Tony Pulis admits he will have to be as shrewd as ever in the transfer market this summer if he is to build a squad capable of challenging in the Premier League.

The City boss guided the Potters in to the top flight just two weeks ago, but says he is already working tirelessly trying to bring new faces to the Britannia Stadium.

"The work has already began," he smiles.

"We know what we need and I have sat down with the Chairman and drawn out a plan.

"Over the last two seasons I have had to build a new squad for each of them seasons and this year will be no different.

"There are so many players and agents contacting me and a lot of them players are hyped up to be something they are not, so it’s a case of me and my staff having to have a thorough look at the players before trying to conclude any deal.

"I was offered a player tagged as the next Didier Drogba a few weeks ago, and after going to watch him he was no better than what we already have.

"If I had took a chance and not bothered to have got off my backside then he would have cost the club a hell of a lot of money.

"We will make sure we get the best players we can at the best prices we can, but them players have to not only be good enough to keep us up, but they must also be the right players with the right attitude."

With Premier League rules stating only two Premier League loan players are allowed at anyone club, Pulis knows he will have to make sure he gets the right players in.

"We are only allowed a couple of players in so we will have to make sure we get the right ones in.

"I don’t know whether we will bring in a couple of very experienced players with a wealth of top flight experience or two very talented kids from one of the big clubs.

"It is something we will be assessing and it is an area we have got to make sure we use properly.

"Everyone has seen how important loan players can be over the past few years and next season will be no different, we have to get the right players in."

By Mark Mothershaw

Promotion to the Premier League is sweet at the best of times, so imagine how Carl Dickinson must feel having endured the hardest year of his playing career.

The City protégé sadly lost his father earlier in the season, but came back to cement a spot in Tony Pulis’ starting eleven and play an integral part as the Potters ended a 23-year absence out of the top flight.

His tough tackling, hard working approach has seen him quickly engrave himself in to the hearts of thousands of City supporters, and admits winning promotion was a moment that will live with him for the rest of his life.

"This is definitely the highlight of my career its just unbelievable," he told Stoke City World.

"I’ve dreamt about going up for the last month. Now it’s finally here I just can’t believe it.

"I want to dedicate this to my dad, I wish he could be here. And for all my family, it’s been an unbelievable day.

"When it happened I just wanted to be around the lads and they’ve been brilliant, not just the lads but everybody involved at the grounds.

"I don’t rest on my laurels, I just want to keep fighting and that’s what we’ve all done for the club.

"You saw us all together at the end when we went up and that’s been the team spirit throughout the whole season so hopefully we can take that in to the next season with the big boys.  

"Bring them on, I don’t care who we play, I’m not bothered."

Recalling a moment from the first day back at pre-season training, Carl says an inspiring talking to from the gaffer left everybody desperate for a top two finish.

"From the first day in pre-season the manager got us in the changing room and his first words were "I want to get into the Premiership.

"We have done that now and to be honest it still hasn’t really sunk in, and nobody really knows what to say.

"We were all desperate to get promoted and to be honest I always believed we would do it, but when it was all confirmed after the game on Sunday, it was very emotional.

"It’s just unbelievable, not just for the players, management and staff but everyone involved with the club - the fans, the people who work here, everybody. It’s an unbelievable achievement."

The 20-year old, who was on the losing side just three times this season, admits he can’t wait to come up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres next season.

"I saw a sign which made me laugh but I don’t think it will hit us until we actually play that first game of the season but we’re looking forward to it.

"It will be fantastic to be playing against some of the best players in the world, but that is something I will relish and not worry about.

"This is why I became a footballer, I want to play at this level and next season I have the chance to do so."

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke City can confirm the dates for the first team's pre-season trip to Austria.

Tony Pulis' squad will return to Bad Aussee on Saturday 19th July where they will be training until Saturday 26th July.

The Potters hope to arrange two games whilst over in Austria although nothing has yet been confirmed.

The news follows this morning's confirmation of three friendlies that Pulis will use to prepare the squad for the Premier League opener on 16th August.

So far, pre-season is shaping up as follows...

* Thursday 10th July - First team return to training
* Friday 18th July - Newcastle Town (a)
* Saturday 19th July - Travel to Austria
* Saturday 26th July - Return from Austria
* Tuesday 29th July - Notts County (a)
* Wednesday 30th July - Worcester City (a)
* Saturday 2nd August - Shrewsbury Town (a)

Supersub Liam Lawrence sealed all three points for the Potters to send them back to the top of the Championship table with just three games remaining.

His winner eleven minutes from time came after City had fought back from a goal down to gain the victory.

Elliot Ward converted a penalty for the hosts half an hour in before Ricardo Fuller equalised from the penalty spot after fifty-four minutes in what proved to be an excellent second half performance by Tony Pulis’ men.

The City boss made two changes from the line-up that lost to Crystal Palace with Fuller and Carl Dickinson coming in for Mamady Sidibe and a flued-up Glenn Whelan.

