Steven Schumacher is determined to get Stoke City back on track after leaving his role at Plymouth Argyle to take charge of the Potters.

Schumacher guided the Pilgrims to the League One title last season and also reached the EFL Trophy final at Wembley.

The 39-year-old succeeds Alex Neil, who was sacked earlier this month following a poor run of results.

“I was attracted to this club by its history and everything it represents and, once John (Coates) and Ricky (Martin) shared their vision with me, I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to take,” he told the club's official website.

“The infrastructure, the stadium and the facilities are top-class, and so is the support of the fans.

“The values that resonate with me for a Stoke City team are bravery and hard work, coupled with a desire to play attacking football and be a team our supporters can connect with.

“We have the players to do that and, if we can get back to a point where the bet365 Stadium is thought of as a tough venue to visit, we can really get it rocking again.”

Stoke currently find themselves 19th in the table and have failed to win any of their last eight league matches.

Chairman John Coates added: “We are delighted to welcome Steven, who we firmly believe to be one of the most exciting young coaches in the country, to Stoke City.

“Steven will quickly realise that he is joining a great club, with a loyal and passionate fanbase, and one with all the potential to fulfil his ambitions in the game.

“He can rely on the absolute support of us all and we wish him all the very best in the role.”

Schumacher will take charge of his first game this weekend when the Potters host Millwall.

There was also a managerial change at Sunderland earlier in the week, with Michael Beale succeeding former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray guided the Black Cats to the play-offs last season but was sacked after 15 months in charge.

43-year-old Beale arrives at the Stadium of Light following a stint in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. He also had a spell in charge at Queens Park Rangers.

Sunderland currently sit seventh in the Championship table, only three points off the play-off places heading into the festive period.