A Closer Look at Stoke City FC and its Fans

Stoke City Football Club is one of the oldest clubs in the English Premier League. Founded in 1863, the club has a long and proud history of success, as well as a passionate fanbase that has stuck by them through thick and thin. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the club and its fans over the years.

Early History

Stoke City was founded in 1863 as a branch of the Stoke Ramblers Cricket Club, and were originally known as the Stoke Ramblers Football Club. They were one of the 12 founding members of the Football League in 1888, and were one of the first professional football clubs in England. The club moved to the Victoria Ground in 1878, which was their home for 119 years until they moved to the Britannia Stadium in 1997.

In the early years of their history, the club had some success, with their most notable achievement being winning the Football League Second Division in 1907-08. They also reached the FA Cup semi-finals three times in the 1930s, but were unable to progress further.

The Fans

The fans of Stoke City have always been passionate and loyal. During the 20th century, the club had a large fan base in the Potteries region, and their popularity was bolstered by their success in the Football League. The fans have been known to create an intimidating atmosphere at home games, and they have often travelled in great numbers to away games.

The fans have also been known to support the club through difficult times. The club was relegated from the top division in 1985, and the fans continued to back them through the subsequent years in the lower leagues. They also stayed loyal during the club's move to the new Britannia Stadium, even though it meant the end of their long association with the Victoria Ground.

Recent Success

Stoke City returned to the top division in 2008 after a 23-year absence, and they have since established themselves as one of the mainstays of the Premier League. The club has achieved a number of impressive results in recent years, including a memorable win over Manchester City in 2012, and a run to the 2011 FA Cup Final.

The club's success has been built on the back of the passionate support provided by the fans. They have been known to create an electric atmosphere at home games, and they have often travelled in large numbers to away games. The fans have also helped the club to stay in the top division since their return in 2008.

Conclusion

Stoke City Football Club has a long and proud history, and their fans have been a key part of that history. The fans have been loyal and passionate throughout the club's history, and they have provided the club with unwavering support through good times and bad. The club has achieved success in recent years, and the fans have been a major factor in that success.