Stoke City

The Potters finished a disappointing 14th last season and have opened this campaign with just one win in their first five matches.

Stoke City fire manager Michael O'Neill, just six games - and only one win - into the new campaign Stoke also went out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle in a loss to League One Morecambe O'Neill had been in charge at the Bet365 Stadium since November 2019 and has become the first managerial casualty since the Championship season started.

The Sunderland head coach was in the opposite dugout during what turned out to be Michael O'Neill's last match as Stoke City manager at the bet365 Stadium ...

[Norwich City](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/norwich-city-fc) head coach Daniel Farke is available at 5/1 with Bristol Rovers' Joey Barton and Dyche out at 13/2 and 7/1, respectively. [the Potters](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/stoke-city-fc) on Thursday morning. Neil is now the new favourite at 5/2, with Wilder dropped down to second favourite at 7/2. What that direction looks like remains to be seen, but the [current bookies' odds](https://m.skybet.com/football/manager-specials/event/30119845) offer an initial insight into what the future may hold. [John Coates](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/john-coates) spoke in a statement confirming the change of management about feeling that the time is right to "move in a different direction". [New Stoke City manager will benefit from Michael O'Neill's muck-shovelling](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/michael-oneill-stoke-city-manager-7510295) [Stoke City expected to move quickly to replace Michael O'Neill](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-next-manager-odds-7508352) [What Michael O'Neill told Stoke City players as John Coates makes huge decision](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/michael-oneill-sacked-stoke-reaction-7509145) [Live reaction as Stoke City make big decision](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-live-michael-oneill-7507605) [All the latest Stoke City news and gossip](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/stoke-city-fc) Interim manager Holden is sixth favourite at 8/1 with the likes of Duncan Ferguson (10/1), [Coventry City](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/coventry-city-fc) manager Mark Robins (12/1), [Michael Carrick](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/michael-carrick) (14/1), Wycombe Wanderers' Gareth Ainsworth (16/1) and Potters first-team coach [Rory Delap](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/rory-delap) (18/1) rounding out the current 11 favourites. [Middlesbrough](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/middlesbrough-fc) manager Chris Wilder this afternoon. [Odds plummeting on Chris Wilder to become new Stoke City manager](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-chris-wilder-7508997) [Stoke City next manager odds as Sean Dyche and Chelsea legend feature](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-next-manager-odds-7508036) [O'Neill](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/michael-oneill)'s assistant manager [Dean Holden](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/dean-holden) will stay on and take interim charge of first-team duties until the announcement of a new manager. Sunderland head coach Alex Neil has been installed as the new favourite to replace Michael O'Neill as the manager of Stoke City by SkyBet.

The latest Coventry City news from CoventryLive as bookmakers rate the odds of Mark Robins becoming the new Stoke City manager.

[Robins](https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/all-about/mark-robins)' ability to get the most out of his players while working on a limited budget makes him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to punch above their weight. Dyche is currently out of work after being sacked by the Clarets last April. Former Burnley manager Sean Dyche is the heavy favourite at 8/11, while O'Neill's assistant Dean Holden is also 9/1. That may be why Mark Robins' name has emerged as a possible replacement given his impressive stint in charge of the Sky Blues. A good start gave way to poor form as the campaign wore on, with injuries to key players taking their toll. The Potters announced the decision five days after the team lost 1-0 to Sunderland at home.

Exclusive: O'Neill becomes first managerial casualty of Championship campaign after one win in opening five league games.

"Assistant manager Dean Holden will take interim charge of the first-team. The club has begun the process of appointing a new manager and will be making no further comment at this time." "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.

Stoke City have sacked manager Michael O'Neill, with ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche the early favourite for the role.

Sunderland are back in Championship action on Saturday lunchtime when they host Norwich City at the Stadium of Light in the early kick-off, with Alex Neil looking to build on the positive start against his former club. [1](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/next-stoke-city-manager-middlesbrough-boss-chris-wilder-and-ex-newcastle-united-midfielder-joey-barton-among-names-linked-3819380?itm_source=parsely-api)Next Stoke City manager: Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder and ex-Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton among names linked [2](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-set-for-midfield-boost-against-norwich-city-despite-injury-setbacks-for-alex-neils-side-3819093?itm_source=parsely-api)Sunderland team news: Cats set for midfield boost against Norwich City despite injury setbacks [3](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/jewison-bennette-and-edouard-michut-latest-plus-sunderland-want-manchester-united-ex-rangers-loanee-3818347?itm_source=parsely-api)Sunderland transfer news: Jewison Bennette and Edouard Michut latest plus Cats ‘want’ Manchester United man [4](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-boss-alex-neil-has-this-message-after-exciting-jewison-bennette-transfer-is-completed-3818777?itm_source=parsely-api)Sunderland boss Alex Neil has this message after 'exciting' Jewison Bennette transfer is completed [5](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/ex-sunderland-defender-sends-classy-message-to-jewison-bennette-3819677?itm_source=parsely-api)Ex-Sunderland defender sends classy message to Jewison Bennette The Potters have won only one and lost three of their opening five games in the Championship this season, and currently lie 21st in the table.

