Lambert exits Stoke as Premier League casualties hit record high

The departures of managers Paul Lambert and Carlos Carvalhal from relegated Stoke and Swansea yesterday raised the number of managerial changes in the division to a record 15 this season.

Stoke and Lambert parted by “mutual consent” while Swansea did not renew Carvalhal’s contract.

They were the third and fourth managers to leave their roles this week, following Sam Allardyce at Everton and David Moyes at West Ham. There were ten changes during the league season, plus the pre-announced departure of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. The previous record was 13, set in 2013-14.

Stoke slipped from 13th last season to a finish of 19th. Lambert, pictured, was appointed on a 2½-year deal in January after Mark Hughes was sacked, but the Scot won only two of his 15 games in charge; his first fixture against Huddersfield in January and his final match at Swansea last weekend. “Whilst he was unable to guide us to Premier League safety after being appointed in January, it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of effort, professionalism and dedication on his part,” Stoke said of Lambert on their website.

Carvalhal succeeded Paul Clement at Swansea in December,. He won five of his first nine league games as his side a climbed to 13th place, but they picked up only three points from the last 27 on offer and were relegated in the final round of fixtures last Sunday. They finished 18th, confirmed by losing 2-1 at home to Stoke.

Meanwhile, relegated West Bromwich Albion removed the interim tag on Darren Moore and made him their new permanent manager.

Moore, a former Albion defender, who became caretaker after replacing Alan Pardew in April, has been given an improved and extended contract.

His impressive spell as temporary boss steered last-placed West Brom to three wins – including victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – and two draws in six matches. He staved off relegation until the final weekend and restored some pride at the Hawthorns.