League One news: Sunderland's promotion rivals dealt blow as Ryan Lowe leaves Plymouth Argyle to join Preston North End

Sunderland host Plymouth Argyle on Saturday – but their opponents have been handed a huge blow ahead of the clash.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Plymouth’s preparations for a huge week of fixtures has been dealt a huge blow with the announcement that boss Ryan Lowe has left the club to take charge at Preston North End.

Plymouth face fellow promotion hopefuls MK Dons tomorrow night before they visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday and will have Steven Schumacher in the dugout following his appointment as first-team manager.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On Schumacher’s appointment, Argyle’s CEO, Andrew Parkinson, said:

Ryan Lowe has left Plymouth Argyle to become Preston North End's new manager (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)Ryan Lowe has left Plymouth Argyle to become Preston North End's new manager (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Ryan Lowe has left Plymouth Argyle to become Preston North End's new manager (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

“We are very excited about the appointment, and look forward to Steven building on the impressive foundations he has laid at Argyle.

“Schuey is a popular figure at Home Park, and his tactical knowledge, man-management and motivational skills are evident in his day-to-day work.

“We believe he has great potential, and is the obvious choice to provide continuity at a time of great promise at the club.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“More than that, though, Steven fits the profile of the kind of young, forward-thinking Manager we want at Argyle, and no prospective candidate has a better understanding of the club, and squad, than him.

“Of course, we thank Ryan for his achievements as Manager, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Sunderland sit one place below the Pilgrims but are currently only separated by goal difference ahead of a huge set of midweek League One fixtures, starting tonight when Lee Johnson’s side welcome Morecambe to the Stadium of Light.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor