BLACK MARK

Hughes axed after Sky Blues humiliation

Stoke last night axed Mark Hughes just hours after their humiliating Cup defeat by Coventry.

Losing to the League Two side was the f inal straw for the Potters who have lost fives times in seven league games and are stuck in the top-flight drop zone.

Hughes, 54, had been in charge for four and a half years.

The club stated they will “look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible” – w ith Scotland manager target Michael O’Neill a hot favourite.

Hughes seemed to know the writing was on the wall after Jack Grimmer had struck to hand the Sky Blues a sensational win. Jordan Willis had opened the scoring for Coventry but Charlie Adam gave Stoke hope with a second-half penalty.

The Welshman clung to hope that Cup defeat would allow his players to concentrate on a league rescue act.

He said: “The fact we’ve gone out, even if it’s a little bit raw at the moment, might help us.

“The reality clearly has to be our league form.

“Is it any different from the situation after the Newcastle game? I don’t think it is.

“It just highlights we need to do better. But in the long term, until the end of the season, it might be a blessing for us.”

It is the first time Stoke, who have never won the FA Cup, have been knocked out as a top-flight side by a team from the fourth tier or below since they lost to Bradford Park Avenue in 1938.

A club statement said: “Stoke can confirm that the contract of Hughes has been terminated with immediate effect.

“We thank Mark for all he has achieved for the club notably in guiding us to three successive ninth- place f inishes in the Premier League. We wish him every success for the future.”

Willis headed the opener for Coventry after 24 minutes but conceded a penalty soon after the break when he brought down Ramadan Sobhi and Adam levelled from the spot.

Grimmer hit the winner with 22 minutes left when his low effort flew past Jack Butland.

Coventry boss Mark Robins was full of praise for his players, 53 places below Stoke in the league pyramid.

He said: “It was hardfought but we deserved to win. It’s a proud day for me. It’s a great ba rometer of where we can get to.”