Plymouth Argyle cooking something new…

According to director of football Neil Dewsnip, Plymouth Argyle expect to have a new manager in place this week.

The club has reduced the number of candidates from more than 100 to “single figures” and will hold interviews this week, with owner Simon Hallett returning to the nation from his home in the United States.

Since Steven Schumacher left to join Stoke City, Argyle have drawn three and lost one of their four games, “We’re hoping that we can attract a new manager this week,” Dewsnip said in a statement.

During the holiday season, Dewsnip and assistant coach Kevin Nancekivell have managed first-team affairs, including Monday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Watford, which could be their last.

Dewsnip is clear that whomever takes over must share the attacking philosophies that have defined the Pilgrims’ style in recent seasons – only the top four sides in the Championship have scored more goals than Argyle this season.

“Our philosophies are well-documented and we won’t go outside of that, so whoever comes in will fulfil those philosophies,” he said.

“He’ll share them and he’ll look to fine-tune like when Steven took over from Ryan (Lowe) – he had his views on how we could improve and the new person I’m sure will want to do the same.”

Dewsnip is also hopeful that with the opening of the transfer window, the new manager would be able to influence who the players are.

“The ideal philosophy would be we get a new head coach and he can play a part in that transfer strategy,” Dewsnip said.

“Jimmy Dickinson (head of recruitment) and Ross Goodwin (head of football data) have got it all laid out, they’re well-prepared.

“Despite the fact that I’ve been connected with the team, we haven’t lost sight of that, and we intend to add one or two players to the roster soon.”