Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher has reportedly turned down an approach from Swansea City to become their new manager, according to Pete O’Rourke of the Football Insider.
Swansea City’s search for a new manager continues after their latest target rejected the chance to take over in southwest Wales. The Swans had turned their attention to Steven Schumacher, who led Plymouth Argyle to the League One title last season. Schumacher has decided that his immediate future remains at Home Park, leaving Swansea still searching to fill the gap soon to be left by Russell Martin upon completion of his move to Southampton.
Who is Steven Schumacher?
Schumacher is a 39-year-old former midfielder who was born in Liverpool and began his career in Everton’s youth set-up alongside Wayne Rooney, however, he would be released before making the Toffees’ first team. He had experienced loan moves with Carlisle United and Oldham Athletic and he would sign permanently with Bradford City following the expiration of his Everton deal.
Three seasons and close to 130 appearances later, Schumacher’s next employers were Crewe Alexandra of League One. Crewe suffered relegation in his second season and, after a season in League Two, he would join divisional rivals Bury who he would help finish second and earn promotion to League One.
His move in 2013 to League Two Fleetwood Town would lead to another promotion to League One, this time via the playoffs. Schumacher would end his Football League playing days at Stevenage and would play his final matches at National League North outfit Southport having amassed 500 professional matches.
After crossing paths in their playing career at Bury, Schumacher would join forces with Ryan Lowe at Bury in January 2018 in the role of assistant manager. The pair would help guide the club to promotion to the third tier despite the financial turmoil that led to the club being expelled from the Football League.
Schumacher would follow Lowe to Plymouth Argyle and the duo would secure their second successive promotion from League Two as the Pilgrims finished 3rd in a Covid disrupted season. This success would eventually lead to Lowe taking over at Championship side Preston North End and Schumacher being unveiled as the new Argyle boss on December 7th 2021.
A disastrous final-day defeat at home to MK Dons cost the club a place in the playoffs but they bounced back in magnificent style this season to finish as champions, earning over 100 points.
Writer’s View
Schumacher has been touted for at least two Championship jobs in his short managerial career and it is little surprise given the start he has made. His first 84 games as a manager have yielded 169 points, meaning his return is over two points per match.
He has a 3-4-2-1 formation that he prefers but can adapt when needed and has achieved a league title without spending large sums of money. It appears as if he wants to continue building what he has started at Plymouth and a good season next year would see his stock rise further.
Swansea will be disappointed not to have been successful in getting a man who looks to have the Midas touch in his early managerial career. This decision will, I’m sure, be music to the ears of those in Devon as their preseason preparation hasn’t been disrupted by losing their promotion-winning manager.
