Schumacher wired up for Pilgrims’ Vale clash

Argyle boss serves his ban and watches League One match in the Mayflower Stand

STEVEN Schumacher will be ‘wired up’ to Plymouth Argyle assistant manager Mark Hughes when he serves a one-match touchline ban against Port Vale at Home Park tonight.

The Pilgrims’ boss will be sat in the Mayflower Grandstand alongside director of football Neil Dewsnip, rather than stood in the technical area as usual.

He will still be able to pass messages to Hughes and first team coach Kevin Nancekivell, though, as argyle return to League One action.

Schumacher (pictured) was given his touchline ban, and fined £1,000, by the Football Association after he admitted that he used abusive, insulting and improper words and behaviour towards a match official following the 1-1 draw at Burton Albion on November 19.

He was angered by the decisionmaking of first-year EFL referee Martin Woods throughout the game, but especially over an uncontested drop ball which went in Burton’s favour deep into added time and led to them equalising.

However, the Pilgrims’ boss revealed at a Press conference on Thursday that his comments had been made to fourth official Carl Boyeson, who had reported him to the FA.

Schumacher said: “Obviously, I’m disappointed to be sitting in the stand on Friday night. I felt frustrated after the game against Burton. “I didn’t say anything to the referee, it was to the fourth official. It isn’t like me really. I normally don’t get involved in stuff like that, especially after a game because there is nothing they are going to change.

“I was just annoyed, frustrated and said something that I probably shouldn’t of. It wasn’t the worst thing I have ever said to anybody on the touchline but he (Boyeson) has reported it and I have been charged.

“So lesson learned, a big fine that I didn’t need right before Christmas - and sitting next to Neil Dewsnip in the stand, which I definitely didn’t need!”

Schumacher added: “I have known Carl a long time. Me and Dino Maamria (Burton’s manager) were having a go at him during the game.

“If it wasn’t me who said something to him it might have been Dino at the end of the game. Anyway, it is what it is. I have got to hold my hands up, take responsibility for it and learn from it. I deffo won’t do it again.”

Schumacher will still be in constant communication with Hughes as Argyle try to secure a 10th successive home league win to start the season.

He said: “I think I’m allowed to be wired up to Mark so I will be on the microphone with him. We go on as normal.

“The lads respect Hughesy and Nance anyway. They will be on the line, giving the information if they can, and hopefully it’s just business as usual.”