Stoke City FC represents one of the historic institutions of English football. Founded in 1863, the club is among the oldest in the world and possesses a rich history. The Potters (in reference to the local ceramics industry) have played at the bet365 Stadium since 1997, a modern 30,000-capacity venue that replaced the legendary Victoria Ground and offers an exceptional setting for Championship matches.
Stoke City's history is marked by several periods in English top-flight and a League Cup victory in 1972, the club's only major title. The 2000-2010 era saw Stoke establish themselves solidly in the Premier League under Tony Pulis, becoming renowned for their physical and direct style of play. The club also reached the FA Cup final in 2011 and participated in the Europa League, highlights of recent history.
Stoke City embodies the traditional values of English football with a pragmatic and combative playing style. After relegation in 2018, the club pursues its objective of returning to English football's elite. The Potters maintain historic rivalries with Port Vale (Potteries derby) and other Midlands clubs, confrontations that mobilize the entire region. The ambition is to rebuild progressively to return to the Premier League and perpetuate the tradition of a century-old club.
FAQ
Stoke play at the bet365 Stadium since 1997, a modern 30,089-capacity venue. This stadium replaced the legendary Victoria Ground and offers optimal comfort while preserving the passionate atmosphere that characterizes the Potteries club.
Founded in 1863, Stoke is among the world's oldest clubs. The club won the League Cup in 1972 and established themselves in the Premier League in the 2000-2010s, becoming renowned for their physical and direct playing style under Tony Pulis.
The trophy cabinet includes a League Cup in 1972, the club's only major title. Stoke also reached the FA Cup final in 2011 and participated in the Europa League, confirming their status as a respectable English football side.
The nickname Potters refers to the historic ceramics industry in the Stoke-on-Trent region, known as "The Potteries". This strong industrial identity symbolizes the club and its community's working-class and resilient character.
The Potteries derby pits Stoke against Port Vale, a historic local rivalry that divides the region. These passionate confrontations generate an electric atmosphere and represent an important pride issue for both Stoke-on-Trent clubs.
Under Tony Pulis, Stoke established themselves in the Premier League with a pragmatic style, based on physical play, long balls and efficiency from set pieces. This direct approach, embodied by Rory Delap and his throw-ins, became legendary.
Legends include Stanley Matthews, first Ballon d'Or winner in history (1956), Gordon Banks, 1966 World Cup winning goalkeeper, and more recently Ryan Shawcross, emblematic captain. These players marked the club's century-old history.
Between 2008 and 2018, Stoke spent ten consecutive seasons in the Premier League, a remarkable achievement for a provincial club. This golden period saw the club reach an FA Cup final and participate in the Europa League, marking the modern golden age.
Since relegation in 2018, Stoke has been developing a rebuilding project aiming to return to the Premier League. The club is investing in a mixture of young talents and experienced players to progressively rebuild a competitive Championship team.
Stoke aims for a return to the Premier League medium-term. The club aspires to regain the stability of the last decade and re-establish themselves among England's elite, perpetuating the tradition of one of world football's oldest clubs.
