So a quick history lesson for any non Stoke City fans who might be reading, or new Stoke fans who have decided to follow the Rip Roaring Potters. Stoke City FC is the 2nd oldest league team in the world (the oldest is Notts County who are 150 this year). In those 149 years, we have to be frank, been one of the least successful teams given the size of our support. We’ve never finished higher than 4th in the top division, and only achieved a top 6 finish on a handful of occasions. Before 2011, we had reached just 3 FA Cup Semi Finals (1899,1971,1972), not winning through to the final in any of them, we had also reached the Final of the League Cup just twice, losing over 2 legs in 1964, and winning our one and only major trophy in 1972 at Wembley. That League Cup win, and a 5th place finish in 1974 led to our 2 previous excursions to the continent, where each time we were eliminated in the 1st tie. But all of this was before my time, i wasn’t even born then.

When I started following the Potters (first game was 24 years ago v Birmingham City), Stoke were what is called a “Sleeping Giant” a term probably better used on bigger teams than us, but there is no well known phrase “Sleeping quite tall person, but not quite a Giant” We had “History”, but had fallen on hard times, and as some visiting teams liked to sing “You’re not famous any more” (yes i’m looking at you Stockport County fans), and this is pretty much how is stayed for the next 20 years, we had a few flirts with “success”, occasional cup runs, victories etc, an unsuccessful play off campaign in ’96. But for those 20 years, they were all false dawns, and we worshiped for want of a better phrase “false idols”, don’t get me wrong they were good or great players for us, but not good or great players in the wider footballing world.

And then a miracle happened, our once hated ex-chairman Peter Coates came back, but richer, far far richer, richer beyond his, and our wildest dreams. He’d taken his share of the sale of the club to an Icelandic consortium, invested it in his aptly named “Provincial Racing” and turned them into Bet365, one of Britain’s biggest online bookmakers. He also brought back our ex-manager, a man who split opinion not quite 50/50 down our support, probably more like 75/25, with the smaller figure being those who liked him. However Tony Pulis and Peter Coates turned into the dream team, and in 2008, after a 23 year absence, returned to the top flight of English Football, and not only did we not get relegated, we consolidated, and consolidated. And we kept upsetting the so called big boys, playing a brand of football that annoyed the “purists”, but we kept getting the wins we needed, and getting a little stronger each season. and then BLAM 2011 happened.

So we started 2011, in 8th place, with an FA Cup tie at home against our favorite Welsh side, Cardiff City (we have history with them stretching back at least a decade) to look forward to.  It had banana skin written all over it, but we sneak through in the replay in extra time. The story of our FA cup run has been written about enough in other places, suffice to say i doubt any Stokie watching the semi final either at Wembley or any where else on the planet had any different reaction at half time, to the one I and every one I saw had, which was … WHAT THE F***

When we walked out of wembley after the semi final, we knew one thing for sure, we were going on a European Tour, no matter what happened in the final.

And so 37 years after our last trip into Europe (excluding the Anglo-Italian Trophy), we were literally just happy to be there, and the 2011 Vintage Stoke City did something that the 1972-75 Vintage Stoke City couldn’t do, not only did they get to an FA Cup Final, but they Won a European Tie, and not just once, they won 2 qualifying rounds, and finished 2nd in their Group, and qualified for the last 32, being paired with Valencia to be played in February 2012. Those Stokies that went to Europe, the rest of us are jealous, but please keep sharing the memories with us.

Sitting here, typing this in January 2012, i still can’t quite believe the year we’ve just had, So here’s to 2011, what a F***ing year, If its a rare vintage, so be it, if its not, bring it on.

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And so to it, yesterday’s clash between Stoke and Tottenham at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke named a relatively unchanged side, with midfielder Jermaine Pennant the surprise omission from the squad. I refuse to speculate on the reason behind Pennant’s surprising exclusion. Make of it, what you will.

Harry Redknapp, recently recovered from heart surgery, has an abundance of talent at his disposal, as was evident in his team selection. An all-star lineup has been assembled, boasting the likes of Modric, Parker and Bale.

Within 40 seconds, Stoke’s Matthew Etherington had a chance to open the scoring. The winger’s volley was beaten away by keeper Brad Friedel, but this was enough to raise the decibel level inside the stadium.

