Stoke City have dismissed manager Steven Schumacher just five league matches into the new season.
He was let go following a 1-0 loss to Oxford on Saturday, which has left the Potters 13th in the Championship standings.
The club had begun the season reasonably well, securing victories in two of their first five league encounters.
They also continue their Carabao Cup journey after overcoming Carlisle and Middlesbrough.
Schumacher’s unexpected dismissal comes just before Stoke’s third-round cup match against Fleetwood Town.
Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross will temporarily lead the team as they host the League Two side tomorrow. Shawcross, 36, is a Stoke icon, having made 453 appearances for the club between 2007 and 2020.
He rose through the youth system at Manchester United and featured in two matches for their senior team.
Another beloved figure at Stoke, Jon Walters, serves as the club’s sporting director and provided insight into Schumacher’s sacking.
Walters stated: “My role involves making difficult choices that benefit the long-term future of Stoke City. After continuous discussions with [chairman] John Coates, we believe it is the right moment for a change in direction to achieve success for the club.”
We possess a youthful and energetic team that is keen to grow, coupled with a defined strategy for success, and we anticipate announcing a new appointment soon.
To realise our objectives, the backing of fans, staff, and players will be essential.
As is often the case in football, such decisions are challenging, and we extend our best wishes to Steven and his team for the future.
