Middlesbrough and Sunderland’s rivals Stoke sack Steven Schumacher
The decision appears to have come as something of a surprise to supporters, with the Potters having had a steady start to the season, picking up six points from their first five games and thumping Boro to book a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
But the former Plymouth boss has lost his job after the weekend defeat at Oxford United.
Sporting director 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.”
Stoke are at home to Fleetwood in the third round of the League Cup tomorrow night and then travel to Hull this weekend before heading for the Riverside to take on Boro a week on Saturday.
Mark Hughes, Chris Cohen, Peter Cavanagh and Elliot Turner, all part of Schumacher’s coaching team, have left the club along with the head coach, with Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross taking caretaker charge of the team.
Chairman sJohn Coate said: “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.
“I continue to be hugely thankful to the club’s fans for their loyal and passionate support.”
Stoke City have sacked Steven Schumacher just five games into the new Championship campaign.
Sporting director Jon Walters confirmed the decision this morning following a 1-0 defeat to Oxford United over the weekend. He said the club hoped to announce a ‘new appointment’ shortly and said that the squad needed a ‘clear vision’ of how to achieve success.
Schumacher replaced former Sunderland boss Alex Neil last season as the Potters eventually beat relegation. They have made an indifferent start to the current campaign but they sit 13th in the table with two wins from their five games. Four members of backroom staff have also left the club as part of the reshuffle.
“My role as Sporting Director is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City.” Walters said.
“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.”
