Soccer

Stoke sack manager Gary Rowett after just eight months

Former Ireland international Rory Delap among team who will take temporary charge

Former Republic of Ireland and Stoke City player Rory Delap will form part of a temporary management team at the club as they search for a new manager. Photograph: Getty Images
Former Republic of Ireland and Stoke City player Rory Delap will form part of a temporary management team at the club as they search for a new manager. Photograph: Getty Images
Tue Jan 08 2019 - 10:34

Stoke manager Gary Rowett has been sacked after just eight months in charge, the Sky Bet Championship club have announced.

The Potters were relegated from the Premier League last season and are currently eight points adrift of a play-off spot as they bid to bounce straight back .

Former Derby boss Rowett has overseen just nine wins in 29 games in all competitions since being appointed in the summer, while Stoke were held to a 1-1 draw by League One side Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Saturday.

“Stoke City have terminated the contract of manager Gary Rowett,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

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“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."