Sheffield Wednesday Championship rivals sack manager
The first sacking of the Championship season has arrived after five league games
Sheffield Wednesday Championship rivals Stoke City have sacked manager Steven Schumacher.
The former Plymouth Argyle boss’ final match came in a 1-0 defeat to Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, their third defeat in five Championship matches and that prompted the change.
Stoke sporting director Jon Walters said a “change in direction” is needed for the club, who are currently 13th in the second tier having spent around £6million on transfers in the summer, plus added a number of Premier League loans.
Walters told the club website: “My role as sporting director is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City. After ongoing discussions with (chairman) 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.”
Schumacher made his name as an assistant at Plymouth and stayed on to take charge after former Wednesday forward Ryan Lowe moved to Preston, earning the Pilgrims promotion back to the Championship. After impressing at Home Park, the 40-year-old was snapped up by Stoke in December last year. They would go on to finish in 17th place, just six points outside the relegation zone and three ahead of the Owls.
He leaves the club in 13th place, two points ahead of Wednesday, after two wins and three defeats so far.
Schumacher’s sacking become the second change in the division this season, with his old colleague Lowe replaced at Preston by Paul Heckingbottom after just one match - a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United.