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Plymouth Argyle are to continue their search for a director of football.

Ex-Colchester boss , external but has now been named manager of League Two rivals Bristol Rovers.

The 61-year-old, who was sacked as U's manager in September, was discussing terms with Argyle before Rovers sacked Mark McGhee.

"That person is now looking at another appointment, so we have decided to look elsewhere," read an Argyle statement.

Argyle had hoped to unveil Ward this week after the club decided to bring in a director of football last month.

Plymouth had more than 20 applicants for the role and conducted interviews last week, with Ward being the frontrunner.

"We continue to believe in the merits of appointing a director of football, and our aim remains to complete the process as quickly as possible," Argyle said.

"However, this is a key role for the club and we will not hurry into a potentially poor appointment."