STATEMENT RELEASED ON BEHALF OF STEVEN SCHUMACHER:
“It came as a huge shock to me and my family to be told I had lost my job at Stoke City FC. The coaching staff and I have worked tirelessly over the last nine months and for our journey at the club to be cut short is hugely disappointing.
“Our objective last season was to keep the club in the EFL Championship. We achieved what we set out to and the way that we ended the season gave me great confidence that we could achieve this season’s objectives.
“We tried to create an atmosphere where everyone enjoyed coming to work and committed to giving 100% every day. We won seven of our last ten competitive games, and started this season by winning four of the opening seven fixtures. In my opinion, after an encouraging start, we were only going to get better and I believe the squad assembled for this season will go on to do really well. I would like to thank the players for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future.
“It was clear that my vision of selecting young, hungry and energetic players to represent this great club was beginning to come to fruition. In playing the youngest ever Stoke City team in the Carabao Cup, we won the game by the highest margin away from home in 70 years. Following that feat I picked the youngest ever starting league team away at Plymouth Argyle. Unfortunately, the club have chosen to go in a different direction however, I thank the Coates family for giving me the opportunity to work at Stoke City FC.
“Finally to the Stoke City FC fans. Thank you for the support you have shown my family and I over the last nine months. I do feel that we were starting to build a real connection between the supporters and the team, and I hope you were aware of how much it meant to me to be able to represent you on the touchline.
“I feel that I have learned a lot about myself, both as a person and as a manager over the last nine months. I will use this experience and take some time to reflect, recharge and be ready for the next challenge.”
