Pilgrims frustrated as Cundle heads to Stoke City

LOAN MIDFIELDER LEAVES AND IS SET TO JOIN UP WITH SCHUMACHER

-  CHRIS ERRINGTON

DIRECTOR of football Neil Dewsnip admitted he was 'very disappointed' to be told on Sunday night that Wolverhampton Wanderers were recalling Luke Cundle from his loan at Plymouth Argyle.

The 21-year-old midfielder is now expected to be reunited with former Pilgrims' boss Steven Schumacher on loan at Stoke City until the end of the season. Cundle scored a goal and also had an assist in his last game for Argyle, the 3-1 FA Cup third round win against Sutton United at Home Park on Saturday Park on Saturday.

Cundle only played in that game after Dewsnip contacted Wolves Friday on morning check to about media speculation that they were considering selling him, with Stoke and Bristol City both linked to him, and that was downplayed.

Yet, by Sunday evening the decision to recall Cundle was relayed to Dewsnip. He said: "I took a phone call about eight o'clock and it was from Wolverhampton Wanderers' technical director. He was very meek and mild on the phone but, yeah, very disappointed to take that phone call."

Given the strength of the media speculation about Cundle it was surprising that he ended up playing for Argyle against Sutton, not only risking an injury but also making him cup-tied, although Stoke are out of the FA Cup after losing 4-2 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Dewsnip said: "That was the reason for the phone call on Friday morning, quite frankly, to establish what the state of play was. I was assured at that moment in time there was no interest from anybody at all so it was safe to discuss selecting him, which we felt was the right thing to do.

"I thought he played really well, for what it's worth. So you have to take people by their word I guess and at that time there point in maybe wasn't anything going on."