Stoke City

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Ahead of Stoke City's final game of the season vs Bristol City on Saturday, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.

The Potters head coach has discussed this weekend's opponents, how he's feeling after securing safety and his message to the fans heading into the summer.

The Robins: "They are a team who play with real energy and have got quality at the top end of the pitch, so we have to make sure that we're at it. If we can get to the performance level as we did in our last home game against (Plymouth) Argyle, we'll give ourselves a chance to win the game. Just because we're safe, doesn't mean we've got nothing to play for. Our fans deserve us to finish with some momentum and that's what we'll try and do."

Schumacher's stance: "A lot more relaxed inside, a lot calmer about the situation, but still no less focused. I want to win this game. If you can win three on the spin, that's not done too often in this league. If we can do that, that will give everybody a good feeling going into the summer."

Message to supporters: "I hope the fans can see that we are working. I can ensure them that I'm at it every single day trying to improve this club and trying to get the players playing in a way that the fans deserve to watch. That'll be the message over the summer. We'll do our best on the recruitment to get it right. A few things need to change, but if we get them changes right the way we want them to be, then it'll give us a better chance to do well next year."

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Stoke City midfielder Bae Junho is about to complete his first full season at the club having joined from Daejeon Hana Citizen last summer.

Speaking to South Korean media, external after the 1-0 win at Southampton, the 20-year-old opened up on how he feels he's taken to life with the Potters:

"First of all, I think the Championship is a league that is a bit better physically.

"That part was difficult, but on the other hand, it was a time when I could make up for my physical weakness. My performances have improved little by little.

"I'm really thankful that they allowed me to play the games I wanted to play. I always played without pressure because the coach trusted me. That’s why I was able to perform well.

"What I learned a lot from the coach is how to take a defensive position, and since I had language communication problems at first, I had a lot of trouble taking up the position. I have been helped a lot in that regard.

"I've improved further and performed better because they told me to play like this, taking advantage of my strengths."

Stoke City welcome Bristol City to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday for their final game of the 2023/24 Championship season.

The Potters could make it three wins in a row after the 3-0 victory against Plymouth Argyle, followed by the 1-0 result at Southampton.

Can Steven Schumacher's side go out on a high by beating the Robins to give them confidence heading into pre-season?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts using the online form here.

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EFL expert Gabriel Sutton believes that Steven Schumacher has the potential to be a long-term success at Stoke City.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, he claimed that the head coach deserves the chance to put his own stamp on the team next season:

"What you've seen with Steven Schumacher at Plymouth Argyle is somebody who can create a clear playing identity. Some of the patterns we saw from his side were really impressive. At the same time, his team did have the ability to grind out results.

"He's got all the attributes to be a success at Stoke. He's had challenges there, it hasn't been plain sailing.

"Jonathan Walters coming in who's a bit more of a familiar figure, he's certainly had an impact on the fanbase because in some of those home games, the atmosphere's been a little bit different.

"I like to think Schumacher's earned the opportunity to really be judged on what he can do next season."

You can listen to the full interview here.

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Stoke City youngster Tom Sparrow has revealed that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June.

As well as playing regularly for the academy, the midfielder also completed development loans at Telford United, Hamilton Academical and Chester.

Taking to his social media, the 21-year-old has confirmed that he's set to move on to a new chapter in the hope of reigniting his career:

"Another season done and the end of my time at Stoke City.

"Joining the club seven years ago at 14 years old and getting through to have had the chance to represent the club in the first team is something I’m extremely proud of and thankful for.

"Thank you to all the players and staff I have worked with that have made it so enjoyable and taught me so much, not only as a footballer but as a person.

"There are some brilliant people who work behind the scenes every day and I’ve made relationships that I will have for a long time."

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Stoke City defender Ben Wilmot has admitted that the support of the fans this season has massively helped to keep the club in the Championship.

The Potters confirmed safety with Saturday's 1-0 win at Southampton, but the 24-year-old says the team might not have survived relegation without the backing of their faithful:

"One of the positives of being in this scrap is that the fans have really come together and decided that they need to get behind us, so the atmosphere at home has been really good.

"We always travel in numbers away, but I feel certainly towards the end of this season, it's been next level. Saturday was unreal, Sheffield Wednesday was unreal.

"I've seen a lot on Twitter [now known as X] about the Wednesday fans saying they were by far the best set of away fans that have been at Hillsborough this season and I'm not surprised because the noise was crazy and it does help us a lot.

"I know players say it all the time, but I don't think fans quite understand how much they can impact a team. We're all really grateful and they've certainly played their part in us being safe."

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Stoke-On-Trent Live reporter Pete Smith believes that Bae Junho and Million Manhoef have started to adjust to the physical nature of Championship football.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, he claimed that the pair are both beginning to understand what it means to represent the Potters:

"There's a stereotype about Stoke which is quite lazy that fans only like to see players who work hard, run for the shirt and put in lots of energy.

"That is right, that's a minimum, but they love a skilful player as well. They love somebody who can embarrass an opponent, and Manhoef and Junho can both do that.

