2024–25 Stoke City F.C. Season

The 2024–25 season was Stoke City's 108th season in the Football League, the 48th in the second tier.

After keeping Stoke up last season Steven Schumacher was given the summer to improve his squad for the 2024–25 campaign, however after only five matches he was surprisingly sacked and replaced by inexperienced Spanish coach Narcís Pèlach. This proved to be a poor decision as he only won three of his 19 matches in charge leading to his dismissal in December. Former Coventry City manager Mark Robins took over and he was able to keep Stoke up on the final day finishing two points above the relegation zone in 18th position.

Pre-season

The day after the end of the 2023–24 season Stoke announced that Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark and Wesley would be leaving following the end of their contracts whilst Jordan Thompson had his extended by one-year. Stoke's first signing of the summer was Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Johansson on a three-year deal from Rotherham United. Head of recruitment Jared Dublin left the club in May 2024 and was replaced the following month by Hull City. Defender Ben Gibson was the second player to arrive, joining on a free after leaving Norwich City. French full-back Eric Bocat joined on 26 June 2024 from Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V., Sint-Truiden. Forward Sam Gallagher (footballer, born 1995), Sam Gallagher joined from Blackburn Rovers on 31 July 2024. in early August it was announced that John Coates had become outright owner of the club following demerger implemented by bet365.

Stoke played friendlies against AZ Alkmaar, Bolton Wanderers, Chester, Cork City, Crewe Alexandra and Stockport County.

Championship

August

Stoke began their 2024–25 campaign at home against Coventry City, Lewis Baker scoring the only goal with ten minutes remaining. A second half collapse the following week saw Stoke lose 3–0 at Watford with a brace from Edo Kayembe. For the visit of Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion Schumacher gave a first league start for Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas. The Baggies scored early through Karlan Grant before Koumas, equalised for his first league goal in professional football. However straight from the kick-off West Brom regained the lead via Josh Maja and they went on to see out the win. On transfer deadline day leaving the club were midfielders Lewis Baker, Daniel Johnson and Josh Laurent whilst joining the team was Japanese defensive midfielder Tatsuki Seko and forward Tom Cannon. Stoke ended August with a 1–0 win at Plymouth Argyle, Million Manhoef scoring past Conor Hazard.

September

Following the international break Stoke put in a poor performance away at newly promoted Oxford United losing 1–0, Idris El Mizouni scoring just after half time. Head coach Steven Schumacher was sacked two days later along with his coaching staff. Stoke moved quickly to bring in Spanish coach Narcís Pèlach from Norwich City for his first head coach role. His first game ended in a 3–1 defeat against Hull City with the Tigers scoring three second half goals after Wilmot had given Stoke the lead. City were outplayed by Middlesbrough a week later, losing 2–0 with Boro having 26 shots on Stoke's goal.

October

Stoke earned their first win under Pèlach in emphatic fashion, beating newly promoted Portsmouth 6–1 with Tom Cannon, scoring four goals becoming the first Stoke player to do so since Peter Thorne in March 2000. Gallagher and Moran also scored their first goals for the club. The team then played out a goalless draw away at Swansea City. After the second international break, Stoke took on promotion contenders Norwich City, Ante Crnac gave the Canaries the lead before a curling effort from Manhoef earned Stoke a point. Three days later Stoke hosted Bristol City and despite making a strong start, going 2–0 up from Koumas and Moran the Robins controlled the match and ended up having 28 shots on Johansson's goal with a brace from Nahki Wells bringing them level. Stoke ended October with a 2–0 defeat at promotion favourites Sheffield United.

November

Derby County made the short journey across the A50 and conceded an early penalty after Jacob Widell Zetterström brought down Tom Cannon, who converted from the spot. Stoke gifted the Rams an equaliser following a mix up between Gibson and Johansson before Gibson made amends heading in a late corner. Stoke then travelled to Blackburn, coming away with a 2–0 victory with goals from Manhoef and another penalty from Cannon. City then drew 1–1 with in-form Millwall after Gibson cancelled out Josh Coburn's opener. Following the final international break of the year Stoke drew 1–1 with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road with Žan Celar missing a penalty. Stoke then played out a drab goalless draw with Preston North End who had goalkeeper Freddie Woodman sent off late on for handling outside his area. Stoke ended November with a 2–0 defeat against promotion contenders Burnley.

