FORMER Pilgrim Dave Byrne believes adding John Deehan to the signing of Paul Wotton has increased greatly the chances of Plymouth Argyle avoiding relegation this season.

Deehan has come to Home Park to be director of football for the remainder of the 2011/12 League Two campaign.

The 54-year-old has been hired to help rookie manager Carl Fletcher and his coaching team, Romain Larrieu and Kevin Nancekivell, steer the Pilgrims away from the danger zone.

Byrne, who has known former Norwich City and Wigan Athletic manager for some time, feels Deehan's knowledge, contacts and 'vast experience of all facets of football' will prove invaluable to Fletcher.

Central midfielder and former Argyle skipper Wotton re-joined his hometown club earlier this month, after being released by League One outfit Yeovil Town.

Former Swindon Town assistant-boss and caretaker manager Byrne, presently a scout and youth development officer with Birmingham City, said Argyle now appear to have the structure on and off the pitch, to give themselves an excellent chance of moving away from the bottom two.

He said: "I think that in bringing in John Deehan and bringing back Paul Wotton, Carl Fletcher has made two signings that will definitely give the club a big, big chance of staying up.

"What John Deehan doesn't know about the game, quite frankly, isn't worth knowing.

"He's a quiet guy, naturally reserved but has an aura about him that automatically brings respect.

"I've known and been friends with John for a long time, and been at matches scouting with him and seen first-hand how he picks up on things about games and players.

"He is usually spot-on in his assessments.

"I think Carl Fletcher is bound to benefit from having him in this kind of mentoring role, while John's experience with contract dealings will definitely be of benefit to (Argyle owner) James Brent.

"Add to that Wottsie's enthusiasm and ability on the pitch, plus the likes of Darren Purse and Maxime Blanchard in central defence, and Chadders (Nick Chadwick) and Warren Feeney up front, Argyle have an excellent spine."

Byrne added: "Carl has to be congratulated for doing a terrific job in stopping the rot and turning around Argyle's fortunes.

"He has also got to be given credit for admitting that having someone with experience managing in the top flight to help you, like John, can only benefit him and Argyle."