Mark Hughes has admitted that he is "very proud" to have earned three successive top-half finishes during his time at Stoke City and has backed the club to win their survival fight.

The Potters swung the axe at the weekend following their 2-1 loss at Coventry City, bringing an end to the Welshman's four-and-a-half-year tenure.

Experienced boss Hughes had endured a hugely underwhelming 18-month period leading up to his inevitable sacking, leaving City inside the bottom three of the Premier League.

In a statement released via League Managers' Association, however, the 54-year-old was keen to remember the better times when finishing ninth for three years running.

"I wish to thank the Coates family and the board, for all of their support during my four-and-a-half memorable years at Stoke City," he said. "Together, we have enjoyed four successful campaigns including three consecutive ninth placed finishes, the highest position the club has reached since 1975.

"I will always be very proud of this achievement and I'd like to thank my coaching staff, the players and everyone at Stoke City for their hard work during my time as manager.

"Although so far this season we haven't matched the high standards set in previous years, I remain confident that performances and results will improve in the second half of the season.

"Finally, I'd like to wish the club and its loyal supporters success and good fortune in the future. I look forward to the next challenge in my management career."

Derby County boss Gary Rowett is the current favourite to succeed Hughes at the bet365 Stadium, while Martin O'Neill is also understood to be in the running.