Steven Schumacher appointed as Stoke City boss

Stoke City have appointed Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half-year contract after he impressed during his time at Home Park

The Potters have been on the lookout for a new manager since sacking Michael O'Neill in August, with Alex Neil and Liam Rosenior among those linked with the vacancy.

Schumacher, 38, has guided Plymouth to ninth in League One this season after taking over in December 2021, winning 33 of his 68 games in charge.

The former Bury defender, who made almost 300 appearances for the Shakers, left Gigg Lane in 2018 to become No 2 to Ryan Lowe at Plymouth.

Lowe departed Home Park in December 2021 to take over at Preston and Schumacher was handed the reins. He has since led Argyle to a ninth-place finish in League One last season and has them in a play-off position this term.

Schumacher will be assisted at the bet365 Stadium by his long-time No 2, David Coles.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes said: "We are delighted to secure the services of Steven as our new manager."

"He is a highly talented and ambitious young coach, who has done an excellent job at Plymouth Argyle. We believe he is the right person to take this club forward."

"Steven has a clear philosophy and style of play that we believe will suit our squad and the club's ambitions. We are confident that he can help us achieve our goals."

"We would like to thank Plymouth Argyle for their co-operation and professionalism throughout this process."

"We would also like to thank our fans for their patience and support during this period of transition."

"We are excited about the future under Steven's leadership and we believe that he can help us achieve great things."

Schumacher said: "I am delighted to be joining Stoke City." "This is a club with a great history and tradition and I am excited about the opportunity to lead them back to the Premier League."

"I have been very impressed with the club's facilities and the squad of players that we have."

"I am confident that we can achieve great things together and I am looking forward to getting started."

Schumacher will take charge of his first game as Stoke manager when they host Burnley in the Championship on Friday, December 16.