Stoke City SACK manager Steven Schumacher just FIVE games into new season as ex-Man Utd star takes temporary charge
STOKE CITY have sacked manager Steven Schumacher - with a Premier League icon now in caretaker charge.
He has been axed following a 1-0 defeat to Oxford on Saturday that leaves the Potters 13th in the Championship.
The club have started the season in decent form, winning two of their opening five league games.
They also remain in the Carabao Cup after beating Carlisle and Middlesbrough.
Schumacher's shock sacking comes on the eve of Stoke's third round cup tie against Fleetwood Town.
They welcome the League Two side tomorrow with Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross in temporary charge of the team.
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Shawcross, 36, is a Stoke legend, who played 453 times for the club from 2007 to 2020 and has one England cap.
He came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and played twice for their first-team.
Another Stoke cult hero, Jon Walters, is the club's sporting director and he explained the decision to axe Schumacher.
Walters said: "My role as is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City.
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“After ongoing discussions with [chairman] 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.”