Stoke City Sacks Head Coach Steven Schumacher

Stoke City has dismissed head coach Steven Schumacher following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Oxford United, marking their third loss in five Championship games and leaving them 13th in the league. Schumacher's tenure lasted just nine months after he joined from Plymouth Argyle, and his departure comes amid a broader shake-up, with several other staff members also leaving the club. Sporting Director Jon Walters stated that the decision was necessary for the long-term interests of Stoke City, emphasizing the need for a change in direction to achieve success. Caretaker management will be taken up by Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross while the club searches for a new head coach. Chairman John Coates expressed confidence in the current squad and thanked the departing staff for their contributions. The club remains in the Carabao Cup after winning earlier matches, but the focus will now shift to finding a suitable replacement for Schumacher.