Norwich City first-team coach Narcis Pelach has emerged as the frontrunner to become the new manager of Stoke City, according to sources from Football Insider. Stoke are actively searching for a replacement following the dismissal of Steven Schumacher, who was let go just five games into the new season.
Stoke City have requested permission from Norwich to speak with Pelach about the managerial vacancy. Talks are reportedly set to commence soon, with Pelach, aged 36, poised to take on his first managerial role. He is well-respected in coaching circles, having previously worked under Carlos Corberan at Huddersfield Town before joining Norwich City.
In addition to Pelach, Oxford United’s Des Buckingham is also being considered for the position after impressively leading Oxford to promotion from League One last season. Buckingham has continued this positive momentum, securing three wins from their first five games of the current season.
Schumacher's tenure at Stoke ended with the team sitting in 13th place in the Championship, recording two wins and three defeats. The former Plymouth Argyle manager was sacked after nine months in charge, having taken over at the Bet365 Stadium last December, following the departure of Alex Neil.
Pelach joined Norwich City in 2023 under former manager David Wagner, assisting the team in 54 matches before Wagner's sacking in May. As Stoke City prepare for their League Cup tie against Fleetwood Town on September 17, they will do so without a full-time manager in place.