Stoke & Staffordshire

Latest Updates

  1. 'I want to watch Stoke and not be bored' - Shawcross published at 18:27 29 December 2024

    Ryan Shawcross (left), caretaker Stoke City manager Image source, Rex Features
    Image caption,

    Ryan Shawcross (left) said he would take charge for the next game against Burney if the club wanted him to

    Stoke caretaker manager Ryan Shawcross said his first win in temporary charge is "the sort of thing you dream of" and does not want the side to be dull to watch.

    The former Potters centre-back was put in interim control following the sacking of Narcis Pelach two days ago.

    And he saw an immediate reaction from the players as they clinched a dramatic win against the Black Cats.

    "It was a really strong performance and at times I thought we looked a really good team," Shawcross told BBC Radio Stoke.

    "The game plan was a risky one as I wanted the lads to go for it and get after Sunderland. I knew at times they would cut through us if we did at times but, second half, I felt we had a right good 20 minutes where we probably didn't get enough finishes or end product.

    "Then to win it in the last minute and the feeling in the stadium was amazing and the sort of thing you dream of.

    "It was a slight change in formation, a slight change in attitude and in how we wanted to play.

    "I just want to watch Stoke and not be bored or see teams sitting back. I want to go for it.

    "With a few slight changes I think there is a group in there who can move forward and be successful. The season has not been great but we spoke about a moment in the season where you have an upturn and hopefully that was it.

    Shawcross was also asked whether he wants the job full-time and said he would " concentrate on Burnley [the next game] if they need me to take it".

    He added he would "love to know what is going to happen" but said "you never know in football".

  2. Pick of the stats: Stoke City v Sunderlandpublished at 16:38 28 December 2024

    Stoke City and Sunderland football club crests (Photo: BBC)

    Another top versus bottom-half match-up on Sunday sees Stoke City host Sunderland.

    The Black Cats, who are currently fourth in the Championship, got the better of the Potters a few weeks ago and Stoke have since parted ways with manager Narcis Pelach after their Boxing Day loss to league leaders Leeds left them languishing down in 19th.

    • Stoke have lost one of their last seven home league games against Sunderland (W3 D3), losing 1-0 in 2022-23.

    • Sunderland are looking to win three consecutive league games against Stoke City for the first time since a run of five between 1934 and 1936.

    • Stoke are winless in their final league game of the calendar year in each of the last eight years (D3 L5) since winning 4-3 against Everton back in 2015.

    • Sunderland are unbeaten in their final league game of the year in each of the last seven years (W4 D3) since they lost 4-1 to Burnley in 2016.

    • Sunderland haven't lost any of their last nine league games against sides with 'City' in their name (W6 D3) since losing to last season's champions Leicester City in March.