Stoke City’s decision to sack Steven Schumacher ‘doesn’t shock’ Coventry City boss Mark Robins, who had plenty of praise for the manager.
Stoke City only hired Schumacher nine months ago, bringing him in from Plymouth Argyle.
The 40-year-old had led the Pilgrims up to the Championship and they had enjoyed a decent first few months at the level too. It prompted the Potters to swoop in and place him at the helm of the club, arriving as the replacement for Alex Neil.
Stoke were in a tough spot at the time, and Schumacher guided them away from the relegation fight they had slipped into. However, despite the boss being backed over the summer and overseeing four wins from the first seven games across all competitions, the club decided to sack him on Monday.
The decision has led to shock from many, and the conflicting lines published from Stoke City have offered a lack of clarity. It seems as though the hierarchy parted ways with Schumacher in a bid to take themselves in a different direction.
The move shocked many, but one who has not been surprised is Coventry City boss Mark Robins.
Speaking to Coventry Live on the matter, Robins spoke highly of Schumacher but given the increasing frequency of bosses losing their jobs so early into the season, he admitted it didn’t shock him.
When asked if the Stoke City decision caught him off-guard, he replied:
“No. I think it’s always sad when someone loses their job.
“Steven Schumacher did fantastic things with Plymouth, left to go to what appeared to be a job where he could move on further, and quicker I suppose, but there’s a lot to be said for sticking with what you have got and what you know and have started to build.
“He’s done a brilliant job at Plymouth and less than 12 months after he’s out of work, and it’s a real shame because I think he’s a really decent guy and a good coach.
“There’s been significant change there [Stoke City] and he’s started to put his stamp on things but also move the club in a direction that I think everybody there wanted to see. There is some exciting talent there so the decision that they have made doesn’t shock me, but it’s always sad to see someone lose their job at any stage, but it is really early in the season.”
Another managerial casualty
There’s no doubt that these early sackings are becoming more and more common.
Coventry City boss Robins is something of an enigma as one of the longest serving bosses left in England football while four of the Sky Blues’ EFL counterparts have opted for change before we’ve even got to the end of September.
Of course, Stoke City parted ways with Schumacher. Before him though, Ryan Lowe – his Plymouth Argyle predecessor and the man he served as assistant manager at Home Park – was relieved of his duties at Preston North End.
Blackpool sacked Neil Critchley and replaced him with Steve Bruce in League One, while Carlisle United are still on the lookout for a new boss after Paul Simpson’s departure.
What next?
It seems that all being well, Norwich City first-team coach Narcis Pelach will take over as the new boss at Stoke City after Schumacher’s departure. It certainly marks a change in direction for the Potters.
For Schumacher though, you have to feel the shock nature of his departure means his stock isn’t damaged too much.
Yes, it’s arguably lower than when he left Plymouth Argyle. However, the Pilgrims were on a real high at the time, and at Stoke, Schumacher hasn’t exactly had time to really embed his ways and kick on with the club.
As such, you would think he has a good chance of getting another Championship job when he returns to the game.