12 minutes went by, with Stoke working tirelessly to nullify the threat of Tottenham’s midfield trio of Bale, Van Der Vaart and Modric.

Then, it was 1-0. Ryan Shotton’s deflected cross was flicked on by Jon Walters, Crouch made a run across the box and, with the aid of his hand, controlled to give Etherington an easy task. Redemption for the winger, previously of Tottenham. The goal shouldn’t have stood, but Stoke got a stroke of luck, and Redknapp’s side were behind.

Modric went close with a long-range effort after 32 minutes. Besides that, Tottenham threatened with some aesthetic build-up play but couldn’t deliver the end product.

Just before the half-time break, Stoke were two in front. A very similar move to the first, with ultimately the same result. Shotton, deputising for Delap in the long throw department, hurled one in and Walters flicked it on to Etherington, who netted for Stoke at the back post despite not getting the cleanest of strikes.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would have been understandably furious at half-time. His side were unbeaten in 11 matches in the Premier League, but had fallen victim to Stoke’s deadly weapon; the set pieces.

Sebastien Bassong and Jermaine Defoe came on for Tottenham at half-time, hoping to be the catalyst’s for an improved Tottenham performance.

Bassong wasted a chance ill afforded to the opposition against Stoke. The defender rose for a free header from a Modric corner, but couldn’t direct his effort goal wards.

Tottenham were undoubtedly the better side after the break, and their improved play paid dividends after 61 minutes. Glenn Whelan was adjudged to have brought Luka Modric down inside the box, and referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot. Adebayor duly obliged, sending the Tottenham fans behind the goal into euphoria. A cool finish from the Togo striker. Modric received persistent heckling from the Stoke support, as it seemed that the Croatian went down belatedly after the initial contact from Whelan.

Scott Parker went close with a strong shot that required Thomas Sorenson to tip the ball past the post. A let off for Stoke. Adebayor saw his shot fly just shy of the corner when he tried to curl the ball past Sorenson.

It truly was like the Alamo towards the end for Stoke. Modric again saw his left foot shot parried away by Sorenson on 74 minutes. From the immediate corner, Tottenham worked a short corner and Modric delivered an exquisite outside-of-the-foot cross that alluded his team-mates. All but one anyway, as Kaboul was there to strike a strong effort that was cleared by a collection of Huth and Shawcross on the line. I use the term ‘cleared’ lightly, as Shawcross, on further inspection, used his arm to get the ball away.

Adebayor was then ruled offside after the ball was sent back in to the Stoke area. After consulting replays, it has been revealed that Adebayor was onside, courtesy of Stoke’s Marc Wilson. The ball eventually ended up in the net, but whether this would have happened without the call of offside can be disputed.

Younes Kaboul was then sent off for a second yellow card offence, bringing down Jon Walters as he raced to protect Stoke’s lead. It was yet another questionable decision from Chris Foy, who should surely spend a week in the Championship.

Stoke had two opportunities of their own after weathering the storm of Tottenham’s illustrious attack. Ryan Shawcross was the benefitor of both chances, as he produced two excellent headers to test Brad Friedel and the woodwork.

2-1 was how it finished, and Stoke collected their third Premier League win in a row. How a season can change. Next up is the final Europa League group stage match against Turkey’s Besiktas. Pulis has already confirmed he will name a much changed lineup considering his side’s earlier progression to the last 32.

Mick McCarthy’s Wolves await at the weekend, another tough test against a team that will be raring to go after their thumping by Manchester United. Football never stops.

Stoke ended a run of four consecutive losses with a convincing 3-1 win against struggling Blackburn, heaping even more pressure on strained boss Steve Kean.

The victory takes the Potters back into the top half of the table, after some fans were reaching for the panic button. Pulis selected an un-changed side, with the exception of Danny Higginbotham, who made way for Marc Wilson at left-back. Higginbotham has surely been dropped for his lacklustre performance against QPR last week, when he gifted Helguson a free header for one of the goals. Midweek reports of injury concerns for Peter Crouch and Matthew Etherington were dispelled, as the duo took up their places in the Potters’ starting eleven.

