Plymouth appoint Steven Schumacher as new manager, with Ryan Lowe in at Preston

Plymouth have appointed assistant Steven Schumacher as their new first-team manager following the resignation of Ryan Lowe, who has been named the new Preston manager.

Lowe replaces Frankie McAvoy who cleared his desk on Monday following a nine-month spell as Alex Neil’s replacement.

While Preston have secured the services of one of the brightest managerial gems in the EFL, the abrupt departure is a blow for Plymouth.

In the space of two-and-a-half-years Lowe propelled the club out of League Two, secured their third-tier status, then fired them into the promotion mix this term.

He does, however, leave Plymouth in an excellent position - 4th in League One - just two points off top spot, following a return of 10 wins and six draws from 20 matches.

The opportunity to test himself in the Championship has been too good to turn down for the 43-year-old, who originates from the North West (Liverpool) and previously managed Bury, who he led up to League One in his first full season in management.

Lowe’s brand of entertaining and attack-minded football is an obvious attraction for a Preston side struggling for goals this term: 22 in 21 matches. Lowe’s passion and charisma are infectious and he'll look to implement a style of football which is popular with his new fanbase; it’s an appointment that is sure to create a real buzz around Deepdale.

He’ll take charge of a Preston side positioned 18th in the table; nine points above the relegation zone and nine points off the top-six.

As for Plymouth, they have reacted swiftly by naming Lowe’s assistant Schumacher as their new manager.

The club view the 37-year-old as the most natural successor to build on the foundations both himself and Lowe have put in place since their arrival in 2019. He's a former Everton apprentice, who holds a UEFA A License, and later returned to the Toffees to beging his coaching career. He was briefly caretaker at Southport, then worked with Lowe at both Bury and Plymouth.

“We are very excited about the appointment, and look forward to Steven building on the impressive foundations he has laid at Argyle,” said Andrew Parkinson, Plymouth Argyle Chief Executive Officer, in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“Schuey is a popular figure at Home Park, and his tactical knowledge, man-management and motivational skills are evident in his day-to-day work.

“We believe he has great potential, and is the obvious choice to provide continuity at a time of great promise at the club.

“More than that, though, Steven fits the profile of the kind of young, forward-thinking Manager we want at Argyle, and no prospective candidate has a better understanding of the club, and squad, than him.

“Of course, we thank Ryan for his achievements as Manager, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, the club’s Director of Football Neil Dewsnip said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Steven and the club, and one that I know both parties will embrace.

“For as long as I’ve known him, Steven’s dedication to becoming the best coach he can be has been there for all to see, and I firmly believe the time is right for him to step into management.

“He has shown great commitment to Argyle, and our footballing philosophy is one he has played a big part in shaping.”