Football Season Guide

Stoke have had a difficult time of it over the last couple of seasons and have looked short of the quality they need to regain a Premier League spot. There is now however optimism that the Potters could mount a promotion bid at last. After a difficult start Michael O'Neill appears to have established his squad and tactics. They had a good end to last term and appear to have bought well in the transfer market with John Obi Mikel a marquee signing while Steven Fletcher and Morgan Fox add further quality. There is much uncertainty over the future of keeper Jack Butland and they will look to address that situation as quickly as possible. Adam Davies is a more than capable replacement though. O'Neill has changed Stoke into a side capable of playing a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system more in keeping with other Championship sides. Players seem happier under him than under previous managers. This could also be a big season for Nick Powell and Tom Ince, players who have only impressed on rare occasions.