King's second spell as Swindon manager ended in 2005

He replaces Gary Penrice, who recently left Home Park to join former Argyle boss Ian Holloway at Leicester.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm coming to a great club which is on the up," said King, 51.

"Andy was chief scout at Sunderland for five years and already has a scouting network in place," Pilgrims manager Paul Sturrock told the club's website.

"With geography being an important issue for us, it is a very important position and I know he will help us find the players we need."