Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher return to Plymouth Argyle should be welcomed | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle should consider reappointing their former bosses after Wayne Rooney departure.

Plymouth Argyle are in the hunt for a new manager, after Wayne Rooney left the Championship club by mutual agreement last week.

The Pilgrims currently sit bottom of the Championship table and are without a win in their last 11 outings, with their last victory a 1-0 over relegation rivals Portsmouth in early November.

Given Plymouth's position in the league table, it is paramount they get their next appointment right. Although their current position appears bleak, their season can be rescued, with the club only three points adrift from safety.

While it is never recommended going back to your ex, Plymouth should consider the likes of Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher, who both had successful spells at Home Park.

Steven Schumacher in the running for Plymouth Argyle return

Schumacher was sacked by Stoke City in September and is reportedly in the running to make a sensational return to Home Park, according to Plymouth Live.

The report also claims that the Pilgrims want to appoint a new manager before the club's FA Cup third round tie against Brentford, which takes place on Saturday.

The 40-year-old secured his first position as manager with Plymouth in 2021, having previously held the role of assistant manager at the club. Schumacher worked as Lowe's assistant, who he described as his "best friend".

Schumacher managed 108 matches during his two-year spell with the Pilgrims and boasted a points-per-match (PPM) ratio of 1.83.

Crucially, the Englishman achieved promotion to the Championship with Plymouth, as they were crowned league champions at the end of the 2022/23 League One season.

A return to Home Park could be the perfect match for both parties as Schumacher knows the club and fan base well, while he was a success during his previous spell. The 40-year-old will have a point to prove that he is still capable of managing in the Championship.

While the return of Lowe is one that feels less likely, it is one Plymouth should be considering given the manager's pedigree in the Championship.

Lowe left the then League One club in 2021 to take over as manager of Preston North End, who were playing in the Championship.

During his time with North End, Lowe ensured consistency at the club and should have guided the club to a top six finish. However, his side had a habit of falling away towards the end of the season.

The 46-year-old has proven that he is a capable Championship manager, but there may be question marks over whether he would take a job at a struggling side like Plymouth.

Given his previous exploits with Argyle and Preston, a potential move for Lowe would be a bold one and one that would be considered a real coup for the Pilgrims.

During his previous spell with the club, Lowe finished with a PPM ratio of 1.55 after 128 matches, while at Preston he secured a PPM of 1.37 after 125 matches.

A return for either Schumacher or Lowe would feel poetic, given their history with the club. Both managers left a positive impression, securing an identical number of points during their tenures with the Pilgrims.

With Argyle reportedly wanting to appoint a new manager before the weekend, one of them could be in attendance at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday.