Stoke City F.C.

Stoke City F.C.
Clubname	Stoke City F.C.
Ground	bet365 Stadium
Capacity	30,089
Chairman	John Coates
Manager	Steven Schumacher
League	EFL Championship
Season	2023–24 EFL Championship
Position	Championship, 17th

Stoke City F.C. is a professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England, that competes in the EFL Championship. Founded in 1863, it is recognized as the second-oldest professional football club in the world. The club has spent the majority of its history in the top flight of English football, including a notable decade-long spell in the Premier League beginning in 2008. Its traditional home colours are red and white striped shirts, white shorts, and white socks.

History

The club was formed in 1863 by former pupils of Charterhouse School, initially playing under the Rugby football code before switching to association football in 1868. It turned professional in 1885 and became a founding member of the Football League in 1888, competing in its inaugural season. A significant early achievement was reaching the FA Cup final in 1911, though they were defeated by Bradford City. The club's first major honour came in 1972, winning the Football League Cup under manager Tony Waddington, a victory remembered for the heroics of goalkeeper Gordon Banks. After a long period outside the top division, the club achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2008 under the management of Tony Pulis, establishing a reputation for a direct, physical style of play. This top-flight tenure lasted until 2018, after which the club has competed in the EFL Championship.

Stadium

The club played at the Victoria Ground from 1878 until 1997, a venue that hosted England internationals and FA Cup semi-finals. In 1997, they relocated to a new, purpose-built arena, initially named the Britannia Stadium after its sponsors Britannia Building Society. In 2016, following a new sponsorship agreement, the ground was renamed the bet365 Stadium. Located in the Stoke-on-Trent district of Stoke-upon-Trent, the stadium has a capacity of over 30,000 and is known for its atmospheric and vociferous support, particularly from the stand housing the club's most vocal fans.

Players

The club's all-time appearance record is held by Eric Skeels, who made over 500 appearances between 1959 and 1976. Legendary figures include Stanley Matthews, who began his illustrious career at the club before his famed spells with Blackpool and later return, and goalkeeper Gordon Banks, a 1966 World Cup winner with England. In the modern era, players such as Rory Delap, renowned for his long throw-ins, Peter Crouch, and Ryan Shawcross, who captained the side for many years, became synonymous with the club's Premier League era. The current squad features a mix of experienced professionals and promising academy graduates.

Honours

The club's principal honour is the Football League Cup, won in 1972 after a 2–1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. They were runners-up in the same competition in 1964. In domestic cup competitions, they have been FA Cup finalists twice, in 1911 and 2011, losing to Manchester City in the latter. The club has won the Football League Second Division title on three occasions, in 1933, 1963 and 1993, and the Football League Third Division title in 1927. They have also been crowned champions of the Football League Trophy twice, in 1992 and 2000.

Club culture

Supporters are known for their loyalty and the intimidating atmosphere they create at home matches, a trait often referenced by opposition managers and players. The club's traditional rivalry is with nearby Port Vale, with matches termed the Potteries derby. A broader, more intense rivalry exists with West Bromwich Albion. The club's nickname, "The Potters", derives from the pottery industry central to Stoke-on-Trent's history and identity. The local Staffordshire oatcake is a famous culinary staple associated with the club and its fanbase.

Management and ownership

The club is owned by bet365, the online gambling company founded by the Coates family. Peter Coates served as chairman for many years before passing the role to his son, John Coates. The most successful manager in terms of trophy wins is Tony Waddington, who delivered the Football League Cup in 1972. Tony Pulis is the modern-era figure most associated with the club, overseeing its promotion to the Premier League and consolidation there. The current head coach is Steven Schumacher, appointed in 2023 to lead the team's campaign in the EFL Championship.

Category:Association football clubs in England Category:Football clubs in Staffordshire Category:1863 establishments in England