Jon Walters, Michael O’Neill and the main candidates for key role at Stoke City
News from the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City set about making decision about who will replace Ricky Martin in the long-term
Stoke City have started a “full and robust” process for what will be a critical appointment of a new long-term technical director.
It has been a time of churn for Stoke City for much of the last seven years as dozens of players, six managers and a catalogue of staff have come and gone. All changes had been made in hope that the club could haul itself back up to challenge for promotion to the Premier League. Now they head into the final 12 matches of this season fighting to avoid relegation to League One.
The burden of responsibility for much of that – and for organising a better future – will fall largely on the shoulders of this new important figure behind the scenes. The structure can evolve – Ricky Martin was particularly hands-on during his 15 months at the club and took the flak as it has unravelled, losing his job last week – but whether they delegate some of the duties or not, it will be hoped and expected that the person in this position can oversee long-term stability. A figurehead to guide the club in the right direction over the years to come.
Jon Walters has spent a large part of the last five years since hanging up his boots preparing for a chance like this and now has a perfect opportunity, as caretaker, to audition for the job on a full-time basis.
