**Stoke City Manager Search: Potters Near Appointment of Preferred Candidate**
Stoke City is reportedly making swift progress in their search for a new manager following the dismissal of Steven Schumacher. The decision to part ways with Schumacher came after just five games in the Championship season, with sporting director Jon Walters announcing the move on Monday after a 1-0 loss to Oxford United. Walters emphasized the need for a clear vision to guide the squad toward success.
Schumacher, who replaced Alex Neil last season and helped the team avoid relegation, had a mixed start to the current campaign, leaving Stoke City in 13th place with two wins from five matches. The reshuffle also saw four backroom staff members depart.
Initial speculation suggested former Sunderland managers Tony Mowbray and Michael Beale as potential candidates, but Stoke City seems to be focusing on a different direction. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Stoke City is advancing in talks with Norwich City to discuss first-team coach Narcis Pélach for the role. Pélach is expected to bring goalkeeping coach Paul Clements with him if negotiations are successful.
Stoke Live reports that Pélach is being considered as the new head coach at Stoke City, with the club moving quickly to secure him from Norwich City amid the ongoing discussions.
