Bristol Rovers: Steven Schumacher factor must accelerate Matt Taylor decision | OneFootball

Bristol Rovers could risk losing out on managerial talents including Steven Schumacher

Bristol Rovers will play fellow League One side Barnsley in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup later this month after the Pirates scraped through in extra time in their first round tie at home to close neighbours Weston-Super-Mare last weekend. It was another lacklustre display from the boys in blue and white and the home supporters made their frustrations known.

With another below par performance from Bristol Rovers, cries of “We want Taylor out” rang around the Memorial Stadium in the dying minutes of normal time as large numbers of supporters called again for Matt Taylor's exit.

Taylor's side were held 1-1 by the determined National League South outfit after 90 minutes, leading Gasheads to enter into the chorus of Taylor out. It would be short-lived, however, as Bristol Rovers started to kick into gear and the Seagulls' resistance would be pierced by the Gas who went through after two late goals.

The Gas have been in mixed form so far this season with some impressive individual and team performances to achieve some of their wins, accompanied by some performances that have left fans feeling embarrassed.

Manner of Bristol Rovers defeats hardest pill to swallow

The manner of those defeats has been a bitter pill to swallow for Rovers fans who just want to see progress for their team. On too many occasions during the first quarter of the season, the Gas have been too far below the performance standard that, even in defeat, gives Gasheads a proud feeling about their team. Never more present than in their valiant 1-0 away defeat to Reading.

Taylor has shown many of the qualities this season that make him a character to admire. The season started with him playing a brave brand of football with three central defenders, and wing-backs pushed high up the pitch. Constantly on the sidelines calling for his team to move the ball in quick forward patterns. He’s also shown a willingness to adapt his formation by changing back to a back-four, which Taylor recently claimed made the team look more connected. And he’s displayed a contrasting character to the previous manager with his more considered approach to player criticism.

But Taylor has just been unable to get the vast majority of Gasheads on his side. Many perceive the 42-year-old as not showing much passion for Rovers. Perhaps this is as much down to the charisma of the man he replaced as full-time manager as it is down to his own record and character. As you would probably expect at any club, the manager has also been criticised for elements of his team selection and his tactical set-up, and also for his use of substitutions.

Taylor would surely be the first to point out that there have been times when his changes have been the catalyst to an improved performance, though also times when his changes have taken the sting out of a positive Rovers performance, forcing them onto the back foot.

Ownership must act or risk losing out - Steven Schumacher is available

Rovers can not be accused of knee-jerk reactions or rashly following the will of supporters who have long called for Taylor to be removed. In fact, they’ve been patient with Taylor, offering him the time some Gasheads still think he should be afforded. But how long can they really hold off with the likes of Steven Schumacher and others currently available?

With the new owners being business-minded people and speculation online suggesting that the club are continuing to pay compensation to former manager Joey Barton, this may be one reason contributing to the rationale behind the Rovers' hierarchy deciding to persist with Taylor in charge.

Former Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle manager Schumacher is currently without a club and some have suggested him for the Bristol Rovers hot seat should Taylor leave. Schumacher left Stoke under somewhat of a cloud in August after just five league games this campaign and seemingly felt aggrieved by that decision.

The 40-year-old took Plymouth to the Championship by winning the League One title in the 2022-2023 season and left the Pilgrims comfortably in mid-table as he joined Stoke in December 2023. Schumacher achieved his initial aim of keeping the Potters in the Championship in his first season with the club before he received the shock news of his sacking. Schumacher would be a favourite among many Gasheads, with his Scouse character being an attractive one to some Bristol Rovers fans.

All being said, it must feel at times like an impossible job to be a football manager. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

With crucial games coming up against the likes of Lincoln and Crawley before the cup tie against Barnsley at the end of the month, the Bristol Rovers hierarchy could be doing more harm than good by delaying a decision to part with Taylor.