Birmingham City (H) | Houghton's Preview

The departure of manager Steven Schumacher, who left Argyle for Stoke City this week, could have a galvanising effect on the squad, according to midfielder Jordan Houghton.

Houghton joined Argyle in the summer of 2021, under manager Ryan Lowe, and played with distinction through the entirety of the reign of Lowe’s successor, Schumacher. Houghton was a key part of the side that won Sky Bet League One last season, with 101 points, and much of the squad from that promotion remain at Home Park.

Houghton is drawing on on-field setbacks, including fast reactions to defeats, both last season and this, as well as in-game comebacks, as inspiration as the Greens get set to face Birmingham City at home this Saturday.

“When there's been setbacks, we've moved on quickly and got back to doing what we know best,” he said. “I don't see that being an issue with a setback off the pitch either.

“[Schumacher leaving] has been difficult, obviously not the best timing with so many games coming up, but things like this happen in football and it's how you take that adversity and move forward.

“We've now been in training a couple of days since it happened, and we're focusing now on the game on Saturday. We've got so many big games coming up where we need to pick up points - and that hasn't changed.

“We were thankful for what the old gaffer did for us as players, and I'm sure fans, the staff and the club as a whole are very thankful for all that he gave us - but football moves on.

“Now it's down to us to carry on this season and focus on staying in the Championship, building on what we've done over the last few years, and then going on to bigger and better things as a unit.

“The thing we're focusing now on is the game on Saturday, a massive game with a team that's around us. We've got a couple now coming up with teams around us that we need to need to pick up some points against.

“We’re very confident. I think it helps because we've got such a young group of players. They kind of play with no fear. I think - win, lose or draw – that is the mentality that's instilled in the group. That's going to carry on throughout now.  I don't know who comes in, but I don't think too much is going to change in terms of the style. The players’ attitudes and mentality is going to be exactly the same.”

A sold-out Home Park awaits on Saturday, as it has done for every league game this season. Houghton says that first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell has told the team to expect the best atmosphere of the campaign, and Houghton is relishing such an environment.

He said: “When Nance told us about the gaffer leaving, he said that the fans are going to be 10 times what they've been this season, and I'm sure I'm sure he's right because they know exactly what they mean to us and they know how much we need them on Saturday.

“I'm looking forward to it because I'm sure it's going to be a great atmosphere.”