A former Carlisle United man has become the latest managerial casualty in the Championship.

Steven Schumacher has been axed by Stoke City, it has been confirmed.

The former Blues loanee has gone with the Potters 13th in the second tier after five games.

His last match as head coach was Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Oxford United.

Stoke have won two and lost three in the Championship so far, while they have also progressed to the Carabao Cup third round, their results in that competition including a 2-0 win at Carlisle last month.

Stoke's sporting director Jon Walters said it is his job 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," he added.

“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 had been in charge of Stoke since December 2023, after leaving Plymouth Argyle.

Stoke have placed Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross in caretaker charge, with Schumacher's backroom team of Mark Hughes, Chris Cohen, Peter Cavanagh and Elliot Turner having also left.

Schumacher made his Football League debut as a Carlisle player when on loan from Everton in 2003.

Steven Schumacher, left, celebrates a goal for Carlisle in 2003Steven Schumacher, left, celebrates a goal for Carlisle in 2003 (Image: Phil Rigby) He also scored his first goal in senior football for the Blues in a 2-0 Football League Trophy win over Huddersfield Town that autumn.

In total the midfielder made six appearances for Paul Simpson's Cumbrians, going on to play for Oldham Athletic, Bradford City, Crewe Alexandra, Bury, Fleetwood Town, Stevenage and Southport, where he also had a spell as interim manager.

His subsequent move into coaching saw a role at Everton before joining Bury as part of Ryan Lowe's coaching staff. He followed Lowe to Plymouth in 2019 and was then named Pilgrims manager when Lowe left for Preston North End two years later.

In 2022/23 he led Argyle to the League One title and, after moving to Stoke last December 2023, guided the Potters to 17th in the Championship last season.