Stoke sack Rowett

Stoke City have sacked Gary Rowett as their manager.

Rowett has been let go after less than eight months in charge. The 44-year-old took over the Potters in May 2018 after their relegation to the Championship but results in the division have left a lot to be desired.

A statement from the club read:

“Stoke City have terminated the contract of manager Gary Rowett. Members of his immediate coaching staff have also left the bet365 Stadium.

“The club would like to thank Gary and his staff for their efforts over the past eight months. A new managerial appointment will be made as swiftly as possible but in the meantime Rory Delap, Kevin Russell and Andy Quy will take charge of first team affairs.”

Stoke currently sit 14th in the Championship, eight points off the play-off places but there was mounting pressure on the former Derby County boss due to the expensive transfers brought in during the summer.

The discontent was to such a degree that a “Rowett out” banner was spotted at the bet 365 Stadium during their 2-0 home defeat against Bristol City on New Year’s Day.

During his final post-match interview after a 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup Rowett was defiant:

“I can’t stop the speculation. The negativity is all from outside, that’s my opinion,” he said

“Whatever decision is made by anyone else has got nothing to do with me.

“If people are going to chant negative song what do you do about it? I’m not going to sit on the sideline being bothered. I’m concentrated on trying to win a game of football against a side that want to knock us out of the FA Cup.”

Their first game without him in charge is an away trip to struggling Brentford on Saturday January 12.

David Moyes and Sam Allardyce are the early favourites for the vacancy.