Mark Hughes’ future in the balance as Stoke City consider their options

Under pressure | Stoke City manager Mark Hughes
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Nick Mashiter2 January 2018

Stoke City are considering boss Mark Hughes' future following their defeat to Newcastle United.

The club's board are assessing all of their options, including sticking with the manager, Press Association Sport understands.

Hughes is under growing pressure at the bet365 Stadium following their 1-0 New Year's Day loss at home to the Magpies.

It followed a 5-0 thumping at Chelsea where Hughes was criticised for making six changes as he looked to keep some stars fresh to face Newcastle.

The former Wales and Blackburn manager has insisted he remains the best man to keep Stoke in the Premier League, with the Potters two points above the relegation zone.

Stoke have won just twice in their last 12 games, losing seven, with some fans holding 'Hughes Out' banners at the game on Monday.

Hughes has been in charge since replacing Tony Pulis in 2013 and has won 71 of his 199 games, losing 80 and drawing 48.

Stoke are due to go to Coventry in the FA Cup third round on Saturday with Hughes seemingly on the brink.

Meanwhile, Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland feels it is "easy to point the finger" during the club's current difficulties and has stressed the need for unity.

Butland was beaten by Ayoze Perez's 73rd-minute goal when the striker fired past the England international following Jacob Murphy's cross.

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