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

O’Neill leaves after 143 matches in charge of the club following his appointment in November 2019. [Rovers](/sport/football/rovers/), with assistant Dean Holden put in interim charge of the club. 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.

Stoke City have become the second club in the top four divisions after Rochdale to sack their manager - with Michael O'Neill's departure confirmed by the ...

“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. Stoke have been busy in the transfer window under O’Neill, although his signings predominantly included loans and free agents. It is understood players were told at the club's training base on Thursday morning, with a trip to Blackburn Rovers looming on the horizon. “We have built a squad which is, I think, the youngest we’ve had here for a long time and it may take a bit of time. Speaking after the game O’Neill pleaded for patience to help see the job through with his young squad. The former Northern Ireland boss was appointed at the bet365 Stadium back in November 2019 and arrived with a stellar reputation.

Latest Stoke City news from StokeonTrentLive as Chris Wilder's plummeting odds spark a response from the Potters faithful.

Below is a look at what some [Stoke](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/stoke-city-fc) supporters have been saying. [Why Michael O'Neill will be remembered as the man who helped save Stoke City](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-michael-oneill-sacked-7508361) [Stoke City sent instructions after shock Michael O'Neill decision](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-oneill-dyche-pulis-7508415) [Stoke City expected to move quickly to replace Michael O'Neill](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-next-manager-odds-7508352) [Stoke City next manager odds as Sean Dyche and Chelsea legend feature](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-next-manager-odds-7508036) [All the latest Stoke City news in one place](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/stoke-city-fc) [Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-chris-wilder-7509355#comments-section) [Michael O'Neill's final words as Stoke City boss as key decision taken](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-michael-oneill-sunderland-7508805) [Odds plummeting on Chris Wilder to become new Stoke City manager](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-chris-wilder-7508997) [Michael O'Neill](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/michael-oneill), who was relieved of his duties as manager of the football club on Thursday morning.

The latest Stoke City news from StokeonTrentLive as the former Potters boss has his say on O'Neill's sacking.

What you’ve got there is you’ve got owners who desperately want to get their team and get their club back up to where they were in the Premier League. They’ve got the best interests of the club at heart and they’ll try to do that. [ Stoke](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/all-about/stoke-city-fc) have managed only one win in their opening five games and crashed out of the EFL Cup in the first round. He said: “We’re all in an incredibly fortunate position that we’re the managers on the touchline where there’s only 72 EFL clubs. Sean Dyche has also been linked with the role after his time at Burnley came to an end in April. However, he only lasted eight months at the bet365 Stadium after 29 games and nine wins.

Sunderland's Championship rivals Stoke City are on the lookout for a new manager – and one bookmakers SkyBet have made Alex Neil the current favourite for ...

[1](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/next-stoke-city-manager-middlesbrough-boss-chris-wilder-and-ex-newcastle-united-midfielder-joey-barton-among-names-linked-3819380?itm_source=parsely-api)Next Stoke City manager: Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder and ex-Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton among names linked [2](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-set-for-midfield-boost-against-norwich-city-despite-injury-setbacks-for-alex-neils-side-3819093?itm_source=parsely-api)Sunderland team news: Cats set for midfield boost against Norwich City despite injury setbacks [3](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/ex-sunderland-defender-sends-classy-message-to-jewison-bennette-3819677?itm_source=parsely-api)Ex-Sunderland defender sends classy message to Jewison Bennette [4](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/psgs-stance-on-edouard-michut-and-fee-they-require-following-interest-from-sunderland-and-celtic-3819756?itm_source=parsely-api)PSG's stance on Edouard Michut and fee they require following interest from Sunderland and Celtic [5](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/next-stoke-city-manager-skybet-make-sunderland-head-coach-alex-neil-favourite-3820270?itm_source=parsely-api)Next Stoke City manager: SkyBet make Sunderland head coach Alex Neil favourite [Stoke City](/topic/stoke-city) sacked manager Michael O’Neill on Thursday with ex-Burnley boss [Sean Dyche](/topic/sean-dyche) quickly made the early favourite for the role. Sunderland’s Championship rivals Stoke City are on the lookout for a new manager – and one bookmakers SkyBet have made Alex Neil the current favourite for the job.

Stoke are searching for a new boss after the dismissal of Michael O'Neill and TEAMtalk understands Chris Wilder and Joey Barton are on the club's shortlist.

The former Burnley boss is waiting for another chance in the Premier League, according to TEAMtalk sources. But, like Stoke, Boro have had a slow start to the season and are without a win in their five games. Two wins over Burton and Oxford from their first five games has been a solid start. O’Neill was axed Thursday after a poor start to the season. The former Sheffield United boss only arrived on Teesside last November. His assistant manager Dean Holden will take charge on an interim basis against Blackburn on Saturday.

