Paul Lambert: Stoke City manager departs after just five months in charge

The Scot leaves Stoke after relegation to the Championship

Paul Lambert leaves the club by mutual consent (Getty )

Stoke City have announced that Paul Lambert has left his position as manager by mutual consent.

Lambert, 48, took over from Mark Hughes in January on a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club 18^th in the Premier League table.

But results failed to improve with the club winning just two of his 15 matches in charge.

Stoke eventually finished 19^th, confirming relegation to the Championship.

In a short statement, the club said: “The Club would like to thank Paul for his work over the past four months and wish him well for the future.

“Whilst he was unable to guide us to Premier League safety after being appointed in January, it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of effort, professionalism and dedication on his part.

“Paul would like to thank the Board, players and staff for the opportunity and their support. He would also like to thank the fans for their unwavering support. Whilst looking forward to his next challenge, he would like to wish the Club every success next season.

“The Club will appoint a replacement as soon as possible in order to give the new manager time to prepare for the challenge of the 2018/19 season in the Championship.”

Early candidates to replace Lambert include Nigel Pearson and Mick McCarthy, as well as David Moyes, who left his position as manager of West Ham United earlier this week.