After a first half devoid of much attacking prowess from either team; Stoke went in front on 28 minutes when Rory Delap flicked in from a superb Jermaine Pennant delivery. The first period wasn’t exactly for the neutral, as even the most hardened Stoke and Blackburn supporters were longing for the half-time whistle. Blackburn struggled to get into their stride in the first-half, with their first shot on goal – Rochina’s long drive – arriving after 45 minutes.

The second period was much better, with both sides play more fluid and at a faster tempo. Kean’s men burst out of the Britannia’s dressing rooms, and played like it, as Mauro Formica should have put Rovers level. Rochina dribbled past a myriad of Stoke defenders before cutting it back to Formica, who completely mis-cued his shot and kicked the air. If Rovers were rejuvenated after the break, Stoke took the wind out of their sail on 58 minutes courtesy of the Irishman Glenn Whelan. A rendition of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning” was music to Pulis’ ears and a nightmare to Kean’s. It only affects one man, that being Kean, as more protests at the Britannia ramped up the pressure on their in-experienced boss.

Jon Walters and Etherington combined with some good build-up play before laying off to Whelan, who smashed home from 18-yards after a deflection off Scott Dann. A warm reward for Whelan, the undoubted man-of-the-match. Delap was worthy of the official award, but, for me, Whelan was the key player for the Potters this afternoon. Somebody in the prawn sandwich brigade obviously begged to differ.

It wasn’t long and it was 3. Crouch pursued a long, high and entirely aimless ball from Wilson that ended up thwarting the Blackburn defence. The tall forward was allowed a free path to goal and the big man delivered, angling a left-foot shot past Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson from 12 yards. No sign of the ‘Robot’ dance moves just yet.

Now, I would tell you about Rochina’s 86 minute consolation goal for Rovers. That is, if the motley crew in front of me in attendance at the game didn’t stand up at the precise moment the Spaniard scored. That said, I’ve been reliably informed by various media outlets that it was rather special.

3-1 was how it finished, and Pulis’ side are back to winning ways. Next up is everybody’s favourite competition, the Europa League! No sarcasm intended. Dynamo Kiev await next Thursday evening, a stern test and another chance to evaluate how the Potters can bounce back from one of their European outings. Not fair to travel this time, the Britannia Stadium only a short drive away.

Fast forward to present day, and last night’s Europa League tie with Isreal’s Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Pulis, backed by owner Peter Coates, has transformed the football club. From a lowly old Division One side, to a mid-table Premier League outfit, the results are for all to see. That season, Stoke finished 21st, just alluding relegation to the 2nd Division. This year, the club entertain European football.

Stoke entered Thursday’s game after a disappointing performance against Newcastle in front of the Sky cameras on Monday night. Pulis’ side were out-played by the unbeaten Newcastle, and rightly so. Pardew’s men were organised, disciplined, and possessed a significant goal threat in Demba Ba.

Ba came close to joining the Potters last summer, only for the Stoke medical staff to rule the move out, sighting a knee injury as the stumbling block. There was no sign of Ba being hindered by a troublesome knee on Monday.

Over in Israel, a goal apiece from Dean Whitehead and Peter Crouch eased Stoke past Tel-Aviv. A late consolation goal from Roberto Colautti did nothing but anger Pulis on the sidelines. The other result on the night meant Stoke haven’t secured progression to the last 32 just yet, but it is in sight. A point against Dynamo Kiev at the Britannia Stadium on December 1 will ensure their safe route through.

In a game hardly for the neutral, Huth, Wilkinson and Jones all went close inside the first half. Tel-Aviv were inexplicably poor and made the task far too easy for their visitors. The Israeli’s looked bereft of ideas when in possession in the final third.

Shotton was unfortunate not to score when his shot deflected off the post and back safely into the hands of the goalkeeper. Walters headed straight at 18-year-old Barak Levy.

Stoke might have taken the lead in the 43rd minute when Walters slotted past the goalkeeper, only for an offside decision to rule the effort out. All square at the break.

After some wasteful finishing by Stoke earlier in the match, they finally made the breakthrough. Walters nudged Savo Pavicevic out of the way to allow Whitehead to storm past and slide a controlled left-foot effort past the ‘keeper. A rare but deserved goal for the midfielder.

