Why Argyle did not ask Neil Warnock to become the interim manager

ANDREW Parkinson has explained why Plymouth Argyle decided on the ‘continuity’ of Neil Dewsnip and Kevin Nancekivell taking charge of the first team until the end of the season.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The Pilgrims’ chief executive officer did not feel there was enough time left for someone from outside the club, such as Neil Warnock, to familiarise themselves with the squad and get to know the players. Warnock made it clear in a BBC Radio Cornwall interview on Tuesday he would have been prepared to become interim manager for the final six fixtures had he been asked by the club, after previously leading them to promotion in 1996.

It was in a similar situation that the 75-year-old kept Huddersfield Town in the Championship last term, but Argyle opted for director of football Dewsnip assisted by long-serving first team coach Nancekivell. The pair had four games in charge earlier this season after the departure of Steven Schumacher to Stoke City and before Ian Foster was appointed as head coach.

Foster’s tenure at Argyle lasted only 87 days and 14 Championship games as he was sacked after the 1-0 Easter Monday defeat by Bristol City at Home Park, which left the Pilgrims one position and a point above the relegation zone.