Steven Schumacher mooted for Plymouth Argyle return - 'I can see it down the line' | OneFootball

FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit reflects on Steven Schumacher's tenure at Home Park

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Steven Schumacher made a lasting impact at Plymouth Argyle, not only due to winning promotion, but also stabalising the Pilgrims over two years as manager.

The now-Bolton Wanderers manager, Steven Schumacher, had his most successful period of his career with Plymouth between the years of 2021-2023, and Pilgrims fans may hope to see a return of their former boss in the future.

After taking the reins as head coach off of the departing Ryan Lowe in December 2021, his first season was successful as the Pilgrims experienced an upturn in form upon his appointment, which led to them finalising the season in 7th place.

However, his second season in 2022/23 was when Schumacher introduced himself as a more than competent manager at League One level as he guided Argyle to the third tier title. His managerial style caught the eye as he got his side playing some stylish football which earned himself a shot of managing in the Championship.

The seamless transition from assistant to manager was very impressive whilst at Plymouth and their supporters may be wishing to see him in the home dugout once again in the future if they continue in this current downward spiral.

Steven Schumacher gave the Plymouth supporters "some of the best times" as fans

After making the move to Stoke City and then to Bolton, it's been a difficult couple of years for Schumacher since his League One triumph with Argyle. The 41-year-old has established himself as a proven League One manager but struggled in the Championship with the Potters, as he just scraped survival by two points last campaign.

Now back managing in League One, Football League World's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit, Luke, believes that it wasn't just the work with the players that's marked him down as an Argyle great, but he also unified the fanbase that is still present to this day despite a couple of difficult years as a supporter.

Luke said: "I reflect on Steven Schumacher's time at Argyle as some of the best times I've been involved with at Plymouth Argyle."

"Promotions, the team playing some great football, some of the biggest transfers that we've ever come across for a club like Argyle with [Morgan] Whittaker and some players coming through the door like seeing a young [Finn] Azaz, it's been really, really exciting."

"I think at that moment in time, with Schumacher, he created a fanbase that we've seen nothing like at Argyle, and I'm not just saying it's down to him, it's in combination with Simon Hallett and the club as a whole, but you can see the fruition of that now. We're getting 15,000–16,000 people still in League One, where we're not particularly playing very well, but there's still a waiting list for season tickets. The club has done so well, not just on the pitch at that time, but also off it."

"I know there's people angry when Steven Schumacher left, but to be honest, I totally get it. He wants to challenge himself, he wants to be as good as he can be, and he was offered a perfect opportunity at Stoke. He took it, he was offered more money, they had better finances to get better players through the door. I know it didn't particularly work out, and he's back down with Bolton in the same league, but some places it works, other places it doesn't."

Steven Schumacher could potentially make a return to Plymouth Argyle one day

Schmacher managed Argyle 108 times over the course of his two years at the club and had a 1.83 points per game average to show for it. Having not managed in a head coach capacity prior to taking over control from Lowe, that sure is an impressive stat. The belief he fostered within the group, combined with his assured man management, has been absent since his departure, and the Pilgrims are in dier need for that spark to return at this period in time.

When asked whether you ever see Schumacher making a return to Home Park, FLW's Plymouth fan pundit, Luke, believes that it shouldn't be ruled out due to the success that the 41-year-old had on the South West coast. Having experienced his best managerial stint in his career with the Pilgrims, many would love to see him back, and it wouldn't come as a surprise if he himself seeks a return at some point in the future.

Luke said: "But can I see Steven Schumacher back at Plymouth? Yes, I actually can."

"I think it was very close when we got Miron Muslic back, and although we were relegated, he did well. I can't deny, he almost got us out of trouble. But apparently it was close then about Schumacher coming back, and I can see it down the line. If everything aligns, and it makes sense, then I don't see why Schumacher wouldn't want to come back to Plymouth."

"I think he would like to, and there's always going to be a minority or a few that don't want him back no matter what. I get that. But I think there's a large majority that would be happy to see Steven Schumacher back, should that time come, and it makes sense for all parties."

"I look back at Schumacher's time at Plymouth and, you know, a big smile on my face and, yeah, great times, great football, and a real successful period in Argyle's history."