RYAN Shawcross will be in charge of Stoke City against Sunderland on Sunday after Narcis Pelach was sacked.

Pelach was only appointed in September but got the boot after a nine-match winless run that left the Potters languishing in 19th in the Championship table, just three points above the drop zone.

Shawcross has now been placed in caretaker charge and will be assisted by former Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead, who is joined by Alex Morris and and Darren Behcet in the new-look interim coaching team.

Explaining Pelach's exit, sporting director Jon Walters said: “Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.

“However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.

“I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.

“Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the club.”

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Chairman John Coates added: “Narcís has our thanks for his around-the-clock endeavours during his time with the club.

“He is a great person and a talented coach with a relentless work ethic and a bright future. He departs Stoke City with my very best wishes.

“I would also like to thank our fans for the outstanding way they got behind the team against Leeds United on Boxing Day, and for their continuing and unwavering support.”

Mark Robins is favourite to take charge of Stoke, followed in the betting by Steve Cooper and former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.