The Stoke manager's contract expires at the end of June - and the former Iceland national team manager will be looking for a new club.

The decision to not offer him a new deal just a week after his team secured promotion through the play-offs has been met with bewilderment among some sections of the club's supporters.

Firstly the Stoke chairman said the performance of the team throughout the season was inconsistent and not in line with the perceived quality of the squad.

Secondly, Gislason that Thordarson did not always appreciate the necessity to control costs.

And thirdly the working relationship between the board and manager was not good, with no signs of an improvement in the future.

Gislason explained that the decision was made after consulting Stoke's directors - and that of the five board members only vice-chairman Stefan Geir Thorisson was against the decision.

The chairman added that the search for a new manager is already under way.

"Telephone conversations have already taken place with a number of potential candidates," said Gislason.

"Face-to-face meetings will be conducted later this week with the objective of making an appointment before the end of the month."