Lawrence was only fit enough for the bench while former Potter Marcus Hall was named amongst Coventry’s substitutes.

And it was the hosts who applied the early pressure when Kevin Thorton’s header struck the bar and Michael Doyle drove another attempt just wide of the post in only the first three minutes.

The Potters forced their first corner of the game after ten minutes but still had to endure heavy pressure from the home side.

Doyle saw another strike fly just wide of Nash’s net after twenty-two minutes before an injured Shola Ameobi had to be replaced by Sidibe three minutes later.

The introduction of Sidibe saw City’s first real attack on goal materialise and his burst down the right resulted in a through ball for Fuller, but the Jamaican chose to run with the ball instead of shooting and was shepherded away from goal by several defenders.

Coventry were soon on the attack again and were awarded a penalty by referee Uriah Rennie after Dickinson committed a foul amidst a mass scramble in City’s six yard box.

Ward stepped up and scored his fourth penalty of the season to put the Sky Blues in the lead on the half hour mark.

Things went from bad to worse for Pulis just before the break when he was forced to make his second first half substitution.

Andy Griffin limped off with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Ryan Shawcross with Chris Riggott switching to right back.

The second half saw the Potters come out of the blocks well with Fuller testing Kasper Schmeichel almost immediately.

He latched onto Sidibe’s flick-on before turning a defender and testing the on-loan stopper with a low strike en-route to the bottom left hand corner.

A mazy run followed minutes later with the powerful striker being brought down in the box after the home side failed to deal with his pace and trickery.

Fuller got up to strike the ball to the left of the keeper and draw the score line level nine minutes after the restart.

City’s second half domination continued and Stephen Pearson almost connected with Fuller’s left wing cross on the hour mark to put the Potters ahead.

Lawrence was then brought on for Pearson midway through the half and his free-kick moments after saw Rory Delap fire over from a poor clearance.

Lawrence then repaid the manager’s faith in him eleven minutes from time when Cresswell was challenged on the edge of the area having been put through on goal.

The former Sunderland man was on hand quickly to pick up the loose ball and fire it left footed through the bodies on the line to send the City faithful behind the goal into euphoria.

It produced scenes reminiscent of the defeat of West Brom at the Hawthorns this time last season and it must surely be a big confidence boost ahead of the penultimate home game against promotion rivals Bristol City next weekend.

City ensured a place in the Premier League next season is firmly in their own hands following a tremendous 2-1 victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Bristol City.

Mamady Sidibe proved to be the hero of evening as he bagged a brace to move the Potters up to second and all but end the Robins automatic promotion aspirations.

The Malian international superbly headed home the opening goal after 13 minutes before doubling his account with a superbly taken second.

Dele Adebola made it a nervy and tense last 20 minutes after he headed home from 6-yards. City held on however and sent thousands of City supporters home believing that this could be a year to remember.

Tony Pulis made four changes ahead of the game with Liam Lawrence, Glenn Whelan, Ryan Shawcross and Sidibe all returning to the starting line up.

On loan Derby man Stephen Pearson dropped to the bench with 15 goal midfielder Lawrence returning after overcoming a groin injury.

Shola Ameobi declared himself fit ahead of the game but Pulis opted to start Sidibe in attack partnering Ricardo Fuller.

Glenn Whelan also returned to the heart of midfield at the expense of Danny Pugh, while Shawcross started in defence following Griffin’s hamstring injury last weekend.

There was an explosive atmosphere within the Britannia Stadium prior to the match, with both the City and Bristol fans buoyed by the news that Hull had slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Sheffield United.

Pottermouth’s inspirational battle cry was blasted out over the PA system minutes before the two sides came out and it seemed to do the trick as the Potters looked eager to leapfrog the Tigers in to second place.

Firstly a quick counter attack down the right wing almost gave the hosts an early lead had anyone been able to latch on to Lawrence’s dangerous cross which flashed across goal.

Lawrence again caused problems down the right wing and his trickery resulted in a free kick just five yards out side the penalty area.

The former Sunderland man stepped up and delivered an exquisite ball in to the box which was met by the towering Sidibe and powered into the roof of the net to send the 23,000 City supporters wild.

Gary Johnson’s side created their first chance after twenty minutes with Dele Adebola muscling his way into the box, but his header looped over Carlo Nash and the crossbar.

The Potters doubled their advantage shortly after and again it came from the impressive Sidibe.

The Malian international played a delightful one two with Fuller on t he half way line and burst through on goal before keeping his nerve to slot the ball past the advancing Adriano Basso in to the bottom left hand corner.

Cries of ’Delilah’ and ’We are going up’ echoed around the Potteries as the Potters looked to finish the game before half time.

Fuller weaved his way past Jamie McAllister and in to the box but his effort was bravely blocked by Robins skipper Louis Carey.

Defender Carl Dickinson was next to try his luck, but his 35-yard strike flew over the crossbar just before the interval.

