Stoke City Football Club: Introduction

Stoke City Football Club currently plays football in the English Championship League. The staff at the Fanbase hope that club and supporters do well in the coming seasons.

The club is one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world, with its roots dating back to the 1860s. Originally formed as Stoke Ramblers, the club eventually became Stoke City in 1925, when Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status.

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Foundation and Early History

• Founded: 1863 (originally as Stoke Ramblers). This makes Stoke City FC the second oldest football club in the world after Notts County.
• Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
• Nickname: The Potters: this is in recognition that the club is in the Staffordshire Potteries area.
• Stadium: Bet365 Stadium (formerly known as the Britannia Stadium)
  • Capacity: 30,089
  • Opened: 1997
  • Previous Ground: Victoria Ground (1878-1997)

Stoke City Football Club Colours and Crest

• Colours: Red and white stripes
• Crest: The current crest features a shield with red and white stripes, a depiction of the club’s nickname “The Potters” (referring to the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent), and the club’s founding year, 1863.

Historical Milestones

• Early Competitions: Stoke City was a founding member of the Football League in 1888.
• First Major Trophy: The club’s first and only major trophy came in the form of the 1972 League Cup, when they defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the final.
• FA Cup: Stoke has never won the FA Cup but came closest in 2011, reaching the final but losing to Manchester City.
• European Competition: Their FA Cup run in 2011 earned them a spot in the UEFA Europa League for the 2011-12 season, where they reached the Round of 32.

Stoke City Football Club: Prominent Eras

• Stanley Matthews Era: Stanley Matthews, one of the greatest players in English football history, began his career at Stoke City. He first played for Stoke from 1932–1947 and later returned to the club from 1961–1965.
• Tony Waddington Era: The 1960s and 1970s under manager Tony Waddington were among the club’s most successful periods, including their League Cup victory.
• Tony Pulis Era: Under Tony Pulis, who managed the club during two separate spells (2002-2005, 2006-2013), Stoke achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2008, where they remained for 10 seasons. Pulis established Stoke as a difficult team to beat, known for their physical style of play.

Recent History

• Premier League Years (2008-2018): Stoke City enjoyed a decade in the Premier League, consistently finishing mid-table under Pulis and later Mark Hughes. Their highest finish during this period was 9th place, achieved in three consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2015.
• Relegation: Stoke City was relegated from the Premier League in the 2017-18 season after finishing 19th.
• Current Status: As of the 2023-24 season, Stoke City competes in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.

Stoke City Football Club: Fan Culture and Rivalries

• Supporters: Stoke City has a passionate fanbase, known for their loyalty and vocal support, especially at the Bet365 Stadium, which is often referred to as the “Bearpit” due to its intense atmosphere. Indeed, when full and the crowd are on song, the noise is deafening.
• Rivalries: The club’s main rivals are Port Vale, based in the same city, though the teams have not met frequently in recent years due to playing in different leagues. Stoke also shares a rivalry with West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Notable Players

• Stanley Matthews: A football legend, the only player to have been knighted while still playing.
• Gordon Banks: England’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, who played for Stoke from 1967-1973.
• Peter Crouch: The towering striker became a fan favourite during his time at Stoke from 2011-2019.

Key Records and Statistics

• Record Appearance Maker: Eric Skeels, with 596 appearances from 1959 to 1976.
• Record Goal Scorer: John Ritchie, who scored 176 goals for the club between 1962-1966 and 1969-1975.
• Record Transfer Fee Paid: Giannelli Imbula, signed for £18.3 million from Porto in 2016.

Community and Legacy

Stoke City FC is deeply embedded in the local community, with a rich history tied to the industrial heritage of Stoke-on-Trent. The club has a strong tradition of producing and nurturing talent, with a robust youth academy. Despite their fluctuating fortunes on the pitch, Stoke City remains a club with a proud history and a committed following.

Stoke City Football Club: In Conclusion

Stoke City Football Club is a historic English club with a rich legacy known for its passionate fanbase and a history of producing legendary players. While the club has faced challenges, including relegation from the Premier League, it continues to be a significant force in English football, aiming to return to the top flight.

Stoke City Football Club Promotion

The Football Fan Base allows all supporters the chance to project their teams forward. There are many ways that you can boast and brag about your team. After all, your football team is the best in the world, right?

Now that you understand what the Football Fan Base is all about, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and tell the world about Stoke City FC and enjoy the football banter. After all, your team is the best in the world, isn’t it?

** Information updated on September 1, 2024.