Ex Millwall, Chelsea and Derby County bosses shortlisted for newly vacant Championship role

Former Millwall boss Gary Rowett and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard have both been linked with the newly vacant Stoke City managerial role following the sacking of Steven Schumacher today.

The Potters have recorded two wins and three defeats in the Championship so far this season, sitting 13th in the division at this early stage. Stoke City placed 17th last season and were beaten 1-0 by Oxford United on Saturday.

The club's sporting director, Jon Walters, gave a short statement via the outfit's official website. He said: "My role as Sporting Director is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City. After ongoing discussions with John Coates, we feel the time is right for a change in direction to bring success to the club.

“We have a young, dynamic squad that is eager to develop and a clear vision of how to achieve success, and we hope to announce a new appointment shortly. We will need the fans, staff, and players united in support to achieve our goals. As always in football, these decisions are difficult, and we wish Steven and his staff all the best for the future.”

Schumacher was appointed head coach at Stoke City in December 2023 and lasted less than a year in the post. He has previously managed Plymouth Argyle and had a caretaker stint at Southport.

teamTALK has reported that Norwich City first-team coach Narcis Pelach is an early frontrunner for the job but Rowett and Lampard have also been shortlisted as potential candidates.

Rowett has been out of work since his very short return to Birmingham City at the end of last season, where he was unable to save the club from relegation. The 50-year-old was in charge of Millwall between 2020 and 2023 and left the club by mutual consent last October.

The coach has a history with Stoke City, having managed the side between May 2018 and January 2019, being dismissed after a difficult festive period that season.

Lampard has not worked since his brief return to Chelsea but knows the Championship well thanks to time at Derby County. The former Blues midfielder has also been linked with the England job in recent weeks.