This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

The alarm bells must be ringing at the bet365 Stadium after a horrendous start to the season for Stoke City, with Nathan Jones' side rooted to the bottom of the table, with only two points to show for their opening 10 fixtures.

The situation reached such a point that the Stoke board looked to former Brighton manager Chris Hughton as a possible replacement for Jones, but it is reported in the Mirror that the 60-year-old turned down the opportunity to take-over at the Potters.

So is it surprising that Hughton turned down the chance to take over at Stoke? Or do you not blame him?

We discuss........

George Brooks

"I can't say I'm surprised to be honest. Hughton admitted fairly recently that he was only interested in a return to management if it was in the Premier League, so he's not going to want to take charge at Stoke given the position the club are in at the moment.

"He turned down the chance to manage Sheffield Wednesday, so I can't I'm surprised that he's turned down Stoke given their poor start to the season.

"It's a shame for Stoke really, as Hughton is a fantastic manager and I think he'd have been a brilliant appointment for them.

"He's got plenty of experience in the Championship and he knows exactly what it takes to achieve success at this level. I think he'd of been able to turn things around at Stoke and help the team get their season back on track.

"It'll be interesting to see if Stoke decide to stick with Jones for a while longer or whether they've got somebody else lined up to replace him."

Chris Thorpe

"Half and half really, I don't blame Hughton for wanting to test himself in the Premier League again.

"However, I feel Stoke represented a good club from which he could build a dynasty as Tony Pulis has done in the past.

"He's an experienced manager and isn't getting any younger, so I don't think anyone can begrudge him for wanting to be back in the top division.

"It will be interesting to see where he ends up next."

Ben Lang

"This does not strike me as a surprise, as the Stoke job seems like something of a poisoned chalice at present.

"Jones excelled at Luton prior to his move to the bet365 Stadium, and the Welshman's failure may tell Hughton that now is not the right time to join the club.

"Hughton knows that he will receive interest from Championship clubs this season given his track record, so he is better off waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

"I'm not sure taking over Stoke at this moment would be the best move for him, but it could be something he reconsiders in the summer."

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