Former Bradford City boss Chris Kamara has today sensationally quit as manager of Stoke City.

The 40-year-old has had a calamitous spell in charge of the struggling First Division side, recording only one win in his 14 games in charge.

Under his control the Potteries club have slipped from 15th to bottom of the league and are now favourites for relegation.

And Saturday's 2-0 defeat away to fellow strugglers Reading heralded the end of Kamara's reign at the Britannia Stadium.

Kamara said: "I am obviously disappointed that things have not worked out as I expected.

"Stoke City is a great club with tremendous supporters who continued to back me and the team during a very difficult period.

"I have enjoyed working with the board and under different circumstances and with a little bit of luck things could have been so much better.

"I sincerely hope Stoke City win their fight against relegation and go on to better things in seasons to come."

Assistant boss Alan Durban has been handed the task of steering the club away from relegation in the next few weeks.

Kamara's resignation was accepted with immediate effect by the Stoke board today and it caps a harrowing season for the former Leeds and Swindon player.

The Bantams started the season in fine form and went top of the First Division in September before a run of just four wins in 21 league and cup games saw a rapid slide down the table.

Kamara was sacked by the Bantams just days after their disappointing 2-0 FA Cup exit at Manchester City with the club in 11th position in the First Division. Chairman Geoffrey Richmond claimed Kamara had "taken the club as far as he could".

During his 25-month spell at Valley Parade, Kamara led the club to one of the greatest days in their history when they sealed promotion in 1996 through the play-off final at Wembley.

Kamara was appointed by Stoke just two weeks after being axed by the Bantams and handed an 18-month contract.

Stoke vice-chairman Keith Humphreys said: "Most people thought Chris's appointment would be a good one, but it hasn't worked out.

"It has been a nightmare time for all concerned and we wish Chris all the best in the future.

"We are very disappointed and saddened that the results have not been what the club, the supporters or Chris Kamara wanted."

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