Wednesday before being shown the Hillsborough door and taking on the Swindon job.

The Robins, meanwhile, will begin searching for their sixth manager in just over two years.

Sturrock steered them to promotion from League Two last season and the team have held their own in League One this term.

606: DEBATE Coming home to where he belongs. I feel sorry for Swindon for they have lost a great manager greenarmycrickey

Youth team coach David Byrne will take temporary charge of the side, starting with the FA Cup tie against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, but he is also expected to join the exodus to Home Park.

Sturrock says off-field issues dogged his time at the Saints, Owls and Robins, and believes he can experience Premiership football again with Plymouth.

"I'm taking over a team that's fourth in the Championship and flying," the former Scotland midfielder said.

"I've had a wee taste, I've pitted my wits against the top men. I think everybody has that ambition in them.

"We're going to have a go. I can't promise anything but everybody on the staff will be working towards that.

"In a very strange league - everybody seems to beat everybody else - if we can turn the home form to be a real fortress, and continue the way the team is playing away from home, who knows what we can achieve?"