Stoke sack Gary Rowett and turn attentions to Luton Town's Nathan Jones

Gary Rowett looks on
Gary Rowett lasted just eight months in charge at Stoke Credit: Getty Images

 

Stoke City have sacked Gary Rowett and are targeting Luton Town’s Nathan Jones as his replacement. 

Rowett is the third manager in 12 months to leave the bet365 Stadium as the club take action for a frustrating first half to the season in the Championship.

The 44-year-old was given the news by vice-chairman John Coates and chief executive Tony Scholes at Stoke’s training ground on Tuesday morning.

And Stoke are understood to have made an approach for Jones, who has established a fine reputation in League One with Luton.

Jones, 45, guided Luton to promotion from League Two last season and has taken the club to second in the third tier.

The Welshman could be appointed as Rowett’s successor on Wednesday if negotiations progress smoothly.

Nathan Jones celebrates with the Luton players
Nathan Jones has established a fine reputation as Luton manager Credit: Getty images

Stoke have also considered former Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic but he turned down the approach.

Rowett was dismissed after just eight months in charge, paying the price for a poor run over Christmas, while his style of play and opposition from supporters forced the club’s board into action.

Though Rowett has lost only three of the last 18 matches, victories have been elusive and Stoke are currently 14th in the table and eight points adrift of the play-off places.

While Rowett has departed, the pressure is also building on technical director Mark Cartwright, who is understood to have had a fractious relationship with Rowett since his arrival.

Cartwright, a former Leek Town manager, is under fire from fans due to many of the club’s poor transfers over the past few years which have included Kevin Wimmer, Giannelli Imbula, Saido Berahino, Ramadan Sobhi and Moritz Bauer.

His role and influence at the club is also believed to have been a source of frustration for Rowett’s predecessors Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes and Paul Lambert. There were chants from supporters demanding his removal at Shrewsbury on Saturday.

Rowett at Stoke
Stoke paid around £2m in compensation to appoint the former Birmingham manager Credit: Reuters

Rowett was regarded as a popular appointment in May last year, leaving Derby after taking the club to the Championship play-offs.

Stoke paid around £2m in compensation to appoint the former Birmingham manager, but this season has proven a difficult experience.

Fans have chanted for his dismissal for at least the past four games and his final match was the 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.

Stoke's statement read: "Stoke City have terminated the contract of manager Gary Rowett.

"Members of his immediate coaching staff have also left the bet365 Stadium.

"The Club would like to thank Gary and his staff for their efforts over the past eight months.

"A new managerial appointment will be made as swiftly as possible but in the meantime Rory Delap, Kevin Russell and Andy Quy will take charge of first-team affairs."

Stoke return to action this weekend with a trip to Brentford.

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