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Stoke name Paul Lambert as manager as Premier League strugglers FINALLY find Mark Hughes replacement

Paul Lambert was appointed manager of Stoke City
Paul Lambert was appointed manager of Stoke City

Paul Lambert has been named the new Stoke City boss, the club has announced.

The Premier League strugglers have finally ended their pursuit of a new boss after a trio of managers rejected the opportunity.

Lambert, 48, has been out of work since leaving Wolves last season and will replace the sacked Mark Hughes having penned a two-and-a-half year deal.

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He will be unveiled at the Bet365 Stadium on Tuesday, following Stoke’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Monday night.

Chairman Peter Coates said: “Paul greatly impressed us with his knowledge of our squad and had a clear plan of how he would improve our results.

“He’s a man who backed himself as a player, none more so than when he turned down contract offers in Scotland to go on trial in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, and it’s obvious he adopts the same approach as a manager.”


Lambert’s previous top-flight experience saw him manage both Aston Villa (2012-15) and Norwich (2009-12) for three years.

But he was not the Potters’ first choice for the role, with Derby coach Gary Rowett highlighted as an ideal candidate for the role.

Rowett, flying-high with Derby, penned a new deal with the Rams, who are currently second in the Championship.

They then seemed to be closing in on Quique Sanchez Flores, before the former Watford boss turned down the role to stay with Espanyol.

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And Martin O’Neill, in charge of Republic of Ireland, made a hat-trick of unsuccessful pursuits despite the promise of increased wages.

John Coates added: “Paul has been successful in management at clubs with a strong and stable background and with local ownership – the kind of foundation we are able to give to our managers.

“We were determined to appoint someone with Premier League experience or an extensive knowledge of English football. We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him to help achieve our goals.”

Lambert previously kept Aston Villa in the Premier League, and the Potters will be hoping he can repeat the feat as they linger 18th in the top flight ahead of Monday’s clash against United.