After his sacking on Friday, Pelach sent a message to the club and its supporters, thanking them for giving him an opportunity, and it was clear that he had no hard feelings despite his sacking. The Spaniard said: "It did not go the way I wanted and I am sorry for that.

Pelach replaced Steven Schumacher on 18 September, signing a three-year contract, but has won only three times in the Championship, the last on 6 November, and the Potters lie 19th in the table. They were beaten 2-0 by Leeds United on Boxing Day, during which the 36-year-old was criticised over his constant tactical changes.

STOKE have sacked manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. A 2-0 defeat to Leeds on Boxing Day was the final nail in the coffin after Pelach failed to win in nine games. Pelach was

Stoke have sacked head coach Narcis Pelach after just 19 games, the Sky Bet Championship club have announced. Catalan Pelach, who was appointed in September at the age of 36, won just three of the 18 league games for which he was in charge and departs after a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at home by Leeds which left his side sitting in 19th place in the table,