As Tel-Aviv offered little in response, it was no surprise when the lead was doubled. Crouch, introduced in place of Walters, scored with his first touch when the striker converted Whitehead’s driven cross after some good work by Jones.

Another substitute, Colautti, dragged one back for Tel-Aviv with a good glancing header from Sheran Yein’s cross. A case of too little, too late for Tel-Aviv.

Bolton await on Saturday, another test of how the squad can react from a draining European trip.

Seven changes were made from the team that beat Fulham, with the likes of Salif Diao, Ryan Shotton and Thomas Sorenson given a run out on a cold, blustery night at the Britannia.

The Israeli’s showed little signs of the promise that Pulis alluded to before the game, as Stoke swept them aside courtesy of three first-half goals. The ease in which the Potters earned their victory bodes well for the return leg in early November, as a win there could seal progression into the last 32.

After Cameron Jerome crashed a header onto the crossbar on 12 minutes, Kenwyne Jones was there for the ensuing corner to head home emphatically. A fine return to first team action from the big Trinidadian. Whether it was the ineptitude of the opposition, or Jones’ spirited performance, the striker looked the part on Thursday. Consistency is what is needed from Jones.

Another man that relished his return to the first team was Jerome, who put Stoke two-up in the 24th minute. After a weak attempt to play offside by Tel-Aviv, Jerome headed in from an in-swinging Matthew Etherington free-kick. The diminutive Tel-Aviv keeper was helpless; and Stoke were two goals to the good.

It was no surprise then when Ryan Shotton made it three. Tel Aviv goalkeeper Haimov raced out of his box, pursuing the ball after a poor clearance. Jerome beat him to it, and fed Shotton, who obliged to add the final touches, firing a low shot past the keeper. 3-0.

Stoke’s night was soured a little when Jerome was given a second yellow card by the referee, after catching Israeli defender Ziv in the face with an elbow. Harsh, but altogether the correct move from the official.

Ziv’s every touch was then heckled by the Stoke support; the Israeli defender drawing comparisons to that of a pantomime villain. The furore surrounding the defender reached a climax when Ziv himself was resigned to take an early bath by the referee. Frustrated at a decision against him, the Israeli flung his loose boot off, catching the linesman in his side. An entirely inappropriate manoeuvre, and Ziv’s dismissal prompted the loudest cheer of the night.

The game fizzed out by this time, with both sides prudence effectively ending the match as a contest. It finished 3-0, and Stoke march on. Next up is Arsenal at the Emirates.

It only gets harder from here.

Fulham arrived on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run, and Pulis would have warned his team to overlook Jol’s team at their mercy. Fresh from a largely in-active international break, the Potters entered yesterday’s game in ebullient fashion, whilst being mindful of complacency. When a team boasts two draws and a win from fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, confidence levels would be through the roof.

So, with all the drama that precedes international fixtures out of the way, the Premier League re-opened for business once again.

The first half produced little of note, with the best chance of the period falling to Stoke’s Jermaine Pennant. Pennant played a one-two with striker Peter Crouch and skipped past Fulham defender Brede Hangeland, before narrowly sending his shot past the post. Crouch himself had an opportunity before the break, but hopelessly miskicked his volleyed effort from a Pennant delivery.

Fulham, on the back of a promising 6-0 rout of QPR, fared little better in front of goal in the first half. John Arne Riise (more on him later) smashed a shot over the bar from long-range and Bobby Zamora saw his fine directed header fly past the post.

Stoke began to prosper better after the break and upped the tempo after a lethargic first half. Both sides looked to their respective long throw aficionados – Stoke’s Delap and Fulham’s Riise – for inspiration as the throws flew in.

Riise crashed a spectacular 25-yard free kick against the underside of the bar, shocking everyone, myself included, at the Britannia Stadium. Never before have I seen a free-kick struck with such venom. The strike was deserved of a goal. Welcome back, John.

Marc Wilson’s header was blocked on the line by the continually heckled Danny Murphy, a player whose previous condemnations of the Potters’ tough style weren’t forgotten by the Stoke support. Rory Delap struck the post with a curled strike after some good footwork on the edge of the box.

But Matthew Etherington – who played despite requiring sugar injections in his back – was the catalyst for the opening Stoke goal.

