Sheffield Wednesday legend and EFL pundit Carlton Palmer believes it would be wise for Stoke City to appoint a different manager than Steven Schumacher and use the money on transfers.
It was first reported by The Telegraph on Monday afternoon that Stoke City had opened talks with Plymouth Arygle to bring Schumacher in as the club’s new head coach, having relieved Alex Neil of his duties over a week ago.
The Potters had suffered four straight defeats in the Championship and were lingering dangerously close to the relegation zone, with Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday both picking up points in recent weeks, having changed managers earlier in the campaign.
The wait for Stoke to appoint a new boss has dragged on but looks to be coming to an end, with Alex Crook confirming on Monday that Schumacher’s appointment at Stoke was all but done despite reports at the weekend claiming that former Sheffield United and Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom was set to be interviewed for the vacant job at the Bet365 Stadium.
Since Neil’s departure the weekend before last, Stoke have picked up two draws against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion but could have a new man in the dugout when they host Millwall at the weekend.
Nevertheless, as Schumacher is still contracted to the Pilgrims for three-and-a-half years, the Potters will be forced to pay a compensation fee to the club. Pundit Carlton Palmer believes this could be an error in judgement from the board.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said:
“Steven has done a magnificent job at Plymouth with a very low budget, winning League One last season on 101 points and they are sat in 16th place in the Championship, six points from safety,” Palmer said when speaking to Football League World about Stoke’s approach.
“Schumacher would be a great appointment, but I can’t see Plymouth agreeing to let him go, and that means compensation,” he continued.
“And as I’ve previously mentioned before, there’s a lot of good managers out of work, so why pay compensation for another manager? Use that money to recruit players in the January transfer window instead.”
Writer’s View
This is certainly a big risk for Stoke City considering that they may be forced to pay a substantial fee to a relegation rival to pip their manager over the coming days.
However, if Schumacher has an instant impact at the Bet365 Stadium and can help the side push for a place in the top half of the Championship, it will be more beneficial to the club than any signing could be.
Deputy Head of Writing
