After Ryan Lowe was confirmed as Derek Adams's successor as Plymouth Argyle, following his departure from Bury, we will now take a closer look at the new Pilgrims' boss with five facts about him.
1. Liverpool are in his blood.
As well as being a life-long Liverpool fan, Lowe, 40, also had two spells in the Reds' youth set-up in his teens. It was at this time he met and formed a friendship with legendary Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard.
2. A late starter.
Despite starting out with Liverpool, he was a late entrant into professional football and didn't enter the pro ranks until the age of 22. This was the age he was when he joined Shrewsbury Town from Merseyside non-leaguers Burscough after being recommended to the then Shrews manager Kevin Ratcliffe by Howard Kendall following a trial with Everton.
3. Promotion at the first attempt.
Lowe tasted the first professional success of his career in the 2003-04 season when he helped Shrewsbury win promotion back to the Football League, following their relegation to the National Conference in the 2002-03 campaign when they beat Aldershot Town to win promotion via the play-offs at the first attempt.
4. North West Frontiersmen.
Other than spells with Shrewsbury, MK Dons and Sheffield Wednesday, Lowe spent virtually the entirety of his playing career in the North West with Chester City, Crewe Alexandra,(three times), Stockport County, Bury (twice) and Tranmere Rovers.
5. A 'Gung-ho' playing style which has won many friends, including one very famous one.
Lowe guided Bury to second place in League Two last season with an attacking style of play that has won him many admirers, including Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following a pre-season friendly against the Reds. Under Lowe's guidance, the Shakers employed a 3-1-4-2 formation, which saw him use two numbers 10's in the form of Dara O'Shea and Danny Mayor and attacking wing-backs.
With Graham Carey currently mulling over the offer of a new contract, could the idea of being part of such an attack-minded set-up help convince the Irishman into staying at Home Park?
