Argyle January transfer window strategy

Plymouth Argyle director of football Neil Dewsnip has explained how he and recently-appointed manager Steven Schumacher will work on player recruitment in the January transfer window.

Schumacher, as assistant boss, was already involved in weekly meetings where potential targets were discussed before Ryan Lowe quit to take over at Preston North End.

Now he and Dewsnip will be guided on data analytics and recommendations from a team of regional scouts as they attempt to strengthen his squad next month.

Dewsnip told Plymouth Live: "Steven, as assistant manager, was involved in all of the discussions with myself and Ryan.

"We work on two levels really. We work with a data analytical company, called MRKT Insights, and we also have a team of regional scouts out there watching players for us.

"That information filters back into myself day by day. We have a weekly meeting to discuss certain targets.

"Steven now will say 'I think we need . . .'. We will discuss that and then we will go to the market to see what is available and can we get it."

Dewsnip added: "There are two or three injured players that haven't really contributed yet this season. so they are going to feel like new signings first of all.

"But part of the medium-term and long-term plan is that we want to get better and better all the time so every transfer window is an opportunity to improve our squad and our starting 11 so we will certainly have the mindset to do that if we can."

Dewsnip was referring to striker Niall Ennis, wing-back George Cooper and defender James Bolton when mentioning injured players.

Ennis and Cooper have now returned to action, although they are still not up to full match fitness, while Bolton could be included in the squad against Charlton Athletic at Home Park on Saturday.

Cooper has made one start and two substitute appearances this season and Ennis has come off the bench in each of the last three games but Bolton has not played at all.

Schumacher said: "George, Niall and James are going to be good additions to our squad and make us stronger, but I think we are all aware as well there is other areas in the pitch that we would like to strengthen.

"We have been on with meetings for last few months. It never stops, the drive and the will to keep improving this football club.

"We will never standstill regardless of current league situation or squad situation. We are always looking on areas where we can improve."




Argyle January transfer window strategy