The narrow loss at Oxford was Stoke’s first match back after September’s international break, following back-to-back wins.

Schumacher oversaw a thumping 5-0 Carabao Cup win against fellow Championship side Middlesbrough on 27 August, then .victory at his former side Plymouth Argyle.

Before being beaten by Oxford, the only other games Stoke had lost this season were against West Bromwich Albion and Watford, who are top and fifth in the table respectively.

Schumacher became Stoke’s sixth boss in six years when appointed as Alex Neil’s replacement, with the club three points above the relegation places at the time.

Stoke chairman John Coates described Schumacher as “one of the most exciting young coaches in the country” after his appointment. But the Potters only stayed uo thanks to winning their lastr three games, to finish 17th, six points clear of trouble.

“We have a young, dynamic squad that is eager to develop and a clear vision of how to achieve success,” said former Stoke striker Walters, who was appointed as technical director in April after two months in an interim role following the sacking of Ricky Martin.

Reports suggest that Stoke have already made an approach to Norwich City’s Spanish first-team coach Narcis Pelach.

“We hope to announce a new appointment shortly,” said Walters.