SCHU: IT’ HARDEST DECISION

STEVEN Schumacher says ditching Plymouth Argyle to join Stoke City was the most difficult decision of his career.

- Chris Dunlavy

The 39-year-old spent four and-a-half years at Home Park, stepping up from his role as assistant manager when Ryan Lowe joined Preston in 2021 and orchestrating last season’s fairytale promotion from League One.

Operating on a budget of just £4m, the Pilgrims finished with 101 points to pip Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday to the title.

A solid start to life in the Championship only served to enhance Schumacher’s reputation and after Stoke sacked Alex Neil, the former Bradford and Bury midfielder was selected from over 60 applicants to rescue the Potters’ ailing season.

“It was really tough, probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my career,” said Schumacher, below, whose coaching staff will follow him to the bet365.

“We’ve been so settled down there in the southwest. My family, wife and kids love the area, we loved the club. Plymouth Argyle have got some unbelievable people who run the club, we had a great senior management team that we’ve had a good relationship with.