Schumacher graduates

Congratulations to Argyle manager Steven Schumacher, who has attained his FA Level 5 UEFA Pro Licence after an 18-month course.

The award is one of the highest achievable qualifications for football coaches and is a requirement for coaches who wish to manage at the highest level.

Steven was amongst 23 graduates from the ‘Class of 22’, including current Cambridge United boss Mark Bonner, Portsmouth’s Danny and Nicky Cowley, former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke and Argyle legend, Graham Coughlan.

He was given his certificate at a graduation ceremony, held at the Lowry in Manchester, by England manager Gareth Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland.

The award is proof of Steven’s desire to learn and improve and underlines his want to instil a winning and successful mentality at Argyle.

On first day of 22/23 pre-season, Steven said: “It was brilliant, I’m buzzing.

“It has been a tough time, but a really good time. I have learnt so much and met some great people.

“There are only 600 people in the English FA that have the Pro licence, so I am incredibly proud.

“I have had time to look back over a hectic last few years; from stopping playing, to coaching, to getting an A-Licence to becoming a manger.

“It’s great to get it done and now I can get on and focus on doing well at Argyle.

Steven joins current first team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Darren Way, the club's lead under-18 coach, in having the qualification, while assistant manager Mark Hughes is currently undertaking the qualification.