Etherington’s shot, from a corner, was heading wide when Jonathan Walters was the first to react, slotting home in the 80th minute from close range. Ecstasy for the Potters.

Six minutes later Etherington ensured the points for the hosts, delivering a fine free-kick to find Delap, who powerfully converted his header to seal the win. He’s not just a long throw, you know.

“Murphy, what’s the score” rang out inside the Britannia. Next up is Israel’s Maccabi Tel-Aviv, the next stop on the Potters’ European adventure.

As the Europa League rolled into the Britannia Stadium on Thursday, a genuine atmosphere was present, similar to fevers only attained in the league matches.

Besiktas were the visitors, competent opponents for the Potters. Boasting a squad complete with the likes of ex – Chelsea winger Ricardo Quaresma, the Turks were a tough test for Pulis’ men.

Eventually Stoke ran out 2-1 winners, coming from behind after Hilbert put the away side in front after 14 minutes. Peter Crouch equalised for Stoke just a minute later, continuing his promising start to his Stoke career. And with 12 minutes remaining in the match; Jon Walters converted a penalty after Crouch was dragged down in the area.

The Turkish side were the better team in the early stages, displaying an example of their European pedigree with some excellent passing. Hilbert capitalised on a fine through ball by Quaresma and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson.

Stoke weren’t behind for long, though, as Peter Crouch levelled it up just a minute later. The 6ft 7in striker prodded in after Besiktas failed to clear from a corner.

Substitute Jonathan Walters had already hit the post when he calmly dispatched his penalty, awarded after Crouch was pulled down by Tomas Sivok in the box. Walters blasted the spot kick high into the net to seal the win for Stoke. No surprise that the goal came from a corner.

Stoke now sit atop their Europa League group, with the visit of Israel’s Maccabi Tel-Aviv next up in the Potters’ European adventure.

“We’ll get to see Rooney today” was a popular remark circulating around the Britannia Stadium before yesterday’s late afternoon clash.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, United’s talisman striker didn’t grace us with his presence; Alex Ferguson sighting a slight hamstring strain for Rooney’s absence.

But, as they say in the theatre industry, the show must go on, and Ferguson fielded an entirely competent eleven. As Rooney departed, step forward Dimitar Berbatov. Not exactly a like-for-like swap, but class is in abundance throughout the United ranks.

Nani opened the scoring for United when some clever inter-changing passes between Darren Fletcher and the winger allowed him a clear aim at goal. The Portuguese finished well, driving the ball in past Asmir Begovic.

Record signing Peter Crouch levelled the score for the home side after 52 minutes. Crouch, a dominant figure in the air, rose above his defender and headed home emphatically from an excellent Matthew Etherington corner.

It was an enthralling contest, with the second half practically end-to-end.

Ryan Giggs will feel aggrieved at not securing all three points for United. In the late stages, Nani’s floated cross found Giggs unmarked, who proceeded to slice his shot into the stand. I, along with 25,000 other Stoke supporters in attendance, grimaced as the cross flew into Giggs’ path. He missed, and Stoke held on.

Stoke were worthy of their point, having acquitted themselves well against a team that had previously swept all before them.

United suffered a blow in the early goings, as Javier Hernandez was forced off after a collision with Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic. Hernandez was through on goal and, after a push from defender Jonathan Woodgate, crashed into Begovic. United should have had a penalty, but Ferguson said after the game: “It was too early to give a penalty, just too early.”

It’s never too early to give a penalty, but I see his point. A let-off for Stoke.

Stoke had several good chances, with under-fire United keeper David de Gea equal to them all. United’s £18m purchase from Atletico Madrid lived up to his price-tag on the day, producing some outstanding saves to thwart efforts from Jonathan Walters and Andy Wilkinson.

Crouch could have won it late on, chesting down an excellent delivery from Jermaine Pennant, but de Gea elbowed his close-range shot to safety.

Both sides had chances to clinch maximum points, but both will settle for just the one.

After clocking up 42 years at BBC Radio Stoke so far; Nigel Johnson is somewhat of a legend in the Stoke-on-Trent region.

His voice has been heard in thousands of homes, projected to the masses as he commentates on each Stoke City game. Nigel has seen several different eras of football in his time, each I’m sure as enjoyable as the last. From the days where players received a modest £20 for their labours, to recent times, where top players can warm the bench and then retreat to their mansion, a six figure pay packet clutched under their arm. Or, that is how I imagine it.

