Former Northern Ireland boss O'Neill joined the Potters in 2019 with them bottom of the Championship and managed to steer them to safety that season.

Two full seasons in charge followed with back to back 14th place finishes, which came at a time where he was asked to balance the books financially.

This season's poor start, which also included a League Cup loss to Morecambe, has seen the club decide to make a change, with joint Chairman John Coates stating:

“Michael joined us in November 2019 when the Club was in a difficult situation and the job he did in stabilising our position in the Championship should not be underestimated.

“Michael has worked tirelessly and with extreme profes­si­onalism, in particular in reshaping our squad and developing young players, but we feel the time is right to move in a different direction. I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him every success for the future.”

A club statement went on to confirm that assistant Manager Dean Holden will be in interim charge whilst they search for a replacement.