3 ideal Steven Schumacher replacements Stoke City must consider ASAP | OneFootball

Three names that could replace Steven Schumacher as manager at Stoke City

Stoke City have confirmed the departure of Steven Schumacher as manager after just five league games of the new season.

The club issued an official message on Monday morning announcing Schumacher’s departure after just 10 months in charge.

The 40-year-old oversaw 31 games with the Potters, winning 13 and losing 12.

Schumacher’s final game with the club was a 1-0 loss to Oxford United on Saturday, with a 48th minute strike from Idris El Mizouni proving the difference between the two sides.

Stoke will now be searching for Schumacher’s successor, with Ryan Shawcross and Alex Morris set to take temporary charge until a permanent appointment is made.

Technical director Jonathan Walters is set to be heavily involved in the process to find a replacement.

Here we look at three names the Championship side should consider as their next head coach…

Kjetil Knutsen

Kjetil Knutsen has earned an exciting reputation as a manager during his time in Norway with Bodo/Glimt.

The 55-year-old is renowned for his attacking style of play that has seen Bodo/Glimt become a consistent presence in European competition, as well as dominate their own domestic league.

Knutsen would be an ambitious appointment, and a sign that Stoke mean business when it comes to fighting for promotion back to the Premier League.

He has overseen 172 victories from 288 games in charge of the Norwegian side since joining in January 2018.

The opportunity to manage in English football could be a tempting one, and Stoke could be an ideal landing spot given their resources and desire to earn a place back in the top flight soon.

His appointment would be a real coup for Walters, as he looks to bring in his first manager since becoming permanent technical director in April.

Brian Barry-Murphy

Brian Barry-Murphy has limited experience as a manager in his own right, previously working with Rochdale from 2019 to 2021, but has earned a positive reputation for his coaching role at Manchester City.

The Irishman departed the Premier League side in July, so will be available if Stoke decide to make an offer.

Barry-Murphy was linked with the vacancy at Preston before Paul Heckingbottom took over at Deepdale, according to Sky Sports.

His relative lack of experience is a drawback, but Walters may opt to take the gamble on something new in a bid to potentially strike gold.

There’s no doubt it would be a risky appointment, but the 46-year-old is a promising, up-and-coming coach that could prove to be the next big thing.

Des Buckingham

Des Buckingham was in the opposition dugout for Schumacher’s final game in charge at Stoke, meaning Walters would’ve had a close look at what he’s capable of.

Buckingham oversaw Oxford’s rise into the Championship with a play-off victory last season, earning plenty of plaudits for the achievement.

The 39-year-old has earned a very positive reputation as an exciting young coach, which would fit the profile of wha Stoke are looking for.

It remains to be seen whether he could be convinced to depart the U’s at this stage, as he may want to see how far he can take the club in the Championship.

But there is no denying that the Potters have the resources to prove a tempting move for Buckingham at this stage of his career.