Football Season Guide

Stoke started well last season and looked like genuine play-off contenders but an injury to star striker Tyrese Campbell led to a loss of form. They couldn’t really get going again and ended up finishing 13th. Michael O’Neill has trimmed down his bloated squad over the summer, getting rid of rarely used players. There have been several notable departures. Experienced, influential midfielder Mikel and highly rated centre-back Collins have left while impressive January loan signing Norrington-Davies has gone back to parent club Chelsea. Coming in, England U21 international Wilmot looks like a straight replacement for Collins, he made 14 starts for Watford last season. Creative midfielder Vrancic has plenty of Championship pedigree and played a significant part in Norwich’s title-winning campaign last season. A real weakness last season was a lack of goals. Campbell bagged six in 13 starts but didn’t feature past December due to a serious knee injury (which he is still recovering from). Attacking midfielder Powell was Stoke's top scorer last season with 12. Steven Fletcher has hit form in pre-season, the experienced striker struggled with injuries last season. The Potters do have a good mix of youth and experience in their squad. By the amount of outgoings over the summer, O’Neill has thoroughly assessed his squad and knows the players who are right to take the club forward.