Stoke City Appoint Paul Lambert as Manager Following Mark Hughes' Dismissal

Stoke City hired Paul Lambert as their manager on Monday after they sacked Mark Hughes earlier in January.

The Potters announced the news via their official website, with the former Aston Villa boss signing a two-and-a-half-year deal at the bet365 Stadium.

Lambert arrives with Stoke 18th in the Premier League and the team having shipped a total of 47 goals in 22 matches—the worst defensive record in the division—though he won't officially take charge until Tuesday after the team have faced Manchester United.

Stoke confirmed in their statement that Lambert's remit first and foremost is to keep the side in the Premier League.

Chairman Peter Coates said: "Paul greatly impressed us with his knowledge of our squad and had a clear plan of how he would improve our results."

Vice-chairman John Coates added:

"Paul has been successful in management at clubs with a strong and stable background and with local ownership—the kind of foundation we are able to give to our managers.
 
"We were determined to appoint someone with Premier League experience or an extensive knowledge of English football. We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him to help achieve our goals."

Football journalist Andrew Musgrove questioned Lambert's appointment, while the Telegraph's John Percy gave some insight into the decision:

The former Scotland international gained back-to-back promotions with Norwich City in 2010 and 2011 before keeping the Canaries in the Premier League the following year.

Lambert then guided Villa to consecutive 15th-placed finishes, but he failed to see out his third season at the club and was replaced by Tim Sherwood with the team 18th in the league.

In 2016, Blackburn finished 15th under him in the Championship, while his Wolverhampton Wanderers side finished in the same position in England's second tier last year.

The appointment isn't one that particularly inspires, but his feat of keeping Norwich and Villa in the Premier League is one Stoke will be hoping he can repeat given their situation.