Stoke City have sacked head coach Steven Schumacher in the wake of Saturday’s defeat to Oxford, the Championship club have confirmed.
His departure comes following the Potters’ 1-0 loss at the Kassam Stadium, a result which left Stoke 13th in the table after two wins and three defeats from their opening five matches.
Schumacher joined the club from Plymouth Argyle in December 2023, replacing Alex Neil, and subsequently steered the team to Championship safety with a 17th-placed finish last season.
Stoke’s sporting director Jon Walters said a “change in direction” is needed for the club. He told the club website: “My role as sporting director is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City. 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.”
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Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross will take caretaker charge of the team, who face League Two outfit Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.