Former Queens Park Rangers head coach Gareth Ainsworth has been linked with a return to the Championship relegation fight, according to the latest reports.
As per Football Insider, Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher is under increasing pressure at the bet365 Stadium, despite picking up a much-needed 1-0 victory over QPR on Wednesday night thanks to a goal from Wouter Burger on half-time.
Burger at the back post.
Last night's skipper securing three points for the Potters. pic.twitter.com/UKw83VPysQ
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 15, 2024
Prior to this result, the Potters had been on a four-game losing streak and dropped to within just three points of the relegation zone, leaving many bums squeaky in Stoke-on-Trent. Nevertheless, the home win yesterday has alleviated some pressure on the club amid a tense fight for survival in England’s second tier.
However, Football Insider are reporting that Schumacher is still fighting to save his job at Stoke, having only been appointed as Alex Neil’s successor on a three-and-a-half-year deal near the end of December. The ex-Plymouth Argyle boss has taken charge of 11 games thus far, picking up only three wins while losing five times.
The outlet are also claiming that Stoke City have added former Queens Park Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth to their shortlist of potential replacements for Schumacher. Ainsworth was sacked back in October after a nine-game winless run. Furthermore, QPR broke the record for the longest winless streak at Loftus Road in the club’s 141-year history under the 50-year-old’s guidance.
Ainsworth was reportedly one of the favourites to get the Chelsea Women job after it was revealed that Emma Hayes is stepping down at the end of the campaign. Nonetheless, the latest reports state that Sonia Bompastor is now the leading candidate.
Writer’s View
Ainsworth proved from his time with Wycombe Wanderers that he can motivate players and get them to reach a higher level on the pitch than they seemed capable of. However, his time at Queens Park Rangers was a disaster and should be taken into account by Stoke.
Schumacher is an excellent coach and arguably the best that the club can get right now given the current state of play. The board need to stick by their man from now until the end of the season and another dismissal should not even be considered.
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