Kyle Lightbourne expects his period of transfer-list limbo to end soon, after his English league club Stoke City appointed a new manager yesterday.

Brian Little, the manager who put the Bermuda striker up for sale at the end of last season and quit soon after, was replaced yesterday by Gary Megson.

The appointment ends a five-week search for a new manager and Lightbourne hoped his future would soon become clearer.

And having previously been determined to leave the Second Division club, Lightbourne was awaiting his first chat with his new boss with an open mind.

"Given time he will make his decision on me,'' said Lightbourne. "You never know with football, we'll just have to see how it goes. It would be wrong of me to make any decisions before I've spoken to him.'' Stoke play their first pre-season friendly at their Britannia Stadium on Saturday against First Division Bolton Wanderers.

And with the start of the Football League season just three weeks away, Lightbourne felt the weekend team selection would give him a good idea on whether he figures in Megson's plans.

"Nobody knows what's happening right now, but I would imgaine the new manager will want to play the team that will start the new season. So I guess I will know a lot more by the end of next week,'' added Lightbourne.

Megson was controversially sacked by First Division Stockport just two weeks ago for allegedly seeking another job.

After signing a two-year contract with Stoke yesterday, Megson refuted the allegations.

"Stockport sacked me for a cock-and-bull reason and that is now the subject of litigation,'' said Megson. "It has given me an extra incentive to succeed and I am delighted to have this chance at Stoke.'' The well-supported Midlands club, known as the Potters, have long been considered under-achievers and expectations of promotion next season are high.

But the lack of cash to spend on new players, which was probably the reason Lightbourne was transfer listed, will restrict Megson's options.

"Stoke is a massive challenge, but it is also a club with massive potential, if everyone pulls in the right direction,'' said Megson.

"This club should not be in the Second Division and seems to be going through a rough patch. Getting out of the division has to be the aim, though it will be difficult and I won't make any promises.'' Last season was disappointing for Lightbourne and was his first with Stoke since signing from Premier League club Coventry City for 425,000 ($693,000).

Waiting game: Kyle Lightbourne could figure in new boss Gary Megson's plans