There is still plenty of time to make things better, though, and below we recommend four managers who may take charge at the bet365 Stadium.

1Tony Mowbray

Tony Mowbray has been out of the game for a while due to a cancer diagnosis, but he is prepared to return to management and might be a great fit for Stoke.

So far in his management career, he has excelled, and more recently, he has performed well at Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers.

He will not only assist Stoke in playing quality football, but he may also build strong relationships with the supporters and generate the outcomes required to draw crowds back to the bet365 Stadium.

In recent years, being a Stoke fan has been a terrible experience, but he might help make Staffordshire a happier place once more.

2Matt Bloomfield

Matt Bloomfield has performed admirably at Wycombe Wanderers, keeping the Chairboys in the running for automatic promotion in face of competition from some very good sides.

Several positions have already been linked to him this season; if he can continue to deliver, it could not be long until he leaves Adams Park.

Considering that the Potters are currently fighting for relegation, many would contend that Bloomfield would not be interested in this position.

But with the recent additions of Alex Neil and Schumacher, they have previously persuaded management to take sideways or downward measures.

3Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper didn’t do well at Leicester City and had a rough time in the later part of his career with Nottingham Forest.

But the Potters should be trying to get a head coach of his calibre since he made such a positive impression at Forest in his debut season and is obviously a quality manager.

It appears likely that he will return to the Championship following his dismissal at the King Power Stadium, which might be advantageous for Stoke.

He may be a very wise addition to the Staffordshire team if he can have half the effect he did at Forest.

4Mark Robins

Given how successful he was at Coventry City, Mark Robins is another manager who would make a wise addition.

It’s possible that his struggles at the Coventry Building Society Arena early this term led to his termination. However, if you consider his spell in its entirety, you must admit that he was a magician.

Given his record of two promotions, a second-tier play-off final, and an FA Cup semi-final at Coventry, it might not be long before he begins receiving offers.

Given the impact he can have at a club, Stoke should try to start a conversation with him to see if he’s willing to return to management.