Championship club sack their SECOND manager of the season – with boss axed after nine-game winless streak

Stoke City have sacked head coach Narcis Pelach after three months in charge. 

The Potters have taken the decision after Thursday’s 2-0 home loss to Leeds extended their winless run to nine. 

Pelach was appointed by the Championship side in September following the sacking of Steven Schumacher. 

Stoke picked up just three wins from 19 in that time and are now three points above the relegation zone. 

The Club’s Sporting Director Jon Walters said: ‘Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.

‘However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.

The Potters are winless in nine matches and three points above the relegation zone

‘I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.

‘Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the Club.’

Club chairman John Coates added: ‘Narcís has our thanks for his around-the-clock endeavours during his time with the Club.

‘He is a great person and a talented coach with a relentless work ethic and a bright future. He departs Stoke City with my very best wishes.

‘I would also like to thank our fans for the outstanding way they got behind the team against Leeds United on Boxing Day, and for their continuing and unwavering support.’

Stoke will name their coaching setup in due course ahead of facing Sunderland on Sunday.