Football: Kamara takes charge of Stoke as Bates steps down

Chris Kamara yesterday returned to management with Stoke City, just 16 days after being sacked by Bradford City.

After some traumatic recent results, including a 7-0 home defeat by Birmingham City, Chic Bates has relinquished his role as Stoke manager "by mutual agreement". He is expected to return to a less demanding job on the First Division club's coaching staff.

Kamara made 60 league appearances for Stoke under Mick Mills and then Alan Ball in 1989 and 1990. His departure from Bradford became controversial when David Mellor, the radio presenter and former MP, alleged that Kamara may have lost his job for racist reasons.

Bates was appointed at the start of the season after Stoke had failed to lure a high-profile successor to Lou Macari. Bates had been No 2 to Macari.

Stoke's chief executive, Jez Moxey, said: "We both believe it's in the best interests of the club that he steps down. But, because we hold him in such high regard, we want him to continue in a coaching capacity at the club, which is subject to Chic deciding whether he wants to stay and work with the new manager. He is currently thinking that over. His assistant, Alan Durban, is staying at the club at the moment."

Stoke's chairman, Peter Coates, resigned a week ago after a campaign of protests from supporters.