There must be some private moments, in times of introspection, when Nathan Jones wonders whether quitting Luton for Stoke was a good career move after all.

Shortly before his appointment at the bet365 Stadium Jones had won ten matches out of 11 in League One, with his reputation as a shrewd, progressive young manager on the rise.

His move to Stoke in January was a reward for those successive promotions, a deserved recognition for his diligent work in the lower leagues and journey up the ladder from his first steps coaching at Yeovil.

Seven months later, Jones finds himself bottom of the Championship with the patience of supporters starting to wear thin. Some fans want him sacked, while others are demanding to know whether Diamond Formations Are Forever.

There is no suggestion at this point that Jones is in danger, despite a run of three wins in 25 league games, but these are desperately worrying times for the Coates family.

Jones was the club’s third manager in a year when he was appointed and the latest one struck by the malaise which seems to run deep.

Remember, this is a club which finished ninth in the Premier League for the third year running in 2016 under Mark Hughes.