The visitors made two changes for the second half with both leading scorer Darren Byfield and one time City youngster Brian Wilson making way for David Noble and Lee Trundle.

Gary Johnson almost reaped his rewards in the 48^th minute as former Swansea man Trundle beat Leon Cort and headed the ball inches past the post from 6-yards.

Michael McIndoe let fly a thunderous effort minutes later but on loan Wigan keeper Nash expertly gathered the ball underneath the cross bar.

City held firm to retain their two goal advantage though and an exceptional passage of football on the hour almost saw Sidibe cap off a tremendous performance with his first hat-trick.

The powerful striker latched on to Lawrence’s clever ball in to the box and fired the ball past Basso, only for Carey to clear the ball from off the line.

Minutes later Lawrence curled a 30-yard free-kick just wide of the post, before Fuller saw his goal-bound strike blocked by McAllister.

The influential Lawrence looked determined to get his name on the score sheet as he again went close with a curling effort which Basso palmed over from the most acute angle.

Totally against the run of play the visitors got themselves back into the game on 67 minutes as Adebola met a dangerous corner with aplomb to halve the deficit.

A goalmouth scramble almost led to a Bristol equaliser with just 20 minutes remaining, however Shawcross managed to hack the ball of the line with Trundle breathing down his neck.

Brazilian keeper Basso had to produce a world class save to thwart Cort in the 75^th minute as the former Crystal Palace star acrobatically headed another Lawrence corner goal-wards.

Sidibe was stretchered off in the closing minutes and was replaced by Ameobi, who blew his chance to make an immediate impact when he fired wide when he should have at least hit the target.

City fans were forced to endure an agonising five minutes of injury time. Fuller brought the ball down brilliantly and teed up Lawrence who fired wide of the far post.

Andy Wilkinson replaced Lawrence as Stoke looked to run down the clock.

 After what seemed like an eternity, the referee blew the final whistle to a roar of relief as the Potters claimed their most important three points of the season.

CITY (4-4-2): Nash; Riggott, Shawcross, Cort, Dickinson; Lawrence (Wilkinson, 90), Delap (c), Whelan, Cresswell (Pearson, 82); Sidibe (Ameobi, 88), Fuller. Subs: Simonsen, Pugh.

BRISTOL CITY (4-4-2): Basso, Orr, McCombe, Carey (c), McAllister; Wilson (Noble, 46), Elliott (Vasko, 88), Skuse, McIndoe; Byfield (Trundle, 46), Adebola. Subs: Weale, Fontaine.

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke boss Tony Pulis dedicated City's superb 2-1 win over Bristol City to the fans after more than 23,000 packed in to the Britannia Stadium.

A first half brace from Mamady Sidibe ensured maximum points and a place in the automatic promotion spots with just two games remaining.

Speaking following the game, Pulis said: "I thought the crowd today were absolutely sensational, and that is exactly what we need for the next two games.

"I really hope they will all turn out again for the final game against Leicester and that we give them something to celebrate.

"I have said it before but they really are like a twelfth man for us, and they showed their worth again this evening."

Promotion to the Premier League could be achieved at Layer Road next Saturday if results go in City's favour, but Pulis insists they won't be taking anything for granted.

"We are in a great position now," he said.

"But we need to all stick together and try to get six points from the last two games if we can.

"I am so happy right now, but we will all be back in at the start of next week and preparing ourselves for an even bigger game than tonight at Colchester."

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke were 2-0 down at the break after a header from Tom Soares and a volley from Jose Fonte shocked the home side.

Glenn Whelan pulled back a late goal for the Potters with a screamer from outside the box, but Palace held on as City were guilty of missing chance after chance.

Pulis was forced into changes due to Liam Lawrence pulling out through injury. Richard Cresswell took his place on the right of midfield, with Mama Sidibe returning to the starting line up to partner Shola Ameobi, who was making his home debut.

Danny Pugh also replaced Carl Dickinson at left-back. Ricardo Fuller was back from suspension but was left on the bench with Dickinson, Jay Bothroyd, Ryan Shawcross and Steve Simonsen.

The Potters almost caught the visitors out in the first minute. An unexpected short throw by Rory Delap enabled skipper Andy Griffin to cross low into the box, but neither Cresswell or Sidibe were able to make clean contact.

Palace set out with an attacking mindset and Victor Moses fired over from the edge of the Stoke box with three minutes gone.

Leon Cort came closer than ever to scoring against his former club just before the ten minute mark. He flicked on a trademark Delap throw that hit the far post and trickled along the goal line narrowing avoiding the far corner.

City dominated the opening exchanges and some neat passing amongst the forward players almost brought about another chance but the Palace keeper Julian Speroni slid out to claim the ball.

Stoke went behind undeservedly after 22 minutes when Soares sneaked in unmarked at the back post to head home Scott Sinclair's cross.

Stephen Pearson had a chance to equalise within five minutes when he received the ball on the edge of the box after a well worked corner, but his drive went narrowly wide.

