Amidst head coach Miron Muslic’s discussions for a Bundesliga move to Schalke, Plymouth Argyle face managerial uncertainty for their upcoming League One campaign.
This comes after a challenging 2024-2025 season that saw the Pilgrims relegated from the Championship.
While Muslic stays in charge for now, the club has reluctantly allowed him to speak with the German outfit, making his departure appear increasingly likely.
The fans aren’t happy with Muslic, with him being accused of ‘jumping at the first opportunity.’
As Plymouth prepare for life back in League One in the 2025-2026 season, speculation is rife regarding who will take the helm at Home Park.
Plymouth Argyle’s next boss with five potential names in the frame
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
In light of this potential vacancy, we have taken a look at five potential rumoured replacements for Muslic and how their managerial CV would make them a good fit at Home Park.
Gerhard Struber
While his recent spells at Salzburg and FC Köln ended early, Struber achieved success at Barnsley, guiding them against the odds to Championship survival in the 2019-20 season despite coming into a team in the relegation zone. This resilience and ability to organise a team defensively, coupled with his bold tactical approach, could appeal to Plymouth as they seek a manager who can build a strong foundation in League One, with the hopes of bouncing straight back to the Championship.
Ruben Selles
Despite facing challenging circumstances at Reading, including points deductions and transfer embargoes, Selles managed to keep a young squad competitive in League One, even flirting with playoff contention. Before his time at Reading, Selles had a spell as manager of Southampton in the Premier League during the 2022-23 season. This experience of managing at the highest level, albeit in a caretaker and interim capacity, could be attractive to Plymouth. His tactical knowledge, demonstrated by interchangeable formations at Reading, suggests he could tailor his approach to the players available and navigate the challenges of League One.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
David Wagner
Wagner’s CV boasts considerable success, most notably leading Huddersfield Town to a historic promotion to the Premier League in 2017 and then keeping them in the top flight for a season. This proven ability to overachieve and build a cohesive, tough team makes him a strong candidate. Reaching the Championship play-offs with Norwich City further emphasises his capability in the second tier.
Ryan Lowe
Lowe has a strong track record of success in the lower leagues, having achieved promotion from League Two to League One with Plymouth and previously leading Bury to promotion from League Two. This familiarity with winning in these divisions and his positive relationship with Plymouth fans could provide an immediate connection and understanding. While his time at Preston North End didn’t yield a playoff push, his clear promotion pedigree makes him a compelling option.
Des Buckingham
Buckingham recently guided Oxford United to a memorable promotion to the Championship via the playoffs in the 2023-24 season, demonstrating his ability to achieve success in League One. He also boasts title wins in New Zealand and India, showing his can-do attitude across different leagues. His progressive, attacking style could resonate with Plymouth fans and potentially make him a good fit.
Miron Muslic’s brief chapter at Plymouth Argyle
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Miron Muslic’s brief tenure at Plymouth Argyle, commencing in January 2025, was marked by both promise and ultimate disappointment.
Stepping into a challenging Championship relegation battle, his arrival brought tactical adjustments, often employing a three-man defence.
While there were encouraging moments, notably a stunning FA Cup victory over Liverpool, consistency in the league proved hard to come by. Despite a late fight, Plymouth’s Championship status couldn’t be salvaged, resulting in relegation to League One.
Muslic’s pending departure after just four months came as a surprise, particularly given the club’s preparations for the League One campaign under his guidance.
His short time at Home Park ultimately concluded with the bitter taste of relegation and an unexpected managerial exit.