Paul Lambert leaves Stoke City

Swansea were relegated to the Championship after losing their last five games of the season

Paul Lambert has left Stoke City by mutual consent after he failed to keep the club in the Premier League.

Lambert took over from Mark Hughes in January after the Welshman was sacked in the wake of their third-round FA Cup defeat to Sky Bet League Two side Coventry.

Stoke handed Lambert a contract until the summer of 2020 but he could only guide his side to two wins in his 15 games in charge.

Whilst he was unable to guide us to Premier League safety, it certainly wasn't due to a lack of effort, professionalism and dedication on his part.

Those victories came in his opening game against Huddersfield and his final match at Swansea, by which time their relegation had already been confirmed.

"The club would like to thank Paul for his work over the past four months and wish him well for the future," Stoke said in an official statement.

"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 becomes the second manager of a relegated Premier League to lose their job on Friday, after Carlos Carvalhal left Swansea.