Sidibe had a chance to equalise after 36 minutes but he headed over from Pearson's corner.

Minutes later Sidibe muscled his way through after a long pass from Whelan but his low shot was tipped wide by Speroni. From the resulting corner Cort got to the ball first but the Palace keeper dived on his header.

Palace scored against the run of play right on half time. A sweetly struck volley from Fonte flew into the top corner to shock the Potters, and send them in at half time 2-0 down.

City flew out of the blocks and half time, and Cort headed just wide from a Pugh cross immediately after the restart. Four minutes later former Potter Clint Hill cleared the ball just wide of the visitors goal after a low cross.

Stoke earned a corner ten minutes into the second half when Cresswell cross come shot was tipped over by Speroni. The resulting corner was gathered by Speroni.

The fans were calling for Fuller and they got their wish in the 56^th minute when he replaced the disappointing Sidibe.

Stoke went close again when Ameobi rose to meet a Pearson free kick but yet again the ball was headed narrowly wide.

Hill was booked after 65 minutes for bringing down Ameobi, Pearson's free kick was headed behind by a defender. Cort headed yet another chance wide from Pearson's cross.

Stoke's best chance of the half came when Fuller burst through the middle with twenty minutes remaining but he failed to beat Speroni, who did well to prevent the corner.

The Potters continued to press and when Palace failed to clear from a corner, the ball fell to Whelan on the edge of the penalty area but his low shot went wide.

Stoke went all out attack with fifteen minutes left on the clock when Bothroyd replaced the tireless Pearson, meaning the Potters had four strikers on the field.

City appeared out of luck when Ameobi failed to put the ball past Speroni from point blank range. They continued to lay siege on the opposition goal but the Palace keeper was having the game of his life, as a string of successive corners came to nothing.

Stoke found a lifeline with five minutes remaining, when a scorching volley from Whelan on the edge of the box flew into the corner.

Palace substitute Shaun Scannell could have won the game as the clock ticked into five minutes of added on time, but he dragged his shot wide as Nash closed him down.

For all Stoke's efforts they failed to find an equaliser and were left to wonder what could have been as they lost vital ground in the promotion race.

Stoke City (4-4-2): Nash; Griffin (C), Riggott, Cort, Pugh; Cresswell, Whelan, Delap, Pearson (Bothroyd 74); Sidibe (Fuller 55), Ameobi. Subs: Simonsen, Shawcross, Dickinson.

Crystal Palace (4-4-2): Speroni; Lawrence, Fonte, Hudson (C), Hill; Soares (Fletcher 88), Derry, Watson, Sinclair (Scannell 88); Morrison, Moses (Reid 55). Subs: Robinson, Butterfield.

By Mark Mothershaw

Last Friday’s Aztex Soccer Night was deemed a great success by all who were present.

Aztex president and Stoke City director Phil Rawlins, ex Potter and new Aztex boss Adrian Heath were both present, as well as United Soccer League President Francisco Marcos to answer questions from the fans and BBC Radio Stoke’s Nigel Johnson.

They spoke to supporters in Delilah’s Bar at the Britannia Stadium about the link between Stoke and the newly formed soccer franchise in Austin, Texas, informing the City faithful about the plans for the team and the USL.

The evening began with Nigel Johnson asking questions to each of the three visitors, followed by a chance for the fans to come up and pitch their views and ask questions.

City legend Alan Hudson was also in attendance

The fans who attended enjoyed the evening and were delighted to have a chance to know of the future plans between the two clubs.

Lee Richardson, 37, from Longton, said: "It was good to see how the new link is going to work. I’m quite excited to see how the future pans out for both clubs.

"It will be interesting to see if we discover some new talent in America to bring to Stoke."

Phil Rawlins also said he was excited about the challenge that lays ahead but admits he faces an immediate dilemma.

Speaking exclusively to Stoke City World, Rawlins said: "The Aztex U23 side play their first match on May 3^rd in El Paso, the day before Stoke play their final game of the season against Leicester!

"Because of the time change it is not physically possible for me to do both!

"I’ve got a plane ticket for El Paso and for Manchester Airport so I’ll have to wait and see where my loyalties lie. It depends on the importance of Stoke’s game."

By Matt Nichols

Aztex affiliates Stoke City Football Club are holding a special ’Soccer Night’ at the Britannia Stadium next week.          

President and City Director Phil Rawlins will be in attendance, along with Adrian Heath and United Soccer League (USL) President Francisco Marcos.

The event takes place in Delilah’s Bar from 7:30 pm on Friday, April 4 and entrance is free to anyone wishing to attend.

Stoke City matchday commentator Nigel Johnson will be hosting the evening, and he will be on hand to ask any questions supporters have regarding the link up between the Potters and the Aztex.

Manager Heath, formerly of Stoke, will speak about his ambitions for the newly formed club and explain what benefits he feels both siode’s will gain from the affiliation.

