Stoke City today suffered a major setback when George Burley turned down the chance to take over the First Division strugglers.
The former Ipswich boss was expected to succeed Steve Cotterill, who left to become Sunderland assistant manager earlier this month, at Britannia Stadium after he watched their 2-1 home defeat by Watford last night.
However, chairman Gunnar Gislason confirmed in a statement: "After lengthy talks, and what we considered successful negotiations, George Burley has had a change of heart.
"We were given every indication that he would be willing to sign a contract, all terms and conditions had been covered, there was no area of dispute and he was keen to attend our home game against Watford on Wednesday evening.
"However, he informed us this morning that he would not be accepting the offer of the job," Gislason said.
The statement continued: "We recognise the fact that it is for the good of the club that an appointment is made as soon as is practically possible".
PA