"Hopefully save us" - Plymouth Argyle backed to appoint David Wagner | OneFootball

David Wagner has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Plymouth Argyle, but can the Green Army see past the return of an old face?

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...

David Wagner is a strong contender for the vacant managerial position at Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle, according to the Plymouth Herald.

Argyle have been without a permanent manager since late December, after Wayne Rooney was officially relieved of his duties on New Year's Eve.

Wagner, who was most notably responsible for taking now-League One side Huddersfield Town to the Premier League, has been out of employment since May 2024, having failed to secure promotion with Norwich on two occasions.

Rock-bottom of the Championship at present, it would be a surprise if the former USA international risked relegation on his CV, though it could be exactly the kind of move to remind the footballing world of his managerial potential.

But despite being seemingly overqualified, is this a move that suits Plymouth, and their oh-so loyal supporters?

"I don't think I'd be disappointed" claims Plymouth pundit

Amid the rumours, FLW's Plymouth Argyle fan pundit, Chris, welcomes the Wagner links, though makes it clear that he is far from first choice.

"With the recent departure of Wayne Rooney, there are certainly going to be plenty of candidates who are going to be submitting their applications to be the new head coach at Argyle.

"One name is Steven Schumacher, who is tipped for a pragmatic return to home park, and to hopefully save us from relegation.

"However, another name that has appeared in local media recently is David Wagner, a good friend to ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"The German head coach previously managed Huddersfield Town, as well as Norwich City in 2023. He has a positive record in the Championship, achieving the playoff semi-finals with the Canaries, but unfortunately, he was unable to surpass Leeds United on that occasion.

"From this, he was let go by Norwich City, and since then has not managed another team. From that, there is that positive element that he possesses vast experience in the Championship, as well as great networking in relation to player acquisition. However, there is an element to the style of play he wishes to characterise.

"For example, he seems to characterise defensive play as well as possession, so this may not fit perfectly well with the attacking style of play that we have been used to.

"However, if he was to be appointed ahead of Steven Schumacher, I don't think I'd be disappointed. Having someone with vast managerial experience, as well as dedicated experience within the Championship with a high win percentage, would be a big improvement in relation to the previous two head coaches we've had i.e. Wayne Rooney and Ian Foster."

Acknowledging Wagner's wealth of experience, it still appears as though the return of Steven Schumacher is the romantic choice among Pilgrims supporters.

Steven Schumacher has the hearts of Plymouth supporters

Having been largely the reason why the Devonshire side find themselves in this division in the first place, few members of the Green Army would dismiss the return of Steven Schumacher, if rumours are to be believed.

While David Wagner's managerial accolades far exceeds former boss Steven Schumacher on paper, Plymouth Argyle supporters will obviously feel a stronger sentimental connection to the 40-year-old Englishman, whose 52.78% win ratio and League One winners medal still hang fresh in the memory.

Schumacher left Stoke in September, having been sacked after just 32 games in charge of the side. In spite of the short stint, his time in Staffordshire bore perfectly respectable results, with Schumacher himself stating in October.

"I don’t understand and I still haven’t had a full explanation on why I lost my job," Schumacher told the 72+ Podcast.