The Rise of Stoke City in the Premier League
The rise of Stoke City in the Premier League can be seen as a remarkable success story. The club had been a mid-table team in the English Championship for many years, but in 2008 they were promoted to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years. Since then, Stoke have become a regular in the Premier League, establishing themselves as a competitive side in the top division.
Stoke's Promotion to the Premier League
Stoke's rise to the Premier League began in the 2006/07 season, when they were promoted from the Championship as runners-up. The club had been in the second tier of English football since their relegation from the top flight in 1985, but they had been close to promotion on a number of occasions in the intervening years.
In the 2006/07 season, Stoke were led by manager Tony Pulis, who had been appointed in 2002. Pulis had been successful in his previous managerial roles, and he had made a number of shrewd signings in the transfer market to strengthen the squad.
The 2006/07 season saw Stoke storm to the top of the Championship table, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed West Bromwich Albion. The club's success was built on a strong defence, with goalkeeper Steve Simonsen making a number of important saves throughout the season. In attack, winger Ricardo Fuller was the club's top scorer with 17 goals.
The following season, Stoke were once again in contention for promotion to the Premier League, and they secured their place in the top flight after a 1-0 victory over Leicester City in the play-off final. The club had finally returned to the Premier League after 23 years away, and they were set to embark on a new era in their history.
Stoke's Early Years in the Premier League
Stoke's first season in the Premier League was a difficult one, as the club found themselves struggling against relegation. Despite the best efforts of manager Tony Pulis, the club were unable to avoid the drop, finishing 19th in the table and being relegated back to the Championship.
Despite this setback, the club were determined to bounce back and return to the Premier League as soon as possible. To this end, the club made a number of shrewd signings in the transfer market, with the likes of Tuncay Şanlı, Rory Delap and Matthew Etherington arriving at the club.
The 2008/09 season saw Stoke mount a serious promotion challenge, but they were eventually beaten to the Championship title by Wolves. Undeterred, the club continued to strengthen their squad, and in the 2009/10 season they finally achieved their goal of returning to the Premier League.
Stoke's Established Years in the Premier League
Stoke's return to the Premier League saw the club establish themselves as a competitive side in the top flight. Under the guidance of manager Tony Pulis, the club were able to grind out results and achieve mid-table finishes in the league.
The club's defence was the backbone of their success, with the likes of Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth and Asmir Begovic forming a solid unit. In attack, the club relied heavily on the goals of strikers Ricardo Fuller and Peter Crouch, with the duo scoring a combined 28 goals in the 2010/11 season.
The club's success in the Premier League was also helped by their ability to attract big-name players, with the likes of Matthew Etherington, Tuncay Şanlı and Rory Delap all joining the club. The club were also able to add quality players on loan, with the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Wilson Palacios and Marc Wilson all making important contributions to the team.
Stoke City's Recent Struggles
Since the club's success in the early years of the Premier League, Stoke have struggled to maintain their place in the top flight. The club were relegated in the 2017/18 season after a poor run of form, and they have since failed to return to the Premier League.
The club's struggles have been attributed to a lack of investment in the squad, with the club failing to sign quality players in the transfer market. This has led to a lack of quality in the team, with Stoke often relying on the goals of veteran striker Peter Crouch to get them out of trouble.
The club have also struggled to find a manager who can turn the club's fortunes around, with the likes of Mark Hughes and Gary Rowett both failing to make a significant impact.
Conclusion
The rise of Stoke City in the Premier League can be seen as a remarkable success story. The club had been a mid-table team in the English Championship for many years, but in 2008 they were promoted to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years. Since then, Stoke have become a regular in the Premier League, establishing themselves as a competitive side in the top division.
However, the club have recently struggled to maintain their place in the top flight, with the club failing to return to the Premier League since their relegation in 2017/18. The club have struggled to attract quality players in the transfer market, and they have failed to find a manager who can turn the club's fortunes around.
Despite these struggles, Stoke City can still look back on their success in the Premier League with pride. The club achieved a great deal in the top flight, and they can take heart from their achievements in the top division.