So when I was afforded the opportunity to meet the man dubbed ‘The Voice of Stoke’, I could hardly contain my jubilation. I’m sure, as my life progresses, I will always be able to recall the first interview I ever conducted: Nigel Johnson. It was a thoroughly interesting experience; an encounter filled with wisdom and advice. From Nigel’s end, I hasten to add.

Previously a head teacher, Nigel began at Radio Stoke in 1969, entering into a vocation that he continues to work in now. Prior to this, he would balance broadcasting with his day job, with some far-flung matches being a step too far.

“Say if there was a match in Portsmouth, that would have been too far for me at the time.” Nigel said.

No such travel restrictions prevent Nigel now, as he travels up and down the country reporting on Stoke’s games.

Such a profession is a dream of mine; and Nigel had a few words of advice for me.

“Never turn down opportunities as if they are beneath you, you’ve got to work your way up.” he said.

Nigel told of how he has encountered budding journalists who are upset at their current position on the employment ladder; and make it unequivocally known.

“I should be on Five Live, reporting on the biggest games.” demanded one reporter.

It’s ironic, the ones who tell you relentlessly where they should be, will never attain such goals.

Nigel explained: “I used to commentate on cricket, and out of three games, I would do the least interesting one. That was just what you did.”

When asked of his most memorable Stoke games, Nigel thought of two: last season’s 5-0 Wembley thrashing of Bolton, and a curious occasion at Cardiff’s former home, Ninian Park.

 Stoke were behind 2-1, Cardiff in the ascendancy. Sensing an impending victory for the Bluebirds; the stadium announcer took the opportunity to inform the Cardiff supporters not to enter the playing area at the whistle.

As there was still 10 minutes remaining for Stoke to fight back, it was an arrogant remark, one that Nigel duly noted. Stoke obviously didn’t read the script, equalising and continuing on to seal the win. Not the announcer’s finest hour.

The best piece of advice I extracted from my time with Nigel would be: Never refuse work, as people will respect you for persevering.

I would like to thank Nigel for his hospitality, and look forward to meeting up again soon.

As my nan would say; up the Potters.

An injury time equaliser from Ognjen Vukojevic denied Stoke a perfect start to their European adventure.

Pulis’ side took the lead at the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium after 55 minutes. Recent signing Cameron Jerome went some way to dispelling his recent critics; his shot flew into the top corner after a powerful run from Ryan Shotton found the forward unmarked in the box. Jerome showed his quality, and Stoke went ahead with their first shot on target.

In a game with more bookings than chances, the Potters will feel aggrieved at not departing Kiev with maximum points. But football can be a cruel game; and Stoke were justly punished for a defensive lapse. In injury time, Kiev’s Vukojevic nicked in at the back post and delivered the crucial blow. 1-1. What the defence were doing, only they know.

The hosts were the better side in the first half, as Andriy Yarmolenko shot wide after a blunder from Stoke keeper Thomas Sorenson gifted him an opportunity on goal.

Pulis played 5 at the back, with all 3 centre-halves – Robert Huth, Matthew Upson and Ryan Shawcross – earning a caution from the referee.

It was a resolute display from Stoke, who were happy to allow the hosts the majority of possession, while keeping Kiev’s various threats at bay.

Dynamo threatened in the second period, after being reduced to long-range efforts before the break. Impressive substitute Olexandr Aliyev rattled the bar with a well-struck shot. Andriy Shevchenko, now at Kiev after a miserable tenure in the Premier League, was continually wasteful in the game. The Ukrainian forward had a glorious chance late in the second half after being played through. He hesitated, tried to find a team-mate, and the ball trickled away. I can’t help but think a more youthful Shevchenko would have converted.

Vukojevic ensured his side took a point from the game when he prodded in at the death. Desolation for the Potters.

But not to worry, it’s only the Europa League. (Oh wait, we’re supposed to think it’s a big deal, aren’t we?)

Dynamo had a chance to snatch all three points in the final kick of the match. Free-kick to Dynamo. Up-stepped Aliyev. Into the wall. Stoke departed Kiev with a point, ruing the chance they had to leave with all three.