Championship side announce surprise sacking just five games into new season
Steven Schumacher has left his position as head coach of Stoke City.
He becomes the second managerial casualty in the Championship this season following the departure of Ryan Lowe from Preston North End after the first game of the season.
The Potters sit 13th in the table and have lost three of their opening five games, winning the other two.
In a statement on Monday, sporting director Jon Walters addressed Schumacher’s departure.
Jon 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.”
Mark Hughes, Chris Cohen, Peter Cavanagh and Elliot Turner have also left the club.
Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross will take caretaker charge of the Potters as the search for a new boss begins.
Chair John Coates added: “Steven, Mark, Chris, Peter and Elliot depart with our thanks for their efforts and with our best wishes for their future careers.
“We have faith in the squad of players we have assembled and firmly believe they can bring success to Stoke City this season.
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“I continue to be hugely thankful to the Club’s fans for their loyal and passionate support.”
Stoke fans on social media have been left puzzled by the decision to sack Schumacher, though.
“Could’ve at least waited until Friday to ruin my week lads,” one wrote on X.
“This is madness, absolute madness,” a second said.
A third added: “Rinse…..repeat……..”
Stoke, who were relegated from the Premier League in 2018, appointed Schumacher in December 2023.
The former midfielder had led Plymouth to promotion to the Championship as champions of League One the season prior, winning Manager of the Year in the process.
He led Stoke to a 17th-place finish last season.
His final game in charge of the Potters was a 1-0 loss to newly promoted Oxford United.
Stoke will now be looking for their ninth manager, their sixth permanent, since their Premier League relegation.
Meanwhile, talkSPORT understands other Championship side Cardiff are considering sacking their manager, Erol Bulut.
The Bluebirds are rock bottom of the table having only picked up a point in their opening five games.
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