"There was a moment against Middlesbrough where Junho skid someone with his skill and everyone would be up out of their seats. Also, he can throw a centre-back aside with a shoulder barge, and you think, 'Yes, come on!'.

"Those two have got some real grit about them as well as the quality that they've got in their boots. You need both of those ingredients to succeed in the Championship."

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Following Stoke City's 1-0 win at Southampton, Steven Schumacher's side will now be preparing for their final game of the season against Bristol City on Saturday.

Lucas Yeomans is back with Praise and Grumble tonight on BBC Radio Stoke at 18:00 GMT where you can have your say on the club securing Championship safety.

Call the show to give your thoughts on 0800 121 8080 or listen to it online shortly after broadcast here.

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Stoke City's U21's were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United in the Premier League 2 at the Bet365 Stadium on Friday.

The Magpies went 2-0 up early on through goals from Dylan Stephenson and Kyle Crossley, before Jack Griffiths pulled one back for the Potters.

However, Ryan Shawcross' side went down to nine men after goalkeeper Tommy Simkin and defender Jaden Dixon both received red cards either side of the break.

After being edged out in their final game of the season, the club have failed to qualify for the PL2 elimination play-offs.

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Stoke City defender Ben Wilmot played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 win over Southampton at the St. Mary's Stadium.

During his post-match interview with the club, the centre-back gave his assessment of the team's overall performance on the road:

"I thought we should have been 2-0 up at half-time and then obviously defended more in the second half. We still made a handful of really decent chances, so we were certainly worthy of the win and it should have been more.

"The game plan was to get after them. We know they play out and they don't change that so we went as hard as we could and it worked.

"I thought everybody put in a real shift, especially to the end when we were camped on the edge of our box and had to work hard. It was a really pleasing performance and everyone's buzzing for the win."

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The Potters secured a 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, with those three points confirming their status in the Championship for another season.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Rob Adcock after the game, Steven Schumacher was asked what it means to be the head coach of the club after guiding them to safety:

"It means everything. This is a huge opportunity in my career. I'm a young manager, been doing it two and a half, three seasons.

"To get an opportunity to manage a huge club with such tradition and history is the reason why I left a secure and brilliant job that I loved.

"I've got a clear idea in my mind of how this club improves and what it needs to get out of this bottom half of the Championship. We should not be down here, it's ridiculous.

"These players shouldn't be anywhere near the bottom half of the division. They've gone away to Hull, beat them. Gone away to Leeds, should have got a result. Come away to Southampton and beat them.

"It shows that when we're at it and the mentality is right, we can play. We've got to get the mentality right from day one, not halfway through the season."

You can listen to the full interview here.

• Stoke City have won two of their last three away league games against Southampton (D1), as many as across their 23 such matches combined prior.

• The Saints have won just one of their previous five league games against Steven Schumacher's side (D2 L2), a run which has seen them fail to score on three separate occasions.

• Six of the Potters' last eight second tier goals have been scored by Dutch players (three for Hoever, two for Manhoef, one for Burger). They are one of only two teams in Championship history to have three Dutch scorers in a season, along with Leeds also this term (Struijk, Summerville, Piroe).

• Across his last two Championship campaigns (2020-21 with Blackburn, this season with Southampton), Adam Armstrong has been involved in 42 goals in 42 home appearances (30 goals, 12 assists), assisting a goal in each of his last two at the St Mary’s Stadium.

• Russell Martin's team have scored 54 league goals at home this season, their most in a campaign since scoring 69 goals in 1963-64.

With Stoke City preparing to face Southampton on Saturday, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts on what the outcome of the game could be.

Here are some of the responses we received:

Adrian: We are safe no matter what happens at Southampton. Safe isn't what matters this weekend, what matters is another good team performance and finishing the season strongly. At worst we get a draw, 1-1. Given that Southampton may not want to risk players, or the players on the pitch for them don't want to risk an injury, I have to go for a 2-1 win.

Bill: I think we are nearly safe. One more result will clinch our Championship status for another year. Southampton have nothing to play for except their pride. They are guaranteed a play-off position but can't reach automatic promotion unless they score 40 goals in their last 2 matches. I think we can get something at Southampton. Similarly Bristol.

John: I think Steven Schumacher has to attack with pace and play high into Southampton's half. Attack through the middle and spread the ball out to the wings, always with one eye on the Southampton break out.

Gil: One win doesn't guarantee a second one. Stoke need to play with confidence and energy for 90 minutes. If consistent, success and stability will follow. Hope they pressure Southampton and get a result.

Sean: Definitely not safe, a point is of little use. Either an unlikely, but possible, away win for us, or Huddersfield do us a favour and win... otherwise it goes to the last weekend.

Mark: Southampton are in the play-offs, won't want to risk any injuries. Stoke are pretty much safe with a draw. 1-1.

David: 2-1 to Stoke. Good recruitment with Jon Walters onboard now and we will improve greatly next season.

