<\/p>\n
Stoke have announced the appointment of Steven Schumacher as their new manager.<\/p>\n
The promising 39-year-old departs Plymouth, who he guided to the League One title last term after taking over as boss in 2021.<\/p>\n
He replaces Alex Neil at the bet365 Stadium, with the Potters 19th in the Championship and just three points clear of the relegation places.<\/p>\n
He will be joined in the Midlands by assistant head coach Mark Hughes, first team coach Peter Cavanagh and goalkeeper coach Darren Behcet.<\/p>\n
Schumacher said: \u201cI was attracted to this club by its history and everything it represents and once John [Coates] and Ricky [Martin] shared their vision with me, I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to take.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe infrastructure, the stadium and the facilities are top-class, and so is the support of the fans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe values that resonate with me for a Stoke City team are bravery and hard work, coupled with a desire to play attacking football and be a team our supporters can connect with.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the players to do that and, if we can get back to a point where the bet365 Stadium is thought of as a tough venue to visit, we can really get it rocking again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSchumacher\u2019s at the wheel.<\/p>\n
The warmest of Stoke City welcomes to our new Head Coach, Steven Schumacher.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 19, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Having won the League One Manager of the Year award in 2022-23, Schumacher has been drawing the attention of Championship clubs and will look to transform Stoke\u2019s fortunes in the new year.<\/p>\n
Last term, Plymouth managed to win 31 of 46 league games, finish on 101 points and score 86 goals.<\/p>\n
Chairman John Coates added: \u201cWe are delighted to welcome Steven, who we firmly believe to be one of the most exciting young coaches in the country, to Stoke City.<\/p>\n
\u201cSteven will quickly realise that he is joining a great club, with a loyal and passionate fanbase, and one with all the potential to fulfil his ambitions in the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe can rely on the absolute support of us all and we wish him all the very best in the role.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u2705 Day one done.<\/p>\n
The early hours of Steven Schumacher\u2019s reign as the Potters new Head Coach, in pictures.<\/p>\n
Full gallery \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/t.co\/3MThaz83LT pic.twitter.com\/716Pv5FWqG<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 19, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n