Former Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam has admitted he was 'sad' to see Michael O'Neill go as he was sacked yesterday. The ex-Northern Ireland chief was…

“Sad to see Michael go from Stoke. Steadied the club in difficult times, good luck to Sad to see Michael go from Stoke.

After a poor start to the new season with three losses, one draw and one win, Stoke City yesterday made the decision to sack manager Michael O'Neill.

However, it’s worth noting how much O’Neill was backed this summer and ultimately the club are working towards the aim of getting back into the top flight. The Potters are a club that have been in the Premier League in the past and should they be able to achieve promotion, you can see the new manager being backed financially to keep them up there. “One, they’ve got money and especially next year and very loyal ownership.

Latest Stoke City news from StokeonTrentLive as Potters move to appoint a new boss after sacking Michael O'Neill.

That's according to Sky Sports, who report that Neil has been granted permission by Sunderland to speak to the Potters. "Understand Sunderland boss Alex Neil has been given permission to speak to Stoke over their vacant managerial position," tweeted Sky Sports' Keith Downie. Sunderland boss Alex Neil has been given permission to speak to Stoke City, it has been reported.

Stoke were booed off after their two last games at the bet365 Stadium, a backs to the wall draw with Middlesbrough and a sapping defeat against Sunderland. That ...

John Coates said at the start of the season: “There are so many aspects of the football club that we want to get right. “After 10 years in the Premier League, we’ve finished mid-table in all those seasons back in the Championship and clearly that is below where we want to be. Quique Sanchez Flores, for example, didn’t step into Mark Hughes’s shoes as expected and Alex Neil – who ironically was in charge of the Sunderland team that beat O’Neill in his last match – didn’t ultimately leave Preston for Stoke to replace Jones. It didn’t feel like there was a real urgency in terms of the former so the latter is intriguing. Appreciation of what he has got right has not ultimately kept him in his job. It was just a surprise to pretty much everyone in the camp when it came yesterday morning. That wasn’t a good sign for the fourth and fifth games of a season. The squad has been overhauled. O’Neill had a strong relationship with John Coates and there was no falling out. Clarke, who has now signed for Middlesbrough, was perhaps even more of a long shot because Brighton had wanted a permanent exit, which meant a fee. It didn’t mean he wasn’t under pressure, particularly from supporters who have had to be far too patient for the best part of six years. He would need results and was confident that they would come.

The latest Stoke City news from StokeonTrentLive as Newcastle United supporters share their amusement over Alex Neil's potential move.

Here is what members of the Toon army have said... [Huge Alex Neil update as Sunderland give 'permission' for Stoke City talks](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/breaking-stoke-city-alex-neil-7507590) [Gary Rowett responds to Stoke City sacking Michael O'Neill](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-rowett-oneill-sacked-7512503) [How patience ran out for Michael O'Neill at Stoke City as John Coates takes plunge](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-michael-oneill-7511310) [Dean Holden steps into familiar role in charge of Stoke City](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-dean-holden-7512258) [Michael O'Neill couldn't blame injuries after two-and-a-half years at Stoke City](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-manager-michael-oneill-7512751) Neil had swiftly become the bookmakers' favourite to be named the club's fourth manager since relegation. Neil's press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash with Norwich City had been rescheduled for 2pm, but did not take place. [ Stoke City next manager news LIVE: Sunderland boss Alex Neil given 'permission' to start talks](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-alex-neil-manager-7507605) [ Sunderland break silence on Alex Neil as Stoke City move 'done'](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-oneill-neil-sunderland-7512827)

Stoke have been given permission to speak to Sunderland boss Alex Neil about replacing Michael ONeill who was sacked with Stoke 21st in the Championship; ...

"We're five games into the season, there's a lot of football to be played and I think it's about keeping it in perspective as well and that's what we'll try to do," he said. "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. "However, a poor run of results at the beginning of the current campaign led to fan pressure and ultimately the decision was taken by the club."

The Black Cats boss has agreed terms with their Championship rivals over the managerial vacancy.

But that meant that, unlike other potential managerial targets for Stoke who were effectively priced out of contention, Neil was relatively cheap to buy out of his deal on Wearside - and the contract gave Sunderland no choice but to allow him to speak to other clubs if they made a formal approach. In the summer, Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said that all parties concerned were happy with the 12-month rolling deal, and as such a new long-term contract was not on the agenda. Neil has since said his goodbyes at the club's Academy of Light training base. With speculation over Neil's future building this morning, a scheduled 9am press briefing to preview tomorrow's home game against Norwich City was first delayed and then postponed until 2pm. Stoke have tried to appoint Neil before, with the Potters coming close to landing him in 2019 when he was at his previous club Preston, but on that occasion Preston handed him an improved contract and he stayed at Deepdale. [Alex Neil](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/alex-neil) has entered into discussions with Stoke City regarding their current managerial vacancy.