Western Morning News (Saturday)
Lowe signs new longterm Argyle contract
Manager ‘excited to continue the project’ after committing until 2023/24
RYAN Lowe and his assistant boss Steven Schumacher have signed new long-term contracts with Plymouth Argyle.
Lowe, who led Argyle to promotion from League Two last season, and Schumacher are now under contract until the end of the 2023/24 season.
It is a significant show of faith by the club in the management duo, whose previous deals still had 17 months remaining, and of their commitment to the Pilgrims.
Lowe said: ”I am delighted to have signed a long-term contract with Plymouth Argyle and I’m excited to continue the project we have started together.
“We fit well together – this is an ambitious club, and I am an ambitious manager. I would like to thank Andrew Parkinson, the board of directors, and Simon Hallett for making it happen.
“It was a no brainer for us and we have loved every minute of it. I would like to thank the fans for the support, it will be a lot more special when we are back together.”
Lowe had been linked with a number of managerial vacancies during 2020, such as Bolton Wanderers and Bristol City, as well as Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the 42-year-old has continued to provide strong leadership in the Home Park hotseat, ably assisted by his trusted number two Schumacher.
Lowe was appointed by Argyle in June 2019 when they paid Bury an undisclosed compensation fee to secure his services.
He brought a number of his backroom staff with him, such as Schumacher, head of fitness and conditioning John Lucas and video analyst Jimmy Dickinson.
Lowe also received support from Neil Dewsnip, initially as technical consultant before he took on the role of director of football last December.
Argyle have won 29, drawn 15 and lost 18 of the 62 league games under Lowe.
They have outscored the opposition by 96 goals to 80 in those matches and picked up 102 points.
The Pilgrims are currently 14th in League One ahead of their away game against fourth-placed Portsmouth today.
By securing the long-term future of Lowe now, Argyle will be able to fully focus on player recruitment this summer.
There will not be the distraction of their manager only having another 12 months left on his contract.
As well as guiding Argyle to good results on the pitch, Lowe has also raised the profile of the club nationally with regular television and radio appearances.
Now Lowe has been given the opportunity to shape the club for another three-anda-half years.