The event promises to be a huge success, so be sure to check here on austinaztex.com for all the reaction from the evening.

By Mark Mothershaw

Ben Burgess fired the visitors in to a first half lead, before Leon Cort secured a point for the Potters with his eighth goal of the season in the second half.

Bristol City’s defeat against Cardiff and Watford’s 1-1 draw with Plymouth means the Potters extend their lead at the top of the Championship to one point.

Tony Pulis handed on loan Blackburn man Paul Gallagher his home debut at the expense of Jay Bothroyd who dropped to the bench.

Richard Cresswell moved up front to partner Mamady Sidibe in attack, after he passed a late fitness test.

Salif Diao lined up alongside Glenn Whelan in central midfield, with Rory Delap moving out wide in the absence of the suspended Liam Lawrence.

When the match finally kicked off, after a 30 minute delay, the Potters immediately set about gaining an early advantage.

Former Liverpool man Diao tried his luck from range after just 40 seconds, but his effort dipped agonisingly just over the bar.

Three minutes later a dangerous Gallagher free kick was flicked goalwards by Sidibe, and only the post denied the Malian his third goal of the season.

After just five minutes the hosts were dealt a blow, Diao went down after an innocuous looking challenge and was forced to leave the pitch with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. Andy Wilkinson came on as his replacement.

Sidibe, who looked up for the game, almost gave City the lead 12 minutes in after his hardwork led to him closing down Paul Rachubka’s kick, but just as he was about to head home in to an empty net, Kaspars Gorkss flew across and cleared the ball for a corner.

The Tangerines had their first real effort at goal in the 22^nd minute through Stephen McPhee, which Carlo Nash comfortably gathered.

A neat passage of play between Whelan and Gallagher resulted in the Scottish international firing goalwards, however Rachubka got down to save well.

Somewhat against the run of play, it was Simon Grayson’s side who took the lead in the 37^th minute.

Burgess latched on to McPhee’s flick on and rifled the ball past Nash via a wicked deflection off Leon Cort.

An inspired Pulis half time team talk was just what the doctor ordered. Less than two minutes in to the second period Cort out-muscled a defender and clinically drove the ball beyond Rachubka and in to the bottom corner.

City looked rejuvenated and piled the pressure on to the Tangerine defence however Cresswell and Sidibe couldn’t find a deserved goal.

Wesley Hoolahan set off on a one man mission down the right flank, but after finding space for a shot, substitute Gabbi Zakuani blocked his goalbound effort.

Bothroyd was brought on for Wilkinson with twenty minutes left and he was full of energy and class.

His clever ball across goal almost found Sidibe, who would have had the goal at his mercy, however Gorkks edged him out.

Another driven ball across the box from the former Blackburn man should have been tapped in by Cresswell, but the keeper smothered the ball from under his feet.

Late on Sidibe towered above the defenders and headed Gallagher’s corner goalwards, only to see it cleared off the line.

City pushed forward for a winner late on, however the visitors stood firm and frustrated the Potters.

Stoke City (4-4-2): Nash; Griffin (C), Cort (Zakuani 53), Riggott, Pugh; Delap, Diao (Wilkinson 5, Bothroyd 65), Whelan, Gallagher; Cresswell, Sidibe. Subs: Simonsen, Parkin.

Blackpool (4-4-2): Rachubka; Crainey, Gorkss (C), Evatt, Barker; Jorgensen, Flynn, Taylor-Fletcher (Holt 86), Hoolahan; Burgess, McPhee. Subs: Coid, Morrell, Fox, Welsh.

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke boss Tony Pulis remained confident his side have what it takes to secure a spot in the EPL despite only picking up a point against Blackpool over the weekend.

Speaking following the 1-1 draw, the City Manager insisted his side are in best position and says the players will be going out for maximum points in the final six games of the season.

"We are in the best position after forty games," enthused Pulis.

"We are top of the league, not anyone else and we deserve to be there.

"There are six games remaining now and we will be going out to do better than the other four or five teams looking for promotion.

"I believe we can do it; obviously a win today would have helped us but I thought the lads were first class again."

The match was held up for thirty minutes due to an accident on the motorway, and Pulis insists the incident didn’t help his sides preperations.

"I’m disappointed the game was held up to be honest, because their players were here at ten past two.

"I would love to hear why the referee wasn’t here on time. It is easter and the motorways are bound to be busy, so why he didn’t come down last night i really don’t know.

"We had a couple of players who pulled up with muscle injuries and for is that is very unusual. We work hard on that side of things here so it will be interesting to see the reports of the injuries."

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke City hot-shot Liam Lawrence has won the February Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.

 Lawrence was in terrific goal-scoring form for the Potters in February. He began the month in style scoring to help the Potters gain all three points in a thrilling encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

 The 26-year old's brace against Scunthorpe United set up another win before his fourth goal in as many games proved to be the winner against play-off hopefuls Ipswich Town, and left City on top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

 Also short-listed for the February award were Paul Dickov of Blackpool, Fraizer Campbell of Hull City (on loan from Manchester United) and Plymouth Argyle's Peter Halmosi.

