Former Stoke City defender Denis Smith has insisted that it is too early to start thinking about sacking manager Nathan Jones, despite the Potters' dismal start to the season.

Big things were expected of Stoke heading into the new season after making a host of new signings in the summer, as Jones started to get his feet firmly under the table at the bet365 Stadium.

But after their opening six league matches, Stoke sit rock bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table, picking up just one point and losing five of their first six games.

Plenty of Stoke fans have lost patience with the Welshman after a terrible start to proceedings, whilst a minority of the Potters faithful are continuing to back the 46-year-old.

Speaking on BBC Radio Stoke, with quotes provided by the Stoke Sentinel, former Potters defender Smith insisted that it is too early to start thinking about sacking Jones, as well as sharing sympathy for the club's owners in what is a difficult period for the Staffordshire side.

He said: "Yes, sooner or later, the run he's on, they will have to make that decision, but I don't think this is the time. Performances have not been that bad. But sooner or later, if the performances start to go bad as well as the results, then you've got a problem."

"And you've got to look at the league - and say 'ok, who's around who can get us out of this?' - but it's too early to be doing that yet. I feel for the people having to make that decision because they're sitting there and they are getting stick."

Stoke return to Championship action with a home clash against Bristol City this weekend - Lee Johnson's side occupy 5th spot in the Sky Bet Championship table.

The Verdict

Although it has been a tough start to the season for Stoke, I still think it is too early for them to part ways with Jones.

Make no bones about it, he should be doing a much better job with the squad and players that he has, but he needs time to get to grips with them and they need time to learn how he wants to play.

He is a very talented manager, as shown during his time at Luton, and I am convinced that he will come good at Stoke.