According to reputable journalist Alan Nixon, Stoke City are waiting to have a replacement lined up before they decide to part company with manager Nathan Jones.

The Welshman is skating on incredibly thin ice at the bet365 Stadium, with his side sitting six points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Championship table, after a 1-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town in midweek.

The Potters have endured a catastrophic start to the season, picking up just two points from their opening 10 league games, and losing eight times in the Championship already.

After their defeat to the Terriers on Tuesday night, Jones delivered what almost looked like a farewell message to Stoke fans, with his departure looking almost inevitable.

No decision has been made yet, though, however Nixon claims that the reasoning behind this is due to Stoke wanting to have a replacement lined up, before making a decision on Jones.

The Stoke Sentinel claims that Chris Hughton - who was understood to be holding out for a Premier League job - would be open to speaking to Stoke about potentially succeeding Jones at the bet365.

Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has also been linked with the role, as Stoke try desperately hard to climb up the Championship table.

The Verdict

It's unfair to keep Jones waiting like this - why should he prepare his team for this weekend's clash with Swansea if he's not even going to be in charge come kick-off?

He looked almost resigned to leaving the club on Tuesday night based off what he was saying - it was like he was saying an emotional goodbye.

This can't go on for much longer in my view. They need to decide who's going to be in charge for the rest of the season, and figure out how they are going to start climbing out of the relegation zone.