Steven Schumacher quits Plymouth and moves to Stoke

Championship strugglers Stoke City have appointed Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher as their head coach.

The 39-year-old leaves the Pilgrims - who are three points above the Potters in the second tier - to replace Alex Neil on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Schumacher spent two years in charge at Argyle, leading them to the League One title with 101 points last season.

Stoke, without a win in eight, are three points above the drop zone and on to their sixth manager in six years.

Plymouth assistant manager Mark Hughes, first-team coach Peter Cavanagh and goalkeeping coach Darren Behcet have also left the club to join Schumacher.

Stoke does feel like a place manager go to die.