Stoke City sack head coach Steven Schumacher, cite 'change in direction'

The Potters have commenced the new Championship campaign by accumulating six points from their opening five fixtures.

However, despite a third defeat during that period coming at Oxford United on Saturday afternoon, Stoke remain in 13th position in the standings.

Victories have been posted away against Coventry City and Plymouth Arygle, while the Staffordshire outfit recorded a 5-0 triumph away at Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup second round prior to the international break.

Nevertheless, it was announced on Monday morning that Schumacher had left his role in the dugout with immediate effect.

"These decisions are difficult"

The 40-year-old departed Plymouth to take the reins at the bet365 Stadium in December, taking over a team that were facing the prospect of relegation.

A total of 32 points were collected from the final 24 games - the 14th-best over that period - to keep Stoke in the second tier, and a wide array of signings were made during the summer transfer window in what appeared to be a new era for the club.

Instead, sporting director Jonathan Walters says that the club will have a better chance of long-term success with a different head coach at the helm.

Speaking to the club's official website, Walters said: "My role as sporting director is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City.

"After ongoing discussions with John Coates, we feel the time is right for a change in direction to bring success to the club.

"We have a young, dynamic squad that is eager to develop and a clear vision of how to achieve success, and we hope to announce a new appointment shortly. We will need the fans, staff, and players united in support to achieve our goals.

"As always in football, these decisions are difficult, and we wish Steven and his staff all the best for the future."

What next?

Schumacher leaves with a record of 13 wins and six draws from his 32 matches in charge prior to an EFL Cup third-round tie against Fleetwood Town.

Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross have been placed in caretaker charge for that match, but it appears likely for a permanent successor could be found before the home Championship fixture against Hull City on Friday night.