Stoke City have appointed Nathan Jones as their new manager, as confirmed by their official club website.
The Potters have acted fast to replace Gary Rowett, who was sacked yesterday after a poor start to the season.
Who is Nathan Jones?
Jones took over at Kenilworth Road in January 2016 having previously worked as a coach at Brighton and Hove Albion. He steered the Hatters away from safety in his first season at the club. His side then got to the Play-Offs in the 2016/17 campaign but lost to Blackpool over two legs.
The 45-year-old then guided Luton to promotion from League Two last season after finishing second behind Accrington Stanley.
Jones’ Luton side have since blown many sides away in the third tier and were considered as genuine candidates for back-to-back promotion.
Why him?
Stoke may have been attracted to Jones based on the fact he is a young and hungry manager. The Welshman, who played for the likes of Southend United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Yeovil Town in his playing days, likes his sides to play attractive and attacking football.
Early comments-
Jones has told Stoke’s official website: “I believe I am an appointment for the long-term here, I want to win games and I want to instil a culture and a philosophy that people are going to really get behind and be proud of.”
Reaction-
Here is how the Stoke fans have reacted on Twitter to the news of Jones’ appointment today-
Welcome Nathan, give us something to get excited about and you'll be adored, all the best
— Jonathan Pace (@JonathanPace09) January 9, 2019
Luton Town have scored 143 league goals this season and last, to Stoke City's 65. Yes please. #SCFC #LTFC
— SCFC82 (@SCFC82) January 9, 2019
Good luck playing a high press style with most of our players… too old, too slow and too much money
— 🔴⚪️⚽️/// (@commiecuts) January 9, 2019
Not gonna lie, know nothing about Nathan Jones or Luton.. can just hope it’s the right appointment #scfc
— Josh Billings (@_JoshBillings) January 9, 2019
Intrigued, scared and excited by this appointment by the Potters. Reports sound promising. Time for the players to front up too. Strap yourselves in, could be a hell of a ride. #ScreamIfYouWannaGoFaster #SCFC
— Ben Brookes (@SameOldBrookesy) January 9, 2019
For those saying Nathan Jones has no experience at our level it’s worth noting that Alan Durban, Lou Macari and Tony Pulis were all third tier managers when we appointed them… and they didn’t turn out too bad did they! Give him his chance! #stokecity #scfc #thepotters
— Martin Smith (@SolarSmudge) January 9, 2019
