Stoke City considering Mark Hughes' future, but Welshman likely to be saved by lack of viable replacements
The club's slide in 2017 was alarming, but there appear to be few immediately available managers that would represent an improvement on the former Wales coach
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Your support makes all the difference.Stoke City are exploring their options with regards to a replacement for under-pressure boss Mark Hughes, but the Welshman could be saved by the lack of inspiring candidates for the role.
Hughes' side lost 1-0 at home to Newcastle on Monday to fall back into a relegation battle. Having looked to leave behind a poor 2017, Stoke's latest defeat makes it four points from their last seven games and the Coates family, who own and run the club, are aware that a change might be needed.
The Potters would only consider replacing the former Wales, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers manager with a proven Premier League manager, The Independent understands. Many of those who Stoke might have considered have recently found new employment elsewhere and after surveying the market there seems little chance of hiring what would be considered an obvious upgrade on Hughes.
A further slip down the table and into the relegation zone may force the club's hand, but two of their top targets - David Wagner and Sean Dyche - are not understood to be interested in leaving their respective clubs in mid-season.
Roberto Mancini is the bookmakers' favourite but it would be a surprise to sources with knowledge of the Coates family's thinking if the Italian were to actually take over at the Bet365 Stadium. There is a belief that Stoke boast a talented squad with players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Joe Allen and Jesé who wouldn't be out of place playing for a top-six club. But some big signings, including club-record buy Gianelli Imbula, flamed out quickly and have already been shipped out on loan while Saido Berahino, another significant signing, has failed to find form since moving to the Potteries.
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