Stoke City

Stoke City supporter and host of the Potterlytics Podcast, George Weaver, has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans to share his thoughts on whether the club have enough in their squad to avoid relegation to League One.

"I think they are capable of getting a couple of wins here and a couple of draws there. I'm still on the confident-ish side that we've got enough to scrape some wins and stay up. I don't know if that's just blind hope or that's a bit of arrogance, but I get the feeling there's enough in the side to get some wins.

"I think that's going to be a big issue for the club if we do stay up. It's going to be a struggle to get the positivity in if those wins are like they were against QPR if we are scraping things together with the squad that we've got, with the ability that we've got. That's going to be difficult for people to get excited about next season because without Schumacher's positivity and the good vibes that he brought when he first came in, if that starts to disappear and we're just scraping together results, I think people are going to get a little bit annoyed a little bit quickly.

"I think my worry is that it's similar to what it's been for a few seasons now that I don't really think the club has a coherent direction. The results can get better, they can get worse. It's obviously going to annoy people on the pitch if it gets worse and rightly so, but I still get the feeling that the main thing the board want from the club is promotion or 'we'll be good', and I'm not necessarily sure there's much more depth in their view of what they want for the club than that."

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Stoke City midfielder Wouter Burger is reportedly gaining attention from several unnamed clubs around Europe ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Potters star has scored three goals and provided the same number of assists in 30 appearances since joining from FC Basel in August 2023.

The Dutchman recently captained Steven Schumacher's side in the absence of Josh Laurent, with this being a situation to keep a close eye on over the coming months. (Fraser Fletcher Gillan, external)

As Stoke City prepare for a trip to South Wales to face Cardiff City at the weekend, BBC Radio Stoke commentator Sohail Sahi says the club's supporters have been brilliant for sticking with the team.

The Potters faithful have had little to cheer about over the last six years and are currently enduring a period where they've witnessed just three wins in the last three months.

Sahi said, "There is something very fragile about the players, I’m not saying the management because it was happening under Alex Neil. It’s the Stoke City players whether it’s home or away, when they go a goal down it seems like they haven’t got any fight in them to get back.

"I don’t know if that's a fragile state of mind or something else more concerning, whether they have got the desire and hunger, they should have. When you think about the support it’s unbelievable" he added.

"Steven Schumacher understands the Stoke City supporters and how big an advantage they can be for his side. I think they need to stick by the team whatever happens. I know it’s easy for me to say perched up high commentating on the game, but I think if Stoke City are to get themselves away from the bottom of the Championship they will need the support.

"Sometimes when managers are in a pickle they start asking for the fans support but Schumacher has understood the importance of Stoke City fans from day one. I think most supporters will agree with that."

How good have Stoke fans been? Leave your comments here.

You can listen to Stoke City home and away on BBC Radio Stoke 94.6fm.

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Stoke City academy coach Dave Hibbert says reaching the Under 17's Premier League cup semi-final is great for the development of the club's young players.

Stoke take on Wolves next week for a place in the final having already beaten the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa to reach the last four.

Hibbert said: "We prioritised this competition at the start of the season, we want our players to experience these situations where they are playing in big games and against big teams as well, it's fantastic for their development.

"We knew we were never going to have a settled team with the size of the squad that we have got. Obviously we have a small under 21's group, so a lot of the u'18's and u'17's have been involved in that, but we prioritised this tournament where we tried to bring all those players together if we could.

"There has been a few situations where we haven't, but in the quarter-final we did and probably produced our best performance of the season. Which shows we have got some good young players that we have huge aspirations for moving forward, so it's great they are in this situation.

Hibbert is expecting 16-year-old Sol Sidibie to play a big part in the semi-final having spent much of the season training with Steven Schumacher's Championship squad.

"Sol has played in the first team so has played in bigger games than this but the other lads see him coming back down and it gives them a lift, and helps them because ultimately we want to put out the strongest team we possibly can."

Send us your thoughts on Stoke City's academy.

Phil - The quality that they bought in the summer wasn't what I consider really good players, they are at best average players. Whoever is responsible for the procurement of those there needs to be some serious sort of reviews being made within the club itself. Whether it is Ricky Martin or John Coates or whoever I don't know at the end of the day. The players that have been brought in are they better than the ones that have been shipped out? I've got to say I don't think they are, no where near. Schumacher has got a job and a half on his hands to get the best out of this group.

