STOKE have sacked manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge.
A 2-0 defeat to Leeds on Boxing Day was the final nail in the coffin after Pelach failed to win in nine games.
Pelach was only appointed by Stoke in September following Steven Schumacher’s shock sacking after only nine months in charge.
But he has lasted just 19 games with the Potters now 19th in the Championship, and just three points above the relegation zone.
Pelach, 34, won just three games in charge and lost five of his last six matches, leading Stoke to make the ruthless decision to sack him just after Christmas.
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.
“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.”
Stoke have struggled since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and have failed to finish higher than 14th in the Championship.
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They have now gone through six different permanent managers in that time and are now on the search for Pelach’s successor.
Chairman John Coates also thanked Pelach for his efforts in his short stint, saying: “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.”
