This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
The search for a new Stoke City manager has begun, with Steven Schumacher sacked following only five games of the 24/25 season.
A 1-0 setback to Oxford United at the weekend was the final straw for the Potters’ leadership, who decided to fire the former Plymouth Argyle manager after two victories and three defeats to begin the season.
Norwich City coach Narcis Pelach has been connected with the Staffordshire job, with the Canaries reportedly allowing their Championship opponents to talk with the Spaniard.
With that in mind, we chatted with Football League World’s resident Stoke supporter, Sam Harrison, about his connection to the 36-year-old.
Narcis Pelach early contender for Stoke City role after Steven Schumacher departure
Stoke have lost no time in pursuing possible contenders to take over the reins for the upcoming season after Schumacher’s tenure at the Potteries ended just nine months ago today.
Pelach is thought to be one of those being evaluated for the position, having previously played for Carlos Corberan’s Huddersfield Town team, which reached the playoff final in 2022 before relocating to Carrow Road in May of last year.
Harrison’s links with the current West Bromwich Albion manager pique his interest, as the Baggies are currently the second-tier team with the most fans.
The Potters fan said: “This is an interesting link, and I believe it is distinct from what we have experienced before.
“You look at who Stoke have had before; he obviously had Steven Schumacher, Alex Neil, Gary Rowett, and Nathan Jones, all of whom are British managers.
“So a different style of football or a different tool that we bring into the club may be the differentiator that Stoke requires.
“However, I discovered that Narcis Pelach was on the coaching staff with Carlos Corberan at Huddersfield, and I’m a great Corberan admirer.
“So if he has a style of play similar to what Carlos Corberan has at West Brom, that would be quite exciting.”
Steven Schumacher’s Stoke City record (all competitions according to Transfermarkt).
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
W%
31
13
6
12
41.94
While Pelach will undoubtedly have his own philosophies if he is granted his first post as an EFL manager, Harrison believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of putting a new face in the dugout.
He went on to say, “Obviously, he [Corberan] has got them playing completely different football than Stoke do, because he has had them playing near the top of the Championship for a lot of the seasons he has been there, whereas Stoke were on the verge of relegation last season.”
“It is one of them that you look at and is the question does he have the experience, or is a different style and different tactic what we need, with something fresh and something new with someone who has built up his experience as an assistant manager.”
Stoke City are encouraged to take a chance on Narcis Pelach.
You don’t have to look far in the Championship to find inspiration in individuals who are succeeding in their first managing post, with Tom Cleverley and Danny Rohl demonstrating that if given the opportunity, you can thrive.
Michael Carrick continues to impress at The Riverside, while John Mousinho’s efforts at Portsmouth has helped them return to the second division this season, with all four managers having never previously managed a team before being trusted by their current employers.
With Pelach clearly wanting to move into management at some point in his career, Harrison believes there is no better moment than now to take a chance on a different method within the City system, with his team sure to reap the benefits if the gamble pays out.
Championship: Preston North End vs. Huddersfield Town
He continued, “If the relationship is accurate, you look at it and think that his moving into management is certain to happen at some point, so are we willing to take the risk?
“At the end of the day, people will always see it as a risk because it is someone who has always been an assistant manager, and will he make a difference if he takes the next step up?
“We’ll only know if and when it happens, so it’s an intriguing possibility. I wouldn’t be against it; he appears to be a good manager, and the Corberan connection could be significant.
“Could his football style link with the way Pelach wants his teams to set up? It will be a fascinating one, and I’d like to know who the number one candidate is.
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