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Former Stoke City defender Denis Smith believes that Steven Schumacher is the right man to try and take the club back to the Premier League.

The 1972 League Cup winner was full of support for the head coach when speaking at Thursday's Season Card holder event in Ricardo's:

“I look at what he’s doing and I like it. Don’t get me wrong, I always say things I would do differently and I know as a manager myself that everyone thinks they can do the job better than you can!

“It’s a mentality thing, consistently driving internally that you have to train hard and put the graft in to perform well.

“He has got broad shoulders and I know he will have used this period to put the platform down to have a better season next year.”

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Stoke City's U21's will play their final game of the season on Friday when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League 2, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Potters were beaten 3-0 by Leicester City in their previous fixture, so will be looking to bounce back by gaining a positive result against the Magpies.

Ryan Shawcross' side are 17th in the table as it stands, while their opponents are 25th out of 26 teams.

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Ahead of Stoke City's game vs Southampton on Saturday, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.

The Potters head coach has discussed this weekend's opponents, Jordan Thompson's impressive run of form and the impact the fans could have at the St. Mary's Stadium.

The Saints: "They've been one of the best teams. Their home record is outstanding. We're all aware of how difficult the game is going to be, but if you get your plan right, if you're aggressive and if you can execute your game plan the way you want to, you've got a chance. We've got to go there with that belief that we can get something from this game."

Jordan Thompson: "He's been really consistent, certainly since we've been here. Played in a load of different positions, he's a good character. Having players like that who can be versatile is so beneficial for any squad, but he's shown in the last few months how important he is to the team. He's playing really well. I'm sure he wants to finish the season strong."

Travelling support: "The away fans have been outstanding in every game. Fingers crossed it's sold out and they can get behind the team. The team need to make sure that they perform for them because the last time we went away from home, we didn't, so that'll be the message. We need a better performance than the last one."

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Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes the Coates family will do everything they can to back Steven Schumacher in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to OLBG, external, he said:

“Stoke have one of the best ownership groups in English football. Steven will get the chance to be successful, as all the managers before him had.

“None of them come out of the club criticising the owners. The problem has been behind the scenes regarding their recruitment.

“It's not always about signing the best players, it's about building a strong team and the best players aren't always included in the most successful teams."

The 66-year-old also revealed that he's been in touch with Sporting Director Jonathan Walters about the profile of player the club should target moving forward:

“I've spoken to Jonathan Walters and I've got a lot of respect for him.

“He's a good example of what Stoke needs to recruit as we had Jon or Mamady Sidibe behind Ricardo Fuller, whose strength was not running around!

“You need to sign players that suit the team as Jon and Mama were both unselfish and would never stop working.”

Stoke City travel to Southampton on Saturday as they aim to secure a victory at the home of the promotion-chasing Saints.

The Potters head into this game off the back of a 3-0 win against Plymouth Argyle, so they will be hoping to replicate the same outcome this weekend.

Do you think Steven Schumacher's side are safe from relegation regardless of the result at the St. Mary's Stadium or would you like more points on the board?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts using the online form here.

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Ahead of Saturday's game against Southampton, BBC Radio Stoke have been speaking to Saints Statistics to discuss which of their players could pose the biggest threat for the Potters:

"Che Adams has a very tenuous relationship with the Southampton fans. He has been the greatest player in the world at some points, he's also the player who gets the most mud thrown for the failures of last season.

"Whenever he does leave us, there will be some amazing compilations of his time at Southampton, but he is in the form of his life at the moment.

"He's playing for that new contract, so if there was a player I'd be worried about from a Stoke perspective, it would be Che Adams.

"Adam Armstrong is ever-present, but he's out of form. David Brooks is an amazing player and could tear you apart, or he could have a game like he did against Cardiff and be silent.

"A player that you have experience with, Will Smallbone, is also in incredible form and I wouldn't be surprised if I saw him on the scoresheet."

When asked for their score prediction after the 5-0 defeat to Leicester City, they added:

"If we had a hangover, it would be tighter, it would be nervy. I would go for a 2-1 or a 1-1."

You can listen to the full interview here.

Stoke City are reportedly considering a move to sign Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson in the summer transfer window.

The Millers are confirmed to be playing in League One next season, meaning that the 25-year-old is likely to leave the New York Stadium.

The Potters are set to make an offer for the Swedish stopper who is believed to have a £1m relegation clause included in his contract.

(Alan Nixon, external)

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Potters head coach Steven Schumacher named Luke Cundle in his starting line-up for Saturday's 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Dan Buxton from the 'Every Step Along The Way, external' podcast heaped praise on the midfielder for his impressive display at the Bet365 Stadium:

"That was far, far away his best game in a Stoke shirt. He really showed us what the best of Luke Cundle is.

"The game suited him and he was obviously up for it. Whether it was because it was Plymouth or whether it was his goal last week, everything just fell into place for that performance on Saturday.

"If he can produce that, if that's going to be his level, I'd like to see him back here again."

Would you like to sign Cundle on a permanent basis? Leave your comments here.