Stoke City has parted ways with manager Alex Neil, following a string of disappointing results that left the club struggling in 20th place in the Sky Bet Championship. Neil, who took over in August 2022, was unable to steer the team towards a sustained promotion challenge, culminating in a 16th-place finish last season.
The final nail in the coffin came with a 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, marking the Potters’ fourth consecutive loss in a winless run of six matches. The decision to relieve Neil of his duties was announced on the club’s official Twitter account, with immediate effect.
In addition to Neil’s departure, assistant manager Martin Canning has also left his position. The reins of the team have been temporarily handed over to caretaker manager Paul Gallagher, who will lead the team in their upcoming home game against Swansea on Tuesday night. Joining Gallagher in the interim backroom team are Alex Morris and former Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross.
Stoke chairman John Coates expressed gratitude towards Neil, acknowledging his hard work and integrity during his time with the club. Coates emphasized the club’s faith in the current group of players and their ability to turn things around this season. However, with the current results falling short of expectations, the decision was made to pursue a new direction for the team.
Coates emphasized the club’s commitment to achieving success, stating, “Nothing matters to me more than the success of our club, and we are now working towards the appointment of Alex’s successor.”
This decision comes as Stoke aims to reignite their season and improve their position in the Championship, with hopes of securing a more promising future for the team. The search for a new manager is now underway, as Stoke looks to chart a new path under fresh leadership.
The departure of Neil is a significant development for Stoke City, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s journey. As they turn the page and look towards the future, the appointment of a new manager will be eagerly anticipated by fans and stakeholders alike. The upcoming matches will serve as a testing ground for the interim management team, as they seek to rally the players and steer the club towards a more positive trajectory.