Fresh blow to under-fire Steven Gerrard as England legend’s assistant at Al-Ettifaq quits to take over Championship side

4 months ago 29

IAN FOSTER has quit his role as Steven Gerrard’s assistant to take charge of Plymouth Argyle.

The 47-year-old left his position as England Under-20s boss to join up with Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq last summer.

Ian Foster has taken over as Plymouth Argyle boss[/caption]

Steven Gerrard has struggled as Al-Ettifaq manager[/caption]

After nine games without a win in all competitions, Foster has jumped ship to Argyle.

Confirming the appointment, Pilgrims chairman Simon Hallett said: “I am thrilled to welcome a coach of Ian’s calibre to Plymouth Argyle as our new Head Coach.

“He was the perfect candidate to lead our great football club forward as we embark on our next five-year mission.

“Ian showed a passion and knowledge for the club throughout the interview process, and showcased in some detail how he sees the best way to take forward our exciting and dynamic young squad.

“Having worked with some of the best players this country has produced, he has a passion for developing young footballers, as well as playing expansive, attacking football which fits perfectly with how we want the club to progress.

“I am excited to see how he takes the team forward and very much welcome him to Plymouth Argyle.”

Foster played for Hereford, Barrow, Kidderminster and Chester during his professional career.

He finished his playing days with Irish side Galway United before later taking charge as manager.

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The former striker then managed Dundalk, before landing first team coaching roles at Coventry and Portsmouth.

Foster went on to assist Steve Cooper with England Under-17s during their victorious World Cup campaign in 2017.

He subsequently managed the Three Lions’ Under 18s, 19s and 20s before joining Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.

The managerial duo oversaw five wins in their first seven games, before hitting a severe slump.

Al-Ettifaq have plummeted to eighth in the table following a nine-game winless run.

The streak has seen Gerrard come under pressure, with fans left baffled when he cited a lack of penalties for his side’s malaise.

Gerrard will now have to do without trusted assistant Foster.

Argyle sit 18th in the Championship, having returned to the second-tier after 13 years away following their League One title-winning campaign last year.

Steven Schumacher left the Pilgrims last month in order to take charge of Stoke City.

Director of football Neil Dewsnip, who also worked with England’s age group sides, subsequently took over as caretaker boss while launching the club’s search for a new boss.

After selecting Foster, Dewsnip said: “I have spoken openly in the past few weeks about how we would wait for the right person for the job and in Ian we believe we have found exactly that.

“He has incredible pedigree as a coach and working with young players and we feel he is the perfect person to take forward this incredible group of players we have.

“Now is the time to look to the future and I am excited to see Ian get to work on the training pitch immediately and to help us achieve our aims, both this season and beyond.”

Argyle take on Sutton United at Home Park this afternoon, before Foster and Co travel to Huddersfield next weekend for his first Championship game at the helm.