Western Morning News (Saturday)
Schumacher expecting Argyle’s loan stars to stay
STEVEN Schumacher does not expect any of Plymouth Argyle’s onloan players to be recalled in January unless they are ‘desperately needed’ at their parent clubs, writes Chris Errington.
The quartet of Sam Cosgrove (Birmingham City), Nigel Lonwijk (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Bali Mumba (Norwich City) and Morgan Whittaker (Swansea City) have all proved to be excellent additions to the squad at the League One leaders.
So has Finn Azaz, although the 22-year-old from Aston Villa now faces an extended spell on the sidelines - possibly until mid-January due to a broken right ankle.
Together, those five players - who all signed on season-long loan deals - have combined for 21 goals and 14 assists this season, which highlights their importance.
The possibility of Mumba - the EFL Young Player-of-the-Month for September, being recalled in January was raised with Norwich boss Dean Smith earlier this week.
That was after the 22-year-old wing-back scored a spectacular goal in the Sky-televised 4-2 Devon derby victory over Argyle at Home Park on Monday night.
Smith replied that it was ‘way too early’ to make any decisions on that and stated he was pleased with the progress being made Mumba at Argyle.
Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber went to watch Mumba in action when the Pilgrims won 4-1 away to MK Dons on October 15.
Schumacher said: “I think there is a possibility for all of them (the loan signings) to be recalled because that’s what tends to happen in these contracts.
“That’s a security for both parties. If Bali had come here and not played then they would be saying ‘Well, let’s send him back and what’s the point in being here?’
“And we might be thinking ‘Let’s get rid of one because we need to bring somebody else in.’ So that’s why the clauses are put in.
“When we spoke to Norwich in the summer - when we spoke to the other clubs - we set out the picture of what we expected for their players.
“They are going to come here and be in a good environment. They are going to be in a team they want to play in and a style that suits them.
“That’s why we recruited them, and they are going to further their own experience for their career so unless the circumstances change at their home club where they are desperately needed then why would they want to bring them players back?
“They are doing so well, they are adding value to themselves all the time and they are enjoying their football, which is the most important thing. They are getting better and better as players.”
Schumacher added: “I understand that circumstances do change and if it does change then no problem, we will have a plan in place for that as well.
“But, at the moment, speaking to all of the loan players they are enjoying what they are doing and their clubs are really enjoying them playing for us.”
The four available loan players have also ben granted permission to play in the FA Cup and are expected to feature in Argyle’s first round trip to Grimsby Town today.