Stoke City (The Potters)
Club history
Stoke City was founded in 1863, making it the Premier League's oldest club. After the Second World War the team nearly became First Division champions, but instead were relegated in 1953.
In the early '60s, manager Tony Waddington re-signed their most celebrated player, 46 year old Stanley Matthews. 1963 saw promotion from the Second Division, and Stoke's first big trophy followed in the 1972 League Cup final against Chelsea.
In 1976, a violent storm blew off the stadium roof, and repair bills contributed to the club's relegation. The 1984/85 season saw the side win just three times, finishing on 17 points. After dropping out of the Second Division, manager Lou Macari secured the Football League Trophy in 1991/92.
Managers including Chic Bates, Chris Kamara, and Gary Megson were then all in charge before an Icelandic consortium took control of The Potters in 1999. Gudkon Thordarson was appointed boss, and took Stoke into the First Division after in 2002, but was replaced by manager Steve Cotterill.
New manager Tony Pulis kept Stoke out of the relegation zone, and Stoke finally made it into the Premier League in 2008, defying many critics' expectations. The 2009/10 season was mixed, but included an impressive away win over Tottenham.
Stoke club colours
Red-and-white vertically striped shirt, white shorts and white socks.
Stoke's rivals
Port Vale, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion
Famous Stoke fans
Nick Hancock, Andy Robinson, Julian Clarey, Jeremy Bates
Stoke websites & blogs
Titles & trophies
- Championship
- 1933, 1963
- League One
- 1927, 1993
- League Cup
- 1972
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