 Chris Kamara, chairman of the Powerade Player-of-the-Month Awards panel, said: "Liam is a player with fantastic ability.

 "He enjoyed a mixed spell at Sunderland but since make his move to the Midlands permanent in January he has proved an instant success for Stoke City.

 "His control and finishing is of the highest order and he has helped turn the potters from Play-Off hopefuls into Title contenders."

 The Powerade Awards panel, chaired by Sky Sports pundit and Coca-Cola Ambassador Kamara, made the decision.

 The panel also includes Paul Hetherington, Chairman of the Football Writers' Association, Malcolm Clarke, Chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation and Tim Ellerton, Sponsorship Manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain.

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke City Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott on loan until the end of the season, subject to Football League and Football Association approval.

The 27-year old has Premier League experience in abundance after playing over 150 games for both Boro and Derby County.

Chris came through the ranks with his home town club Derby where he went on to make 91 appearances, bagging himself five goals.

He was also named as the clubs player of the year for the 2000/01 campaign.

His form for the Rams saw a host of side's chasing his signature, including Liverpool.

However he eventually opted for a switch to Middlesbrough in 2001, with former England boss Steve McClaren splashing out £3,000,000 for his services.

The powerful centre back immediately endeared himself to the fans by bagging a brace against Tyne-Side rivals Sunderland as they went on to win 3-1.

He was also a part of the 2004 League Cup Final squad, however failed to feature in the match.

During the 2004/05 season he made 32 starts for the club forming a solid partnership with current boss Gareth Southgate.

His best year for the club came the following season, as he played a key role in Boro's surge to the UEFA Cup Final. He was regarded as one of the clubs best performers that season.

New manager Southgate strengthened his back line up last year with the arrivals of Robert Huth (Chelsea) and Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid) and since then Chris has found it difficult to break his way in to the first team fold.

A rumoured move to Derby last summer failed to materialise, and now he will look to help the Potters in their quest to reach the EPL.

By Mark Mothershaw

City boss Tony Pulis admits he is delighted to have Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott at his disposal as the push for the Premier League hots up.

The 27-year old defender put pen to paper on a three month loan deal this afternoon, and his experience could prove invaluable according to February’s Manager of the Month.

"I am absolutely delighted to have signed a player of Chris’ quality," Tony told stokecityfc.com

"He is a Premier League player who has plenty of top flight experience and he will play a massive part in what we want to achieve this season.

"The fact that he lives just down the road in Derby has helped us get him in, and like I say I am very happy to have him here.

"We have some very good competition in defence now, and that is important as we approach a crucial part of the season."

The classy defender, who was touted as a possible England international just two years ago, could make his debut against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday in a game Pulis admits he is desperate to win.

"I’m hoping the players who were in the team that missed out on the play-offs at QPR last season will be particularly fired up for this one."

"I know that was one of the blackest days in my time in football. I’d love to go there and get three points to wipe away the memory of that final game of the season."

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke City Manager Tony Pulis has been named the Coca-Cola Championship Manager of the Month for February.

The Potters were in fantastic form during the month, picking up five wins from their six league fixtures.

The fine run started with a victory over Cardiff City at The Britannia Stadium before recording a thrilling 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

The Potters secured nine points from their following three home fixtures with back-to-back 3-2 victories over Southampton and Scunthorpe United before an important win over Ipswich Town ensured they would end the month as the team to beat at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

City slipped to only their second defeat in 18 games on Tuesday at Preston North End, but despite the loss the Potters remained at the summit of the Championship.

Upon hearing the news Pulis said he was delighted to receive the accolade: "It’s a great achievement for all of the team.

"The players have been absolutely fantastic not just this month, but for the whole season so far.

"They’re well motivated at the moment. They’ve got an aim that, fingers crossed, we can achieve this season.

"QPR’s a massive game for us on Sunday and everyone is concentrating on that," Tony stressed.

The City boss beat Gary Johnson of Bristol City, Paul Sturrock of Plymouth Argyle and Watford’s Adrian Boothroyd to the award, and Chairman of the Coca-Cola Manager of the Month Awards panel Chris Kamara, said: "Tony Pulis has enjoyed a fantastic month taking Stoke City to the top of the Championship.

"For years and years Stoke fans have been desperate to return to the top flight and Tony has given them the belief that this could be their year.

"Despite not having the biggest squad in the division, he’s done a wonderful job in getting the best out of all of his players".

By Mark Mothershaw

Stoke Tony Pulis says City could have hit Preston for six or seven on Tuesday night, despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in Lancashire.

A Richard Chaplow brace ended the Potters five game winning run, but speaking following the game the City boss wasn’t to despondent.

"On another night we could have scored six or seven goals," he told Stoke City World.

"Ricardo [Fuller] had three clear cut opportunities but they didn’t drop for him.

