Michael O'Neill: Stoke City sack manager after poor start to the season

After failing to win a game in the Championship this season, Michael O'Neill has been sacked.

The man was appointed by the Potters in November.

The first manager to be fired in the Championship this season was the former Northern Ireland boss.

Dean will be in charge on an interim basis for the weekend.

The chairman said that Michael did a good job in stabilizing the club's position in the Championship.

The time is right to move in a different direction because Michael has worked so hard and with so much dedication. I wish him the best for the future and thank him for his work.

After winning only two of their first 15 games, the Potters went on to finish 15th in the Championship.

In his first two full seasons with the club, O'Neill guided them to 14th- and 15th-place finishes.

They have only beaten Blackpool this season despite the fact that they have signed two highly rated players.

They were knocked out of the cup in the first round after losing their last league game.

The English Football League has had two managers sacked this season, the other being Rochdale'sRobbie Stockdale.