'It's a unique relationship we've got': Steven Schumacher - as with so many others - was taught and mentored by Neil Dewsnip as he sought a path in the game... now the Plymouth Argyle manager-director of football duo have Wembley success in their sights

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When Steven Schumacher was a pupil at Cardinal Heenan High School in Liverpool, he gave the answer that all little boys do during talks about careers.

'Sir, I want to be a footballer and play at Wembley' is said in countless classrooms across the city, every day of the week, but never in Schumacher's wildest dreams would he have envisaged sharing the biggest day of his professional life with his teacher by his side.

Schumacher will be bursting with pride on Sunday when he leads Plymouth Argyle out at Wembley, aiming to deliver this famous club the first Cup of its 137-year existence. Hard though it may be to believe, Sporting Director Neil Dewsnip will be even prouder when he watches the scene unfold.

Dewsnip was a P.E teacher when Schumacher attended Cardinal Heenan in the 1990s (another notable former pupil was Steven Gerrard) and he also oversaw his development as a footballer at Everton's Academy, watching him rise captaining England at every age group from U-16 to U-19.

Their relationship has remained close and when Schumacher joined Ryan Lowe at Plymouth in 2019, they had no hesitation in calling Dewsnip to assume the role of Director of Football and guide them along the way. 

Neil Dewsnip (L) and Steven Schumacher have a unique relationship fostered over many years

Schumacher has led Plymouth to the brink of the Championship - and a Wembley showpiece

Dewsnip was - partly - responsible for Schumacher being appointed Plymouth boss

When Lowe moved to Preston, Dewsnip had no hesitation in calling Plymouth owner Simon Hallett to tell him his next manager was under his nose.

'It's almost unique, the relationship that we have got,' says Schumacher, who has guided Plymouth to the top of League One with an impressive brand of attacking football. 'I don't think there will be another Manager-Director of Football relationship like it, anywhere in the leagues.

'It speaks volumes about Neil - sorry, "Mr D"! - that so many old pupils are still in contact. I think the respect he has got from everyone is there for all to see. He's been a huge part of my journey and will be for many more years to come.' 

Dewsnip, who spent six years working at The FA after leaving Everton in 2013, smiles as he listens to all this. He has been a mentor for, among others, Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Karl Robinson and the significance of this occasion is not lost on him.

'To work with him when he was eight years old at Everton, to be his teacher - it's wonderful to see so many young people do so well, he says. 'There are no words, really. But both of us will remind each other there is a job to do.

'I have had some amazing experiences in my life (Dewsnip was part of the coaching staff for Canada Women's Olympic Gold medal in Tokyo) but you always want the next one. If he still allows me, I'll be sat a few rows behind on the bench, trying to offer some observations.' 

The benefit of having a wise, old head on hand is something Schumacher cherishes but it's clear to see that, unlike in the school gym, he is now not worried about giving an answer back when Dewsnip talks.

'He was on the phone the other day,' Schumacher begins, prompting both men to spontaneously smile.

'He's talking about the training ground, gym equipment, the medical department, strappings they've ordered. I'm trying to listen but I say: "Yeah, nice one - but I've got to try to beat Bolton!"' 

Plymouth meet Bolton at Wembley on Sunday in the final of the Football League Trophy

The Papa Johns Final might not be the biggest game in the calendar but for Plymouth and the 40,000 fans who will embark on the pilgrimage from the South Coast, this is everything. Schumacher targeted this competition at the beginning of the campaign, along with a successful promotion push, and success would mean the world.

'I was born in 1984,' he says. 'I was two weeks old and my mum was dragged to London to stay in a hotel room, not far from the Green Man pub, while my dad went to watch Everton beat Watford in the FA Cup Final. I was taken again in 1985, in 1986, 1989 and then again in 1995.

'My Dad put on the family WhatsApp the other day that everyone has got to meet at the Green Man pub again on for tradition! These are the days you do the job for. I have been a coach since I retired at 33. Wembley is the pinnacle.

'It's going to be some day. I only got to play there once, as a substitute for Fleetwood, in a 14-year playing career. So to be going to Wembley in my first season as a manager is something I can't believe.'