Stoke City have sacked Steven Schumacher after five Championship matches.

The Potters lost 1-0 at Oxford United on Saturday and that proved to be the final straw for the hierarchy. He took over in December after arriving from Plymouth Argyle and kept them in the division last season.

A busy transfer window saw several players with Rovers connections arrive at the Bet365 Stadium. Sam Gallagher, Ash Phillips and Andrew Moran all signed but had little opportunity to work with the man who helped to bring them in.

Stoke are now looking for their seventh manager since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2018. Ryan Shawcross and Alex Morris have been placed in charge as they face Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

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Sport Director, John Walters said: “My role as sporting director is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City.

“After ongoing discussions with 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.”

Chairman John Coates added: “Steven, Mark, Chris, Peter and Elliot depart with our thanks for their efforts and with our best wishes for their future careers.

“We have faith in the squad of players we have assembled and firmly believe they can bring success to Stoke City this season.

“I continue to be hugely thankful to the Club’s fans for their loyal and passionate support.”

Rover host Stoke City on November 6 before travelling to the Potteries on March 11.

Schumacher is the second Championship manager to lose his job this season. Ryan Lowe left Preston North End after one match whilst pressure is also growing on Erol Bulut at Cardiff City.