Paul Lambert has left Stoke City by mutual consent

The Potters confirmed the departure of the former Norwich City Hall of Famer on Friday afternoon after holding talks with the Stoke chairman Peter Coates.

Lambert was unable to keep Stoke in the Premier League after winning two of his 15 games in charge, but had made it clear after the final day victory at Swansea City he was keen to lead the fightback.

A club statement read: 'Stoke City can confirm that Paul Lambert has today left his position as manager by mutual consent.

'The club would like to thank Paul for his work over the past four months and wish him well for the future. 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.

'Paul would like to thank the board, players and staff for the opportunity and their support. He would also like to thank the fans for their unwavering support. Whilst looking forward to his next challenge, he would like to wish the club every success next season.

'The club will appoint a replacement as soon as possible in order to give the new manager time to prepare for the challenge of the 2018/19 season in the Championship.

'The club will be making no further comment at this stage.'

Lambert has failed to emulate his double promotion-winning success at Norwich City and Premier League consolidation since leaving Carrow Road for Aston Villa.

Further spells at Blackburn and Wolves were the precursor to replacing Mark Hughes in the Potteries earlier this year.