Plymouth Argyle: Championship club aim to have new manager in place by end of week

Finn Azaz (left) scored a superb goal in what is likely to be Argyle's final managerless game in the 3-3 draw with Watford

Plymouth Argyle hope to have a new manager in place this week, according to director of football Neil Dewsnip.

The club have whittled down more than 100 applicants to "single figures" and will conduct interviews this week, with owner Simon Hallett back in the country from his home in the United States.

Argyle have drawn three and lost one of their four games since Steven Schumacher left to join Stoke City.

"We're hoping that we can attract a new manager this week," Dewsnip said.

Dewsnip and assistant coach Kevin Nancekivell have overseen first-team affairs during the festive period, including Monday's thrilling 3-3 draw with Watford that could be their final game in charge.

Argyle host League Two strugglers Sutton United in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

"The players, I've got to tell you, have absolutely tried as hard as they possibly can for us," Dewsnip added to BBC Radio Devon.

"It's a big team effort and I think that's why you get the spirit and that's why you get the resilience from all of us."

Plymouth Argyle owner Simon Hallett has travelled over from the United States to oversee the appointment of a new manager

Dewsnip is clear that whoever takes over will have to share the attacking ideals that have marked the Pilgrims' play for the past few seasons - only the top four sides in the Championship have scored more goals than the 43 that Argyle have netted this season.

"Our philosophies are well-documented and we won't go outside of that, so whoever comes in will fulfil those philosophies," Dewsnip added.

"He'll share them and he'll look to fine-tune like when Steven took over from Ryan (Lowe) - he had his views on how we could improve and the new person I'm sure will want to do the same."

With the opening of the transfer window, Dewsnip is also hopeful the new manager will be able to influence who the club brings in during January - but added Argyle's plans are already well laid out.

"The ideal [thing] would be we get a new head coach and he can play a part in that transfer strategy," Dewsnip said.

"Jimmy Dickinson (head of recruitment) and Ross Goodwin (head of football data) have got it all laid out, they're well-prepared.

"I'm across that, so although I've been involved with the team, we haven't taken our eye off the ball regarding that and we're hoping to make one or two additions to the squad in the near future."