John V - Stoke have become a joke , teams must look forward to playing us ….. any league , any age if you can’t defend and can’t score you will go down. Simples.

Mark - The last two games we have seen an improvement. I think Schumacher is at the point where he knows who he can trust and I think the others have got to prove themselves.

Daniel - It's the same thing week in week out with Stoke unfortunately, the exact same thing over and over again. Rinse and repeat, we keep saying now that the performances have been slightly better but the team just hasn't got any fight.

What do you think? Leave your comments here.

Another home defeat for Stoke City at the weekend, but was their signs that your team can avoid relegation?

Lucas Yeomans is back with BBC Radio Stoke's Praise and Grumble. (Monday, 18.00 GMT)

Call Lucas to talk about what's happening at Stoke City on 0800 1218080

You can also send us your thoughts here.

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Following the 1-0 defeat to Coventry City the former Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan believes he's seen enough from the Potters to suggest they won't be relegated from the Championship this season:

"I've watched a lot of Championship football over the last few weeks and they definitely have enough to stay there, the frustrations and what you can see on the pitch, you can understand where they [the fans] are coming from because of what they've had.

"They've talked about recruitment and different managers but for me it's digging in and working hard. It's not giving teams opportunities and easy goals to concede by and lose one nil because that's what obviously kills them.

Whelan added, "They've definitely got enough to stay up this year and hopefully build from that but they're dead right [the fans] things need to change and you need to see it on the grass."

Do you agree? Click here to send us your thoughts.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City's former defender, Philipp Wollscheid, spent two years at the club from 2015-2017, and was a regular feature of the first-team, making a total of 56 appearances.

The German was the matchday guest for the recent 1-0 home win over QPR, and he told BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans how special he found his spell with the Potters.

"I had several clubs and I'm proud and happy to have been part of those clubs and Stoke was the first step abroad. I always wanted to go abroad, especially England, was my full focus and eventually I could make it here and I'm very happy that they gave me the chance to be part of a Premiership team, even of a decent Premiership team. Also character wise for me as a human being, it's made me grow as a human, so I'm very grateful that I had the chance to play here."

When asked if he still checks the results of Steven Schumacher's side, he added: "Yes. I do that with all my former clubs. There are four, five in Germany, one in France and one in England so it's not that difficult to get an overview of how they are doing."

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Stoke City's upcoming home game vs Coventry City, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans, external at his pre-match press conference, previewing this weekend's opponents, both on and off the pitch.

On Coventry: "We know the strengths that Coventry have got. They are up towards the top end of the division, they are in the play-off mix and they are going to be a good team, they are going to be hard to stop, so yeah, it's going to take everybody to play at their best again like they did on Wednesday night."

Mark Robins: "In my opinion, they've got one of the best managers in the EFL. I think the job that Mark's done there over the last few years is brilliant. He's built the club slowly, he's been there for a good number of years now and has put together a team full of young players who are hungry, got loads of room for development and last season showed how strong they were."

Support of the fans: "Being on the front foot and trying to take the game to teams is dead important at home because the fans can get right behind it. To get that first goal [against QPR] was huge, and as I say, give the crowd a lift and then that in turn lifted the players and we managed to get some energy for the second half to see the game out."

With Stoke City preparing to face Coventry City on Saturday, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts on how the game could pan out.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Graham: Stoke will be tighter in defence with more of the no-nonsense defending we showed against QPR on Wednesday night, but again will struggle to find the net. Burger to hit a tap-in in the first half, but Coventry will equalise quickly then sneak the winner in the second half. A decent effort from Stoke but 2-1 to a decent Coventry side.

Steven: It's taken a while but I think he is starting to find his first 11. Burger, Baker, Junho and Ennis all start. Getting the right players around them will only improve the team.

Decker: Think we'll probably lose. Coventry go one up after 30 minutes and it's all over. Most of our players (apart from Burger) will want to get home ASAP and relax after such a demanding night.

Seth: We are not playing to our full extent and need to explore other ways to maximise goalscoring.

