A look back at The Potters’ difficult first season back in England’s second tier.
Overview
Stoke endured an indifferent first year back in the Championship as they finished the season in 16th place. A mid-season managerial change and a record 22 draws meant The Potters struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.
Highs
A number of astute signings were made by the club in the summer transfer window. Winger James McClean joined from West Bromwich Albion for £5 million and Sam Clucas came in from Swansea city for a fee of £6 million.
Tom Ince was the most high-profile arrival, joining the club from Huddersfield Town for £10 million. Each of these players featured heavily for Stoke last season and look like being quality long-term investments for the club.
Stoke picked up a few notable wins along the way. A 0-1 away victory at eventual champions Norwich City and a 2-1 home win against 3rd place finishers Leeds United were the pick of their results.
Star performer
In a disappointing year for the club, goalkeeper Jack Butland can be proud of his efforts. The England shot stopper kept 18 clean sheets and consistently kept his team competing in games last season. If it wasn’t for his endeavour many of Stoke’s draws could have easily been losses.
A tough season complete but always grateful for your support home and away all year long 🙌🏼🎉 pic.twitter.com/shFfsneums
Stoke didn’t score anywhere near enough goals last term. Netting just 45 times, only relegated Ipswich Town and Bolton Wanderers scored fewer goals and this clearly correlates to the team drawing nearly half of their Championship games.
Gary Rowett was sacked as manager of the club in January 2019 after a wretched first half of the season. Luton Town’s Nathan Jones was brought in to try and get some results but it was more of the same for Stoke as they only managed 3 wins under their new boss.
The Potters only managed back to back Championship wins once all season. This sort of form is unacceptable for a team looking to mount a serious challenge to finish in the top 6 come the end of the campaign.
One to watch
Tom Edwards made 27 Championship appearances for Stoke in 2018/19. The highly-rated 20-year-old right-back was as reliable as anyone last season and will be hoping to continue to get regular game time for the first team next year. His efforts also saw him rewarded with caps for the England under-20s.
Next season
Turning draws into victories will be Jones’ main aim next season. If Stoke can manage this and keep hold of players such as Butland and Edwards, it will surely make a huge difference to their league position next year.
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