“A masterstroke” - Pundit makes Plymouth Argyle admission following big club decision | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has heaped praise on Plymouth Argyle for trusting Neil Dewsnip to take charge after they sacked Ian Foster earlier this month, as they close in on securing their Championship safety.

Plymouth Argyle’s improvement under Neil Dewsnip

In what was a real blow for Plymouth, Steven Schumacher made the decision to leave for Stoke City earlier in the campaign, which meant the board were on the lookout for his successor.

They turned to Foster, who had been given an opportunity after impressing with the England youth sides.

However, it was a decision that backfired, as despite enjoying a decent start, Plymouth won just once in 11 prior to his dismissal after the defeat to Bristol City on April 1.

In a surprising move, director of football Dewsnip was announced as the replacement until the end of the season. Even though he had done similar in the past, it was still a bold move for the club as they battle to stay in the Championship.

But, it’s proven to be a smart choice, as Argyle have picked up seven points from three games under Dewsnip, which includes an impressive win against high-flying leaders Leicester City on Friday night.

As well as the positive results, there has been a major improvement defensively, with the side looking more organised having picked up two clean sheets in three.

Carlton Palmer makes Plymouth admission

Speaking to FLW, ex-England international Palmer admitted the decision to allow Dewsnip to take charge was an inspired one, as he revealed he did feel former boss Neil Warnock would’ve been the right fit at the time.

As well as that, he discussed the huge game against Schumacher’s Stoke this weekend, and whether the chance to get one over the former boss adds extra spice to the fixture.

“They’re possibly one win away from staying in the Championship.

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“He knows the players, and they hoped he would get a reaction, and he’s managed to do just that. It’s proved to be a masterstroke, but the next game against Stoke City is going to be emotional, as they come up against their former manager.

“I don’t think they need any extra motivation. What they need is three points, which will keep them in the league. That’s the big motivating factor. For both clubs, three points in that game guarantees safety, whether it’s Stoke taking them to 50 points or Plymouth to 51 points, I think that guarantees them survival, so that’s motivation enough.”

Plymouth Argyle still have work to do

The mood has improved considerably around Plymouth in the past few weeks, but, as Palmer states, there is still work to do, and they are going to need another win.

As it stands, they’re four points above the relegation zone with three to play, but they do play sides in and around them in Stoke and Millwall before a final day clash against play-off hopefuls Hull City.

Therefore, Dewsnip won’t allow complacency to creep in, and the side will hope to use the momentum they’ve built to pick up three points against the Potters.