Rowett’s Stoked by new job

GARY ROWETT was last night named Stoke’s new boss – and immediately targeted promotion at the first attempt.

Derby have pocketed compensation of more than £2.2million from Stoke for Rowett, who had to wave loyalty bonuses to secure his wish to swap Pride Park for the bet365 Stadium on a three-year deal.

Rowett, who succeeds Paul Lambert, said: “I am absolutely delighted to make the move to such an ambitious football club.

“This club has had amazing stability over the years, has been established in the Premier League for some time, and the challenge for me now is to get Stoke back into that division as soon as possible.

“My ambition has always been to manage in the Premier League and, having been in the Championship for three years, I feel this is a great opportunity for me.”

Rowett will be armed with parachute payments worth £40m at the relegated club. Further income could be generated by player sales with keeper Jack Butland and midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri likely to go.