Managerless Stoke City are still hopeful of appointing England U21s boss Lee Carsley to the dugout as the club continue their search for a new man to lead the team forward, according to reports.
The former Birmingham City boss has held the U21s role with the national team since 2021 and has picked up 21 wins in 27 games in the dugout, guiding the Young Lions to glory in the U21s European Championship during the summer too.
Carsley currently boasts a 78 percent win rate with England’s U21s and has even been touted as becoming Gareth Southgate’s successor with the first-team should the long-term manager eventually leave.
In recent weeks, the ex-Everton star had been linked with the vacant Republic of Ireland job after Stephen Kenny’s contract was allowed to expire, although there has been no movement on this front and the position remains idle. It was even reported that Carsley was the leading contender for the international job.
However, earlier this week, it was claimed that Stoke City had touted the 49-year-old as the perfect successor to Alex Neil and was even contacted by the board over becoming the next manager at the Bet365 Stadium.
The news had gone quiet concerning Carlsey being appointed at Stoke but journalist Alan Nixon claimed earlier today that he is still in the running to become the club’s next head coach.
Neil was relieved of his duties last Saturday, following a 1-0 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, with the Potters sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Since his departure, Stoke City have picked up two draws against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion but still remain winless in eight league games. The side’s last victory was away at the Riverside Stadium at the end of October.
It has even been reported this weekend by The Sun that Stoke will ramp up their search for a new head coach and will interview ex-Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom over the coming days.
Writer’s View
Lee Carsley is highly thought-of within coaching circles and boasts a sensational record with England’s U21s as well as some international silverware which he picked up back in July following a 1-0 win over Spain in the Euros final.
However, given the wealth of talent available to the coach in the international setup, and the fact that Carsley is one of the favourites to take over from Southgate, Stoke shouldn’t hold out too much hope of securing their man.
Deputy Head of Writing
