Here are our picks on who should take over as Plymouth Argyle’s next manager.
With Miron Muslic set to become the new Schalke manager, Plymouth are looking for their fifth manager in less than two years. But who will take the reins at Home Park? Here are a few of the runners and riders:
Plymouth Argyle’s next manager? Des Buckingham
Former Oxford United manager Des Buckingham could be one to watch, and is one of the favourites with the bookies. The 40 year old Englishman is the type of progressive young manager that Plymouth might favour. He has already had success in League One – Oxford were promoted to the Championship after beating Bolton Wanderers in the League One play-off final in the 2023-24 season. Although Oxford sacked him the following season after a poor run of results, his stock is still high, with Cardiff City rumoured to be interested.
Plymouth Argyle’s next manager? Ruben Selles
The well-travelled Ruben Selles could be a good fit for Plymouth, as his style of attacking football aligns with owner Simon Hallett. The 41 year old Spaniard has plenty of experience in the EFL, having previously managed Southampton – on an interim basis – Reading, and Hull City. His stint at Reading was particularly impressive, as the club endured several points deductions, and transfer embargoes. Despite this, Selles guided the Royals to some impressive victories during his time there, including a record 9-0 away win over Exeter City in the EFL Trophy, and when he left to join Hull in December 2024, the club were sitting in sixth place in League One. His reign at the Tigers was short-lived, ending when he was sacked in May, after keeping the club in the Championship. Could Home Park be his next destination?
Plymouth Argyle’s next manager? Adin Osmanbasic
Osmanbasic is an outside bet, but he was the assistant to Miron Muslic at Plymouth, so he would provide some continuity for the Pilgrims. The 30 year old American worked with Muslic at Cercle Brugge, but started out as an analyst in America at MLS clubs Columbus Crew and Atlanta United, before becoming a first team assistant coach at Houston Dynamos in 2023, with Dynamo going on to win the US Open Cup later that year. Osmanbasic is highly rated, especially by Muslic, but his lack of managerial experience could count against him.
Plymouth Argyle’s next manager? David Wagner
David Wagner’s name is cropping up with the bookies. The 53 year old German has proven pedigree in the EFL, having previously managed Huddersfield Town and Norwich City. He has also managed in Germany and Switzerland – Borussia Dortmund and Young Boys respectively – but his biggest success in England came at Huddersfield. He took the Terriers to the promised land of the Premier League, via the Championship playoffs in 2017, and achieved the near impossible by keeping them in the top tier the following season. He credited the club’s success to a strong team spirit, which was forged on a trip to Sweden in pre-season, where they did a survival course. However, the team couldn’t capitalise on their previous success, and Wagner’s contract was terminated by mutual consent in 2019, with the club sitting bottom of the Premier League. He didn’t reach the same heights at Norwich, but it would be a coup for Plymouth if they could tempt him to go to Home Park.
Until Muslic’s departure, Plymouth were one of the favourites for promotion, but it remains to be seen if they can retain that status with a new manager. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
