Steven Thomas Schumacher (born 30 April 1984) is an English football manager and former professional footballer, who is currently the manager of Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
Club career
Everton
Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, Schumacher began his career at Everton after starting out in apprenticeship there and was captain of the England Under 19s while he was playing in the club's youth team. Along with Wayne Rooney, Schumacher featured in Everton's eight-game run to the 2002 FA Youth Cup.
He was unable to break into the first team, however, and as a result went out to a couple of minor loan spells to get first team experience. Schumacher joined Carlisle United on loan on 31 October 2003. Schumacher spent three months on loan at Carlisle United, where he made four appearances and scored his first career goal against Huddersfield Town in the Football League Trophy.
After his loan spell at Carlisle United came to an end, Schumacher went on trial at Oldham Athletic in February 2004, but was unsuccessful. Schumacher found himself in loan move battle between Bury and Oldham Athletic, but ultimately joined Oldham Athletic on a one-month deal. However, Schumacher made no appearances for the club and returned to his parent club on 6 April 2004, which he later explained his decision, citing lack of first team opportunities.
After his loan spell at Oldham Athletic came to an end, Schumacher played in the reserves for the rest of the season. During a reserve match against Sunderland in April 2004, Schumacher collided with Paul Thirlwell, resulting in Thirlwell being stretchered off. At the end of the 2003–04 season, Schumacher was released by the club. During his time at Everton, he represented both England U16 and England U19.
Bradford City
After leaving Everton, Schumacher went on trial at Bradford City and impressed the club's management sufficiently that he was offered and signed a two–year contract with the club on 30 July 2004.
Schumacher made his Bradford City debut, where he played 90 minutes, in a 2–1 loss against Hartlepool United in the opening game of the season. He then scored his first Bradford City goal, on 18 September 2004, in a 4–1 win over Bristol City. Since making his Bradford City debut, Schumacher has accrued a reputation as a fiercely competitive midfielder, equally adept in a holding or attacking role. His best season so far was the 2004–05 season, making over 40 first team starts, and scoring freely from his role in the Bantams midfield, scoring five more goals against Tranmere Rovers, Wrexham, Walsall, Stockport County and AFC Bournemouth. Despite suffering injuries along the way, he went on to make forty–six appearances and scoring six times in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2005–06 season, Schumacher signed a two-year contract with Bradford City, keeping him until 2007. He started the season well, appearing in the first three league matches of the season until being sidelined with two separate injuries. It wasn't until on 17 September 2005 when Schumacher returned to the starting line–up, in a 1–1 draw against Yeovil Town. In a follow–up match against West Bromwich Albion in the third round of the League Cup, he scored his first goal of the season, losing 4–1. Since returning from injuries, Schumacher regained his first team place for the rest of the year. He then scored a 30-yard screamer, in a 1–1 draw against Southend United on 10 December 2005. This lasted until Schumacher suffered a knock in the 41st minute and was substituted, in a 3–3 draw against Brentford on 3 January 2006. As a result, he was sidelined for the rest of January. It wasn't until on 4 February 2006 when he returned to the starting line–up against Colchester United and played 76 minutes, as the club lost 3–1. Schumacher later faced further sidelined with injuries and suspension. These restrictions of suspension and injuries combined saw him make thirty–five appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
In the 2006–07 season, Schumacher regained his first team place at Bradford City, playing in the midfield position. He then scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Tranmere Rovers on 30 September 2006. Schumacher's goal scoring form continues, scoring five more goals later in the 2006–07 season against Brighton & Hove Albion, Port Vale, Tranmere Rovers, Brentford and Bristol City. During a match against Chesterfield on 28 April 2007, Schumacher caused controversy when he swore directly to Bradford City. As a result, Schumacher apologised for his action and was fined by the club. After Bradford City's relegation to League Two, Schumacher made forty-four appearances, having missed two games, due to suspension.