In order to concentrate on the first team for the eight crucial remaining games of the season, Stoke City has reorganised their coaching staff.
In order to join Steven Schumacher’s senior setup, Alex Morris is stepping down. Morris was hired last summer after spending two seasons as an under-21 and above coach at Crewe Alexandra, where he had established a stellar reputation.
He had been at Crewe with Schumacher and had previously been lending a hand during games, but he has also joined Schumacher, Peter Cavanagh, Paul Gallagher, and Mark Hughes on the training ground during the international break.
With the assistance of his former Stoke teammate Liam Lawrence, who has been well-regarded at the academy since returning to the club in 2020, Ryan Shawcross, who has worked alongside Morris in command of the 21s, will now head that age group. To assist Dace Hibbert, Darren Potter is relocating to the under-18 squad.
Two points above the relegation zone, Stoke are ranked 19th in the Championship’s densely populated bottom half. There are just four points separating Huddersfield in 22nd place and Millwall in 16th. On Good Friday, they go to Hull City, and on Monday, they host Huddersfield Town.
The acting technical director, Jon Walters, stated: “There are a few changes.” Alex Morris is currently making the move to the starting lineup. It’s critical that for the next eight games, everyone puts in equal effort. The manager concurs wholeheartedly with it. He is an extremely skilled coach. On game day, he’s up on the gantry anyhow, so having more eyes on him while he’s on the training pitch will be beneficial.
“He is a highly esteemed coach, and we should make greater use of him.” Everything revolves around the first team and the outcomes we hope to achieve.
“Liam Lawrence will lead the 21s, led by Ryan Shawcross, while Darren Potter will accompany Dave Hibbert leading the 18s. There have only been minor adjustments made to the academy for each age level; nothing major has changed.
The next wave of talent at Clayton Wood, which includes Nathan Lowe, Emre Tezgel, David Okagbue, Tommy Simkin, Sol Sidibe, Jaden Dixon, Freddie Anderson, and Christy Grogan, is something Stoke is very excited about.
Morris is obviously well-liked at bet365 Stadium, but the coaching positions are anticipated to be reevaluated at the conclusion of the year.
Walters stated: “Alex is an excellent coach who has received great praise from many people, including managers of elite international teams and others outside of Stoke City. I am aware of his abilities, and he embodies Stoke in every way. He is a valuable addition to the first team dressing room as he is an integral part of this football club.
“Our focus now is on these eight games and he’s a great asset to have.”
