When Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League last season, many fans would have predicted them for an immediate return to the top-flight at the first time of asking. 

But this outcome is looking more and more unlikely each week as a run of poor results have seen Gary Rowett's side drop to 17th in the Championship table.

This poor start to the season has meant that Rowett has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks - and rightly so.

The majority of the squad that were relegated last season are still at the club for this years campaign, but Rowett is evidently struggling to get the best out of them.

Rowett will be hoping that his side can bounce back from this shocking run of results, with a positive display when his side travel to Sheffield United for a tough game against the promotion chasing Blades.

But who could potentially replace Rowett if Peter Coates decided to sack him?

Find out here....

His most recent spell as manager of a club was certainly a forgetful one.

Pardew was appointed as West Brom manager in November 2017, but after failing to turn around the club's poor run of results, he was dismissed just four months later.

The 57-year-old could be tempted to drop into the Championship to reignite his managerial career that has taken a downward spiral in recent years.

Bruce hasn't been out of work for long after being dismissed as Aston Villa manager during the international break.

The former Manchester United defender could be keen for an swift return to management with Stoke being an ideal destination for Bruce, where he would inherit a squad that has the potential of gaining promotion in the near future.

The Dutchman was most recently manager of Championship club Reading, where he endured mixed fortunes with the Berkshire based side.

He led them to the Play-Off final in his first season in charge but his side were defeated on penalties by Huddersfield Town.

His second season in charge was a disappointing one as his side struggled in the bottom half of the table for large parts of the season as he was sacked in March 2018.