Rob: Stoke loss unfortunately. We'll go gung-ho again and lose 2-1.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City striker Ryan Mmaee has recently been omitted from the first-team squad and is currently training with the U21s due to disciplinary reasons.

However, Football League World's club fan pundit, Ben Rowley, external, has admitted that he would like to see the 26-year-old force his way back into the senior fold at the Bet365 Stadium.

"Ryan Mmaee isn't the first player that we've had at Stoke with disciplinary issues. We've had so many of them in the past that it's derailed our season, so I'm not surprised Steven Schumacher is intent on stamping out any discontent in the squad straight away.

"However, it appears to have been addressed in a very different way, with Schumacher opening the door back up to Mmaee if he's able to get his head straight and able to work hard for the team. Mmaee himself has come out with a statement saying he wants to prove himself to Stoke fans and ultimately with Schumacher that he can right his wrongs and play well for Stoke.

"That's completely different and why I'm glad we haven't sold him in the January transfer window. That's because he is a good player and I think Stoke would play better with him in the team.

"He may just be getting used to the new demands of Schumacher, who he may not have been pleased with at first, but if he's willing to knuckle down and deliver what Schumacher wants, then it's only a boost for this Stoke team. I don't think it's through any bad will that this disciplinary issue has happened and let's hope they can now get over it."

• When Stoke and Coventry faced each other in the reverse fixture of this game back in November, the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at the Building Society Arena.

• The Potters are winless in their last 15 home league matches against fellow teams who also have ‘City’ in their name (D8 L7), since a 3-0 win over Swansea in February 2022.

• The Sky Blues have won three of their last four visits to the Bet365 Stadium, having drawn the other one rather than suffering defeat.

• Mark Robins' side are unbeaten in their previous nine league games against clubs beginning with S (W3 D6), since a 4-0 home defeat to the red and whites in April 2023.

• Stoke could move up to 15th in the table this weekend dependent on other results should they secure a win, while Coventry will be looking to remain in the play-offs and compete for promotion to the Premier League.

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to your new-look Stoke City page!

The Potters will now benefit from bigger and better online coverage than ever before.

This new, interactive topic page provides a one-stop shop for all the best digital content about the club, including insight and analysis from journalists and pundits across the BBC, fan views, team selectors, quizzes and more.

And, of course, you also get your fixtures, results, tables and player stats.

If you're reading this on the BBC Sport app, just hit the "Follow" button at the top of the page and you'll be served more Stoke content when you log on. And you can go one better by pressing the bell icon and opting to receive news alerts about the latest news on the club. Do this and the best content will find its way to you.

If you don't use the app and instead operate on a web browser, hit "follow" at the top and you'll see more of your club content. Make sure you're signed in to the BBC website to get that "follow" option.

You can follow your club more closely than every before on BBC Sport.

This detailed club page will bring you not just news but opinion, analysis and fan comment from those close to the club.

Take a look at the video below, press 'follow' at the top of the page or hit the bell icon to get push alerts on your club if you're using the BBC Sport app.

Stoke City are set to welcome Coventry City to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, with Steven Schumacher looking to seal back-to-back wins at home.

The Potters could lift themselves even further away from the relegation zone with another three points this weekend, but can they secure a second consecutive victory?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts ahead of the visit of Mark Robins' side using the online form below.

Have your say here!

Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher is fighting to keep his job at the Bet365 Stadium, according to a fresh report that has emerged.

Wednesday's 1-0 victory over QPR is believed to have eased the pressure, but that hasn't stopped the board from looking at potential replacements.

Gareth Ainsworth is one name to have been shortlisted if the 39-year-old was to depart, but at this stage, there is no indication that will be the case. (Football Insider, external)

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City secured a much-needed 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers last night thanks to the only goal of the game from Wouter Burger, meaning that they are now six points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

The Potters midfielder told BBC Radio Stoke's Sohail Sahi during his post-match interview that it was a relief to finally get the club's first victory at the Bet365 Stadium since October.

"I said to myself before the game, I don't really care how we win but that we took the three points today was so important I think for everyone to gain some more confidence for the fans, for the team, for everyone it's a big moment. We all realise that and think it was football wise not our best game, but at this moment, where we are in the league, I think the three points was so important and everyone is really happy with that.

