Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher fighting for his job as Gareth Ainsworth eyed – Sources
Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher is fighting to keep his job, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the Potters’ 1-0 win against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday (14 February) has slightly eased pressure on the manager, but the board have actively been looking at potential replacements.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that former QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth has been shortlisted to replace Schumacher at the bet365 Stadium.
Schumacher left Plymouth Argyle to join Stoke in mid-December after Alex Neil’s 16-month stint but has failed to help the Championship strugglers climb up the table.
Could Gareth Ainsworth be Stoke City’s sixth manager since relegation?
Since his appointment, he has managed to secure just three wins in the league, including their recent victory against QPR.
Neil left the club in 16th place, but they now sit 19th following a heavy 5-0 loss to league leaders Leicester City and a 3-1 away defeat to Sunderland.
Ainsworth was sacked by QPR in October last year after just eight months at the West London club.
Stoke have frequently changed managers since their return to the Championship in 2018 and any replacement for Schumacher would be their sixth since relegation.
Schumacher had a successful spell with Plymouth and guided them to promotion to the second tier last season as League One Champions.
Stoke sit six points outside the relegation zone after their victory against QPR.
They are next in action at home against sixth-place Coventry City on Saturday afternoon (17 February).
In other news, Sources: Rangers eye move for Stoke City ace after bid submitted.
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