Three names have been listed on a shortlist as leading candidates to replace Alex Neil at Stoke City, according to reports.
Ex-Birmingham boss John Eustace and former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray are among those who could takeover, as per Sky Sports News.
Meanwhile, ex-Fulham, Watford and Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic is also thought to be on Stoke’s shortlist.
Rob Dorsett tweeted on Wednesday (13th December): “Former #bcfc manager John Eustace and ex #sunderland and #wbafc boss Tony Mowbray are among the leading candidates to take over at #scfc, I’m told.
“Ex #Fulham Slavisa Jakanovic is also on shortlist -though still lots of names in frame, as club determined to do exhaustive search.”
John Percy says: “Stoke have held initial talks with a number of candidates including John Eustace, Michael Beale & Paul Heckingbottom. Blackburn’s Jon Dahl Tomasson admired, plus a number of other contenders from UK and abroad. Usual process, very early stages.”
John Eustace and Tony Mowbray are among the leading candidates to take over at Stoke.
Slavisa Jakanovic is also on the shortlist.
(Via: @RobDorsettSky)#SCFC pic.twitter.com/dbXaOQy2pj
— The Second Tier (@secondtierpod) December 13, 2023
The Potters are still narrowing down their preferred candidate as they carry out an ‘exhaustive process of due diligence’, now they’re looking for a sixth manager in six years.
Sky Sports state that owner John Coates desperately wants stability at the club, and will be taking their time while also making sure they do a rigorous recruitment process.
The sackings of Eustace and Mowbray had come as a surprise to some considering Birmingham were 6th at the time, and Sunderland just three points outside the playoffs when they were dispensed of.
Stoke’s 1-1 draw at home to Swansea on Tuesday night is steadying the ship, while is allows more time for those at the top of Stoke City to work out who should come in as the new permanent manager/head coach.
Paul Gallagher might still be in caretaker charge for their next game – away at West Brom, which is live on Sky Sports this Saturday lunchtime.
FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW STOKE MANAGER
Sky Bet – 13th Dec – 2pm
John Eustace – 6/4
Jon Dahl Tomasson – 3/1
Nuno Espirito Santo – 4/1
Paul Heckingbottom – 5/1
Dick Schreuder – 9/1
Tony Mowbray – 9/1
Dean Holden – 14/1
Graham Potter – 14/1
Sam Allardyce – 20/1
Scott Parker – 20/1
Sky Bet – 13th Dec – 10pm
Nuno Espirito Santo – 4/6
John Eustace – 3/1
Jon Dahl Tomasson – 5/1
Paul Heckingbottom – 9/1
Tony Mowbray – 9/1
Slaviša Jokanović – 12/1
Dean Holden – 14/1
Dick Schreuder – 14/1
Lee Carsley – 16/1
Graham Potter – 20/1
Joint-chairman John Coates said upon the sacking: “Alex is a man of absolute integrity who has given his all for Stoke City, and we would like to thank him for his hard work during his time with the club.
“We are grateful for the building blocks he has helped put in place in bringing together a group of players in whom we have a huge amount of faith regarding their ability to turn things around this season, and who can help us achieve longer-term success. However, with the way the results have been so far, we have made the difficult decision to seek a new direction for the team at this time.
“Nothing matters to me more than the success of our club and we are now working towards the appointment of Alex’s successor.”
Technical director Ricky Martin said: “The recruitment process is now underway and we will explore all avenues to secure the best person for the job. The role represents a fantastic opportunity and I anticipate that it will attract a number of high-calibre candidates.”
Caretaker Paul Gallagher said on being disappointed at Neil being sacked: “When you’ve got the utmost respect for a manager, a person who brings you in – both him and Martin Canning – the work they did was excellent.
“The hours they put in and the detail they went into – when someone then loses their job it’s never nice. I’ve played for him as a player so I understood everything he wanted to do and I always refer to those key moments in games, which change things.
“We could be sat here with more points than we have but we are not, we understand that. He was an excellent manager to play for in terms of the details he would give you; the instructions for when you passed that line were clear. You knew your role and what you were doing in the team – and he gave me an introduction to coaching and I’ve been in his meetings as a coach too. The hours he put in were phenomenal.
“But we all know what happens in football – that’s it’s a results business and that dictates what happens. It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours. I’ve been in football a long time, things like this happen. I’ve been through it as a player. We have to move forward. Obviously I’m disappointed the manager has left; I had a great relationship with him but the focus is Tuesday night.
“That’s the most important thing now, making sure the players are in the right frame of mind to play against Swansea. It’s part and parcel of the game. If you look at recent matches, they’ve just been moments. At QPR we were winning 2-1 and really comfortable but concede late goals. At Plymouth we were comfortable but conceded a late goal. On Saturday we had a penalty and don’t score. We haven’t taken key moments and we concede. Now, it’s trying to be as positive as we can as we move forward. The past is in the past.”
Former #bcfc manager John Eustace and ex #sunderland and #wbafc boss Tony Mowbray are among the leading candidates to take over at #scfc, I’m told.
Ex #Fulham Slavisa Jakanovic is also on shortlist -though still lots of names in frame, as club determined to do exhaustive search.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) December 13, 2023
After the midweek game against Swansea, he added: “I’m not sure. I’ll just take it day by day, but what I will say is it’s been a real privilege to do a caretaker job at this fantastic football club.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play for this football club and I know the demands that supporters have and all the staff. I thought the players took it to a tee and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a privilege.
“One thing I’ll say is one only had 24 hours to prep the team and we changed the shape.
“They stuck to it. I can’t ask for anything more. I think the work-rate, their application, the fight for each other was excellent. A little lapse of concentration at the end cost us three points, which I thought we deserved really.”
Mixed emotions, but mostly proud.
Paul Gallagher praises the Potters’ effort, drive, determination and togetherness following tonight’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City. pic.twitter.com/uAO53ry8lb
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 12, 2023
As mentioned, three names have been listed on the current shortlist as leading candidates to replace Alex Neil at Stoke, this is what fans are saying…
@ElliotYates_: So we want to do “exhaustive research” and the top two candidates are still the same set of managers we’ve had for the past six years. Nice one John
@gavin_poulton: Mowbray performing a footballing exorcism at Stoke would be a sight to behold 😂
@gazza9989: We’re an absolute shambles, if that’s us not Swansea, If I had hope before it’s gone
@rubyourock: Nuno Santo and JDT baby, Slavisa is a nice one too
@stanleypulis: imagine nuno terroristball at stoke. 5 at the back, attacking wingbacks, squad full of johnny foreigners, ben wilmot at the back to fit the english quota, long balls into wesley’s fat meathead. vidigal doing skills comps all game. baker long shots. its peri peri pulis time baby
@potterslive_: Would be made up if we appointed him [Nuno]
@Lee180cosky: @stokecity just cut to the chase and appoint Nuno. Give him whatever he wants.
@AdamSAFC29: Of course they would go after another Sunderland gaffer
@HarryAdderley: No thank you x
@a_sufc: Unless you’ve got a bunch of technically gifted flair type players or a big budget I’d stay away from Slav
@SCFCJosh_: nuno had a dream 👍🏻
@dangiallorossi: If Nuno has applied and we end up with Mowbray or Eustace, we riot.
@Edsy1863: Please not Mowbray
@StokeJames_: Lads let’s all calm down and stop thinking Nuno has got the job 🤣. I do like the idea of him but he’s only applied, we will be looking at loads this week I would imagine.
@StokieTom_SCFC: @stokecity ANNOUNCE NUNO 🇵🇹
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