LONDON (Reuters) - Stoke City have appointed Derby County boss Gary Rowett as their new manager as they set about reclaiming their place in the Premier League after being relegated this season.
The club's website said the 44-year-old had signed a three-year contract after Stoke agreed a compensation package with Derby, who Rowett led into the Championship playoffs.
"We're delighted to be able to move so quickly to secure Gary's services and we are looking forward to working with him towards our objective of returning to the Premier League as soon as possible," club owners Peter and John Coates said.
Stoke sacked Mark Hughes in January and parted company with his replacement Paul Lambert last week after the club's 10-year stay in the top flight came to an end.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)