"We had more one on ones than I have ever known in one match, we even managed to take it around the keeper once and still couldn’t score.

"We needed to be more clinical tonight, not just in their box but in our box too. We have conceded some sloppy goals recently and that isn’t good enough."

Glenn Whelan chalked up his tenth yellow card in the game, meaning he is now ruled out of both the Burnley and Norwich games, however Pulis believes there is enough competition in the squad for it not to cause too much of a problem.

"Obviously it’s a blow to lose Glenn but we have players in the squad who can come in and do a job.

"We run the risk of losing players now, like a lot of other teams do but we have got to make sure we overcome the problems."

The City boss admits he had his heart in his mouth when Leon Cort was stretchered off in the second half, but doesn’t believe his injury is as serious as first thought.

He said: "He got a terrible kick in the first half and had to have a few stitches at half time.

"Then he got another bad challenge on the ankle, we were initially worried he may have broken his ankle but luckily it doesn’t seem so bad now.

"He will have a scan tomorrow and hopefully it will bear some good news for us."

By Mark Mothershaw

Danny Pugh is not going letting old friendships stand in his way of helping Stoke to three points against Preston North End.

The ex Lilywhite declared that while he was looking forward to meeting his old pals at Deepdale this evening, he would be fully focused on the task at hand.

Speaking to Stoke City World, Pugh said: "It’s nice to see old friends again but when you get out on the pitch there are no friends out there.

"I live on the same estate as Chris Sedgwick so I go and see him quite frequently. I could be marking him tomorrow.

"We have just got to go out and make sure we get the three points and strengthen our position at the top of the table.

"We’d rather be up there to be shot down at this stage. It’s a mental thing now as well as a physical thing so we’ve got to stay mentally strong and keep doing what we have been doing."

The versatile left-footer missed the game against Ipswich due to suspension and is battling for his place with Carl Dickinson, who performed admirably at left-back against the Tractor Boys.

"I’d love to be playing but I missed the game on Saturday and the lads got a good result so there is no guarantee I will be back in the team," said Pugh. "I’ll just have to wait and see what the manager decides."

"If you look at the squad now it is bigger and stronger, with players coming back from injury, and the players we’ve brought in are looking strong.

"We are also looking stronger at the back so when you’re out of the team it’s harder to get back in.

"I’ve played two or three different positions this season already so that can be an advantage at this stage, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens at tomorrow’s game.

The former Leeds man highlighted the danger of Paul McKenna and insists he would have to be watched closely.

Saying: "Paul McKenna is a class player. When he plays well the team tends to play well. He’s been there a couple of years and he’s a very influential player.

"They are a more organised team now by the looks of things and they have plenty of good players that I haven’t seen. We know we have to be on our guard.

"They are fighting for survival and will be a very difficult team to play against. Their position doesn’t really reflect the form they’re in at the moment.

"Since the new manager has come in they are steadily improving. I don’t think it will be an easy game whatsoever.

"They did well against Watford and showed that they could compete against the top sides. They earned a good away point, which will give them great confidence.

"Deepdale is a difficult place to go so it will be a big test for us. We’ve just got to be at our best to get the three points."

By Mark Mothershaw

The biggest crowd of the season watched City pick up their fifth straight win to remain top of the Championship.

Liam Lawrence’s first half wonder strike was enough to secure maximum points against fellow promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town.

Tony Pulis made two changes ahead of the match, with Carl Dickinson coming in at left back for the suspended Danny Pugh.

While Salif Diao was dropped to the bench after starting the last four games, with Richard Cresswell returning to the starting line up following his goalscoring exploits against Scunthorpe last Friday.

The match began and Cresswell was immediately at the heart of the action. He did well on the left flank to find space and fire the ball in to the Ipswich penalty area, but Mamady Sidibe could only head the ball straight at Stephen Bywater.

Two minutes later Glenn Whelan was flattened on the edge of the 18-yard box, to give Liam Lawrence the chance with a dangerous free kick.

However, after being teed up by Rory Delap he fired the ball well over the cross bar.

A series of trademark Delap throw-ins caused numerous problems inside Bywater’s six yard box, but the Tractor Boys defence scrambled the ball away from danger.

Long rang strikes from Jon Walters and Tommy Miller warmed the hands of Steve Simonsen in the City goal, before Delap latched onto Lawrence’s quick throw in to force Bywater in to a reaction save at the near post.

Alan Lee should have put Jim Magilton’s side in to the lead after 20 minutes, but he somehow blazed the ball over from just five yards.

Glenn Whelan was next to try his luck for City with a 30-yard pile-driver, which former West Ham stopper Bywater did well to gather.

The Potters managed to find a breakthrough after half an hour through Ryan Shawcross, however the linesman had his flag up for offside.

The hosts piled the pressure on in a frantic five minute spell. Firstly Jason De Vos looked to have handled inside the penalty area, before Fuller launched a dipping half volley inches wide of the left hand post.

