Stoke City have recently sacked Mark Hughes, meaning that the club are looking for just their third manager since 2006, with Hughes having succeeded Tony Pulis who guided the club to the Premier League. So, which candidates are likely to take the hotseat at the Bet365 Stadium?

1. Martin O’Neill

Currently manager of his native land, the Republic of Ireland, O’Neill couldn’t guide the Irish to the 2018 World Cup after being defeated by Denmark in the Play-Offs. This means that if he were to be given a chance in the Premier League, where he has succeeded with Leicester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland, so it would not be too unfamiliar territory for O’Neill and it may be one that he would grab with both hands.

2. Gary Rowett

Probably one of English football’s top young managers. Rowett has done incredibly well during his time at Birmingham City and currently works at his former playing club, Derby County, sitting second in the Championship. Many have called for Rowett to be given a job in the Premier League, a chance he may be given with Stoke. However, with his Derby County team doing incredibly well, and with him only being there a matter of months, he may want to see how it goes at Pride Park.

3. Slaven Bilic

Having recently been sacked from West Ham, Bilic is a man with Premier League experience who is currently out of work. He has been known for getting the best out of a West Ham side, guiding them to sixth in his first season and having two stints in the Europa League. Now he’s had some time off, he is fresh and good to start again. Maybe a good appointment for Stoke City.

Stoke fans who would you like to see in the hot seat next? Let us know in the comments section…