 Brian Little , formerly manager of Aston Villa , took charge for the 1998 – 99 season , and Stoke began the season impressively , holding first place until December with six straight wins . The team 's form tailed off in the latter stages of the season , leading to Little 's departure at the end of the season . His successor , Gary Megson , was only in the job for four months . Megson was forced to depart following a takeover by Stoke Holding , an Icelandic consortium that purchased a 66 percent share in Stoke City F.C. for £ <unk> The club 's new owners appointed the club 's first foreign manager , Icelander Gudjon Thordarson , in November 1999 . 
