Stoke 'in a really strong position' - Walters

Jon Walters scored more than 50 goals for Stoke as a player

Stoke City are in a strong position to be able to compete in the Championship, according to sporting director Jon Walters.

The Potters are about to embark on their eighth successive season in the second tier since relegation from the Premier League, during which time they have failed to finish in the top half of the table.

Walters, who spent seven years as a player at Stoke, believes their recruitment work over the summer gives them a chance to improve on recent seasons.

"We've brought in six so far and I think the squad is in a really strong position - we've covered most positions twice," he told the club website.

"I feel if you look at the squad now, to where we were 18 months and 12 months ago, we're in the strongest position we've been in for a while to compete in this league."

Stoke's highest finish since dropping into the Championship is 14th, with current boss Mark Robins their seventh permanent head coach in that time.

"You need a squad of 24 or 25 players that are right at it, pushing each other but have that quality to compete in this league," added Walters.

"The transfer window isn't over - we're looking to add more in but the right person who fits into our group and family of players and staff and buys into what we're doing and where we want to go."

Stoke open the new Championship season at home to Derby on Saturday (15:00 BST).