Stoke City F.C. (known as Stoke F.C. until 1925) is a football club from Stoke-on-Trent in England. The club is reputedly the second oldest football league club in the world after Notts County F.C. claiming to have been formed in 1863 (disputed by some who claim it to be 1868). The club’s nickname is The Potters. They currently play in the Football League Championship.

They are one of the 12 founder members of the Football League, playing (and losing) their first game against West Bromwich Albion F.C. on the 8th September 1888.

In 1967 they played in the United Soccer Association as the Cleveland Stokers.

In 1997 the club moved from its traditional home at the Victoria Ground to its new home at the 28,000 all-seater Britannia Stadium. Maximum allocation for visiting supporters is 4,800.

Stoke’s home kit consists of a red & white vertical striped shirt with white shorts.

They are managed by Tony Pulis.

They are currently in a mid-table position in the Football League Championship.

Club honours

• League Cup winners 1972.
• Autoglass Trophy winners 1992
• Auto Windscreens Shield winners 2000
• FA Cup Semi-finalists 1899, 1971 & 1972

Records

Record attendances:

• 51,380 (Victoria Ground) vs. Arsenal F.C. 29th March 1937
• 28,218 (Britannia Stadium) vs. Everton F.C. 5th January 2002

Highest league position and record results:

• Highest league position at the end of season: 4th in Division 1 (1947)
• Record league victory: 10-3 vs. West Bromwich Albion F.C. (1937)
• Record league defeat: 0-10 vs. Preston North End F.C. (1889)

Current squad

Famous players

• Sir Stanley Matthews
• Sir Geoff Hurst
• Gordon Banks (most capped player 37)
• Peter Shilton
• Alan Hudson
• John Ritchie (all time top scorer with 171 goals in league and cup)
• Eric Skeels (most appearances 575)
• Neil Franklin
• Freddie Steele

External links

• Official Website