Stoke City have sacked manager Michael O’Neill ahead of this weekend’s game at Ewood Park.

The Potters have four points from their opening five matches, having also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League One side Morecambe.

The decision comes despite the strong backing of the club in the transfer market, with nine new additions this summer, including the arrival of Manchester City starlet Liam Delap on loan.

Yet the Potters have acted ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Rovers, with assistant Dean Holden put in interim charge of the club.

Joint Chairman John Coates said: “Michael joined us in November 2019 when the club was in a difficult situation and the job he did in stabilising our position in the Championship should not be underestimated.

“Michael has worked tirelessly and with extreme professionalism, in particular in reshaping our squad and developing young players, but we feel the time is right to move in a different direction.

“I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him every success for the future.”

O’Neill leaves after 143 matches in charge of the club following his appointment in November 2019.

He initially held the role alongside his job as Northern Ireland manager which he subsequently left in the summer of 2020.

Results have been patchy for Stoke, with 55 wins during his time in charge, though he has overseen huge change at the club whose wage bill has been cut substantially amid the pressures of Financial Fair Play following their relegation from the Premier League.

Stoke have finished 14th in each of the last two seasons, while they were 15th in 2019/20.

The club statement added: "The club has begun the process of appointing a new manager and will be making no further comment at this time."

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