With the match looking likely to end all square at the half time interval, Lawrence popped up with an absolute screamer to put the Potters one nil up.

The former Sunderland man picked the ball up 35-yards out, before advancing forward and smashing the ball in to the top right hand corner from outside the penalty area for his thirteenth of the season.

Ipswich came out for the second half and changed things around. Danny Haynes was brought on at the expense of Alan Quinn.

Lawrence continued to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and when he danced his way past two defenders he fired goalwards, but straight in to the palms of Bywater.

Town boss Magilton was ordered to the stands five minutes in to the second half after complaining about the ball boys to the referee.

Malian international Sidibe was inches away from bagging his second goal of the season in explosive fashion.

Lawrence whipped in a dangerous ball which the striker caught hold of with an overhead kick, before the ball bounced just wide of the post.

Macedonian international Velice Sumulikoski fired a long range effort towards goal in the 70^th minute, and Simonsen had to be aware to parry the ball around the post.

Diao was brought on to replace Sidibe in the 80^th minute to help shore up the defence, as Ipswich through everything at the Potters.

City held on to their lead and picked up another three points.

By Mark Mothershaw

Tony Pulis says Liam Lawrence’s wonder strike was a worthy winner in front of the Britannia Stadium’s biggest crowd of the season.

The former Sunderland man spectacularly fired the ball in to the top corner from 25-yards in the first half to secure City’s fifth straight win.

"It was an absolutely fantastic goal," Tony told Stoke City World following the game.

"We had a massive crowd here today and it was a worthy goal to win the game.

"Liam has done that a few times this season, and I think he has now chipped in with 13 goals, which is brilliant.

"I was stood right in line with him when he shot, and as soon as it left his foot you could see it was flying straight in the top corner."

With West Brom, Watford and Charlton all slipping up the three points strengthened the Potters position at the top of the league, but the City boss is refusing to get carried away.

"We know we are top of the league, and now there is a lot of pressure on us because we want to stay there.

"The lads were under pressure today like they have been for a few weeks, but they continue to put in very good performances and pick up great results.

"Make no mistake about it, this was a great win for us today. Ipswich are a very, very good side.

"The lads know they can’t take anything for granted though. We can’t turn up at Preston on Tuesday and expect things to happen for us.

"We need to continue to give one hundred percent, and if we do that, we won’t go far wrong."

By Mark Mothershaw

New Aztex boss Adrian Heath has immediately set his sights on establishing his new side as one of the leading light’s in the USL.

The former Sheffield United and Burnley boss was unveiled at a press conference at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium this morning, and declared his ambition to turn the Austin side in to a major force.

He said: "It is a massive opportunity for me and I am delighted to have got the job.

"Phil Rawlins is serious about taking this club forward and so am I. We are both ambitious and we both have big idea’s to take us forward.

"There is a massive opportunity here, the pool of talent in Texas is unbelievable, and we want to exploit that.

"There are some well established teams who we will be up against, but we will make sure we are competetive."

"It was a no brainer really," he said. 

"I came over to have a look at the area and i immediately wanted to come.

"My family are very excited about moving over, my son loves football so he will be able to play and my daughter will finish her exams and then she will be ready to come too.

"Like I said it is a massive chance for me and I am very, very excited."

By Mark Mothershaw

Aztex affiliates Stoke City have boosted their chances of reaching the EPL (English Premier League) by completing the signing of Sunderland’s highly rated Hungarian International goalkeeper Marton Fulop on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year old stopper spent the first half of the season with Championship rivals Leicester City, where he made 24 appearances.

His impressive performances for the Foxes led to boss Ian Holloway making a £1,000,000 offer for his services during the January transfer window, however Roy Keane turned it down.

Marton started his career with Hungarian side MTK Hungaria, before moving out on loan to BKV Elore and Bodajk FC in 2003.

A successful trial with Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur a year later resulted in a permanent move to White Hart Lane.

However the impressive form of England international Paul Robinson kept Marton out of the side, and he subsequently joined League Two side Chesterfield on loan.

His awesome shot stopping ability and his major presence inside the 18-yard box caught the attention of several Championship teams, and it wasn’t long before Coventry City came calling for his services.

He joined Mickey Adams side for the remainder of the 2005/06 campaign and went on to make 31 starts for the club.

Despite rumours suggesting he would pen a permanent deal with the Sky Blues, he joined Sunderland on loan for one game, before signing permanently in January 2007, in a deal which saw Ben Alnwick move the opposite direction.

He went on to make five appearances towards the tail end of last season, and started the 5-0 win at Luton Town on the last day of the season, to secure automatic promotion.

Roy Keane’s decision to splash out £9,000,000 on Scottish international Craig Gordon meant Marton started the season as number two.

His desire to play regular first team football was granted when he joined Leicester in August, but will now look to build his reputation up at the Britannia Stadium and help fire the Potters in to the Premier League.

By Mark Mothershaw