Rowett is new Stoke manager
GARY ROWETT last night agreed a threeyear deal to succeed Paul Lambert as Stoke manager.
The 44-year-old left Derby after the relegated Potters triggered a £1.8million compensation clause.
“This is a club that has had amazing stability over the years, has been established in the Premier League for some time and the challenge for me now is, of course, to get Stoke City back into that division as soon as possible,” he said.
“My ambition has always been to one day manage in the Premier League, and having been in the Championship for three years now I feel this is a great opportunity for me to do that.” Rowett failed to lead the Rams into the Premier League through the play-offs, where they were beaten by Fulham.
But Stoke had Rowett in their sights for a number of months. They first made their move when Mark Hughes was sacked in January.
Lambert left soon after relegation to the Championship was confirmed. WATFORD plan to bring Gerard Deulofeu back to Vicarage Road next season, with manager Javi Gracia hoping to re-sign the Barcelona winger on a year’s loan. The former Everton star, left, caught the eye at Watford after arriving in January and is up for a return. Gracia hopes to make room by selling Isaac Success and Stefano Okaka. ●SUNDERLAND chief executive officer Martin Bain has left the club after they made the position redundant following Stewart Donald’s £40million takeover.