Latest Stoke City updates from StokeonTrentLive as we explore a crucial vote on promotion and relegation.
Stoke City may soon cast a crucial vote on a proposal for three-team promotion from the National League. This decision, which also impacts relegation from League Two, could unexpectedly influence the future of their fiercest rivals.
Port Vale, currently focused on securing promotion from League Two, sit in sixth place, just three points away from automatic promotion. However, if their fortunes take a turn, Stoke’s vote—along with those from all Championship clubs—could prove decisive.
According to The Mirror, EFL officials are open to the National League’s “three-up” campaign but insist that any changes must be part of a broader reform plan to benefit the entire football pyramid. The report states that all 72 National League clubs, including Oldham, Southend, and Hartlepool, have signed a letter urging the EFL to introduce an extra promotion spot starting next season.
This reform would allow three clubs to be promoted and three to be relegated, making the system more fluid. While the EFL is sympathetic, the change requires approval from all league clubs and a separate majority vote from Championship teams, where Stoke’s role becomes significant—provided they remain in the Championship.
A league spokesperson emphasized their commitment to evaluating changes that impact both the top and lower divisions. Meanwhile, a National League representative stated that their clubs see no reason for further delays and are eager for the process to move forward.
Anderson Goes West
Freddie Anderson, son of Nottingham Forest legend Viv Anderson, has been called up for a USA Under-20s training camp in Florida. Despite his father’s England legacy, the 18-year-old Stoke City academy defender qualifies for the U.S. through his mother.
Anderson made his first-team debut for Stoke in the Carabao Cup last August, scoring against Carlisle United. He is currently on loan at Cork City for the full League of Ireland Premier Division season. His U.S. call-up comes as the squad prepares for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with training sessions alongside Mauricio Pochettino’s senior squad and a friendly against MLS side Nashville SC.
Verlinden on the Move
Former Stoke City winger Thibaud Verlinden, once seen as a rising star, has had a career marked by setbacks. After struggling with injuries at Stoke from 2017 to 2021, he moved on to Fortuna Sittard and DAC Dunajská Streda but faced further frustrations.
A return to Belgium with Beerschot revived his career, where he played 89 matches, scored 14 goals, and registered 25 assists, helping the club secure promotion. However, this season has been more challenging, leading to a move to Leicester City’s Belgian sister club OH Leuven. As expected with Verlinden, his debut came with an unexpected twist.
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