Stoke City reporter Pete Smith shares the latest from Clayton Wood and bet365 Stadium.
Stoke City are conducting final interviews this week for a new academy manager to work under Gareth Owen. Owen, who has been academy director since 2019, was recently promoted to academy technical director, expanding his role across the first team and women’s team alongside Jon Walters.
Walters emphasized the importance of innovation within the academy, not just in player development but also in staff progression. He highlighted how many academy graduates have stepped into key roles, including Ryan Shawcross working with the first team and analysts who have risen through the ranks.
Owen echoed this sentiment, stressing that the club is built on opportunities. He believes both players and staff must embody Stoke City’s values, ensuring a strong foundation for long-term success.
Inside the Pre-Match Huddle
Viktor Johansson shared insights into his responsibilities as matchday captain, revealing that team talks are a shared effort. Before the win over QPR, he asked Wouter Burger to address the squad, but the details of Burger’s speech remain a team secret. Johansson praised his teammate’s leadership and the positive energy within the dressing room.
Stoke’s Data-Driven Approach
Les Reed, former Southampton director, spoke about Ian Torrance’s expertise and what he brings as Stoke’s new head of recruitment. Torrance played a key role in establishing Southampton’s innovative Black Box Room, a data-driven scouting and analysis hub inspired by the book Black Box Thinking.
Reed explained how the system helped Southampton stay ahead when losing key players like Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert. This structured approach to succession planning is something Stoke aims to implement under Walters and Torrance.
Stoke City Women’s Late Defeat
Stoke City Women suffered a 3-2 loss to Rugby Borough despite a stunning 40-yard goal from Shannon Stamps. Evie Priestly also found the net, but late strikes from Yas Mosby and Lily Greenslade sealed Borough’s comeback. The team will look to bounce back against West Bromwich Albion next Sunday.
Standout Performer: Million Manhoef
Manhoef delivered his best attacking display in months against QPR, showcasing his ability to take on defenders and create chances. Stoke will hope for more of the same in the coming weeks.
Players with a Point to Prove
Junior Tchamadeu and Eric Bocat both impressed on Saturday, but consistency is key. Manager Mark Robins stressed the need to maintain high performance levels as Stoke enters the final stretch of the season.
Upcoming Fixtures
– First Team: vs. Preston North End (A) – Saturday, 3pm
– Under-21s: vs. Derby County (A) – Tuesday, 1pm
– Women’s Team: vs. West Bromwich Albion (A) – Sunday, 3pm
Key Anniversaries & Birthdays
– March 31, 1993: 2-0 win at Port Vale – Stoke go 10 points clear at the top of Division Two.
– March 31, 1964: 3-0 win over West Ham – Eddie Stuart’s final league appearance.
– April 1, 2000: 3-3 draw with Bristol Rovers – Peter Thorne hat-trick, Gavin Ward attacked by a pitch invader.
– April 5, 2003: 0-0 draw with Gillingham – Paul Warhurst and Ade Akinbiyi make their league debuts.
Stoke City now look ahead to their next challenge against Preston North End, with momentum and consistency the key focus.
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