News from around the Championship as Plymouth Argyle begin the job of finding a replacement for new Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher
Plymouth Argyle midfielder-turned-columnist Chris Hargreaves has tackled the exit of Steven Schumacher to Stoke City amid dismay on the south coast.
Schumacher enjoyed a successful two years as Plymouth manager, having already helped them win promotion from League Two as coach. Under his leadership, they stormed to the League One title with 101 points and his approach, as well as all the wins, made sure he was a firm favourite at Home Park.
But he has been lured to the Bet365 Stadium, admitting it was too good an opportunity to turn down, and Argyle is starting the big task of finding someone to fill his boots. Hargreaves has seen debate about the reasons behind the move, with a lot of pointing at the championship table, but, despite disappointment, he can understand the temptation.
“There has been a lot said about the move, particularly with Stoke currently three places below and three points behind Argyle in the Championship table,” he wrote for the Western Morning News. “Firstly, what cannot be debated is how well Schumacher has done at Argyle, achieving promotion from League One last season and this following promotion from League Two in 2021 as Ryan Lowe’s assistant. I know the majority of fans will be less than happy with the move, especially as it’s to such a close rival in the same league, but I have to play devil’s advocate here.
“As an ex-player and someone who wants to see the club do well, it’s a big loss, of course it is. The style of football played, the squad created, and the culture around the place—it’s a tough ask to follow. But, and you probably knew the ‘but’ was coming, we all know how ruthless football can be: one minute you’re in a job, the next you’re not. A few bad results and you will be isolated pretty quickly.
“Simon Hallett. Argyle’s chairman has stated he was disappointed but gave thanks and wished his former manager the best of luck, so this clearly must have been a contractual agreement that he could go elsewhere and to a Championship club. Did Schuey believe he had the ammunition to eventually get Argyle to the Premier League? Did he think it was going to be a tough end to the season in the championship? Who knows? Moreover, does he think he can get Stoke to the top flight or that keeping them in the championship will be a better bet?
“He will have been paid a considerable salary to make the switch, of course, but I don’t think it’s the main driving force for the coach or the man. Importantly, he is closer to his family back home, which cannot be underestimated when the job is 24/7. It does take its toll to be away from home. He also mentioned the infrastructure, facilities, and potential of his new club. I’m sure he will be remembered for how well he has done at Plymouth Argyle, and put April 20 in the diary, Stoke City away. Let’s see how that one goes.”
Schumacher was asked in his first press conference as Stoke head coach to explain his decision.
He said: “Obviously Stoke City is a huge club. Where we’re currently at in the league isn’t ideal nor what was expected at the start of the season. But it’s the opportunity to come to a club which has a bigger profile, the facilities and infrastructure that give me the chance to improve as coach, manager and head coach. That was what made the decision. It was a big decision but I think it’s the right one.”
He added: “It was a really tough decision, probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my career. We’ve been so settled down there in the south west, my family, wife and kids love the area, we loved the club. Plymouth Argyle have got some unbelievable people who run the club, we had a great senior management team that we’ve had a good relationship with for the last four and a half years.
“The players were outstanding and we’ve had a lot of success since we’ve been down there and most importantly, the fans, we had a brilliant relationship with them. To leave all that behind was a difficult call because it was going so well but this was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”
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