"When I got subbed out, I was speaking with a few guys that I can't even remember when we won our last home game, so yeah that's something for us to work on of course, but when you are 1-0 in front, then you just need to get it over the line and luckily we did this time and it gives a really good feeling of course.

"There's not so much to climb anymore I think this year, but we can only climb away from the relegation zone and that's the most important [thing] because this club needs to be here.

"I have positive feelings for the coming years so we just want to be as far as possible away from the relegation zone, get better football. I think we've showed it a few times but without results, and today was just a mentality like keep it nice, we need to win, but in the dressing room I would have used other words."

Image source, Getty Images

With Stoke City having now spent six seasons in the Championship, former manager Tony Pulis has admitted that he feels sorry for the Coates family during a recent interview with TalkSPORT, due to the club so far failing to return to the Premier League.

“They were held back a little bit with fair play and finances in the previous two years, that was cleared and then they brought in 17 players, 17, 18, it might even be more than that. John [Coates] has backed the manager to bring in players, John and the director of football, whatever his name is. They’ve brought those players in, the manager and the sporting director.

“It must be difficult for the family at the moment. They are a very, very wealthy family obviously but they turn around, they give managers, time after time, the amount of money that they’ve got and the option and the chance to change it and it just doesn’t happen. It must be very frustrating.

When asked about a potential return, he added: “No, I’m not. We were down on the beach yesterday and it’s just wonderful. I love my sport, I went to Twickenham on Saturday, I watch football as much as I can and golf. I’ve had my go and it’s been absolutely fantastic and I appreciate everything football has done for me.”

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City have been handed a boost after learning that Josh Laurent has trained all week and is set to come back into contention for this evening's fixture vs Queens Park Rangers.

After missing Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers having taken a knock to his knee, Michael Rose is also expected to return to the fold for the visit of Marti Cifuentes' side.

Enda Stevens remains on schedule with his recovery, but he's not yet ready to be thrown into the action. There are no other fresh injuries to report from last weekend's game.

Stoke City supporters and hosts of the Every Step Along The Way Podcast, Mike and Dan, have been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans to share their thoughts on whether the club will be able to avoid relegation.

When asked whether there was enough fight in the squad to stay up, they said:

Mike: "I think there are certain individuals, yes. I'd say the likes of Ben Pearson, Baker, Burger. I think we've got the players to grind a couple of results out and I think that's all's it needs. We get three points [against QPR], I reckon we'll be able to pick up the odd couple of points to keep us up, but we've got enough characters in this team, just about, by the skin of our teeth I think."

Dan: "I do worry because we've not shown the fight so far. I do wonder whether we have to just stick at it and try and play our way out because that is the strength of the players we've got, and if we try to go to some sort of team that battles, it's not necessarily the strength of the side, so are we going to end up being even more trouble trying to do something that doesn't come natural to the players? We have been creating chances until the last two games, just stick at it. Maybe we might just have to play out is what I'm trying to get at basically."

Discover more about the podcast here, external.

Chloe Chadwick
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Despite Stoke City currently struggling to pick up any positive results, especially at the Bet365 Stadium, Steven Schumacher has admitted that he and the team are far from deciding to give up the fight to retain their place in the Championship.

"Nobody wants to be in this position, so when we analysed the game on Monday, we spoke about it, we were honest with it and that's another important thing that everyone accepts responsibility, me included.

"We're honest with what we are trying to do because we all want the same thing, nobody wants to be in a relegation fight, nobody wants to be losing games on the spin and we want to try and get the home form right so how do we go about that? The attitude has been fine as we would expect. I think we've got players in there that want to do well so we'll see how we get on on Wednesday.

"I felt that there was enough quality in the team and in the squad to not be in this position but there's obviously stuff that's gone on previously at the club that hasn't been right otherwise I wouldn't be here. I knew it was going to be a big challenge, but as I've said before, it's a challenge that I accepted and a challenge that I thought I was ready for. I still believe that.

"This, for me, is going to be good development. I've never lost three games on the spin, never lost four games on the spin, so how do I manage? How do I behave? Do I throw the white towel in or do I get up and try and have a go at the next day? Try and be positive, try and tell the players look, this is what we need to do, can we figure it out how to get the next win? It's a challenge, it's not great to be in the position where we are but still enjoying it."