December

Stoke took early leads against Sunderland and Luton Town but went on to lose 2–1 with late goals pilling the pressure on head coach Narcís Pèlach. Stoke again took an early lead at home to Cardiff City through Moran but the Bluebirds equalised via Anwar El Ghazi. Ben Gibson scored an own goal before he headed in a last minute free kick to salvage a 2–2 draw. Stoke then put in an awful performance away at Sheffield Wednesday. In an uneventful first half the Owls had defender Di'Shon Bernard sent off for two bookable offences. Despite playing against ten men for the second half Stoke went on to lose 2–0 with Cannon missing a penalty. Stoke were outplayed by Leeds United on boxing day, losing 2–0. Pèlach was sacked by Stoke on 27 December 2024 after only winning three out of his nineteen games in charge. Ryan Shawcross took caretaker charge of the final game of 2024 against Sunderland, Tom Cannon scoring in the 92nd minute to end Stoke's nine game winless run.

January

On New Year's Day, Stoke appointed Mark Robins on a three-and-a-half year contract, with Paul Nevin and James Rowberry as his assistants. Stoke later, drew 0–0 with promotion chasing Burnley who had Hannibal Mejbri sent off late on for treading on Tchamadeu. Robins' first game in charge was against bottom of the table, Plymouth Argyle which ended in a frustrating goalless draw. Stoke suffered a setback when Leicester decided to recall Tom Cannon and so Nathan Lowe was recalled from a productive spell at Walsall. Lowe was sent straight into the starting line-up away at West Bromwich Albion and he scored inside the opening ten minutes, Grady Diangana brought Albion level after and Stoke held on for a 1–1 draw. Left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand was brought in on loan from Manchester City and went into the team to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park. He gave away a penalty after five minutes and Stoke never recovered going on to lose 3–1. Stoke's final match of January saw them play out another drab goalless home draw this time against Oxford United.

February

Striker Ali Al-Hamadi joined on loan from Ipswich Town until the end of the season. He scored on his debut helping Stoke to a 2–1 comeback win over Hull City. Following their FA Cup exit Stoke put in another poor away performance, going down 2–0 at Bristol City with Anis Mehmeti scoring both goals. Stoke then came from behind to beat Swansea City 3–1 with Lewis Baker, lobbing Swans goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux from his own half. The team failed to build on his though losing to Norwich City and Middlesbrough.

March

March began with another goalless home draw this time against Watford. Robins returned to his old club Coventry on 8 March, Stoke making a poor start going 2–0 down after 30 minutes. They improved greatly in the second half and a brace from Sam Gallagher looked to have earned a draw but a last minute strike from Bobby Thomas condemned Stoke to a 3–2 defeat. Four days later Stoke were able to grind out a narrow win over Blackburn Rovers with Ali Al-Hamadi scoring the only goal of the game. A turgid game against Millwall looked to be heading for a goalless draw before the Lions were scored a controversial penalty in the final minute. Following the international break, Stoke entered the final eight fixtures just one place above the relegation zone. Stoke claimed a vital 3–1 victory against Queens Park Rangers on 29 March.

April

Stoke were unable to pull away from the bottom as they could only draw 1–1 at Preston North End and at home to relegation rivals Luton Town, with Stoke again conceding in stoppage-time. Stoke then picked up a vital 1–0 win over Cardiff City with Will Fish conceding a late own goal. On Good Friday against Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke recorded their highest attendance for a Championship fixture at the bet365 Stadium, with 29,163 tickets sold. the team were able to gain a 2–0 victory thanks to a tap in from Manhoef and a bizarre error by Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles who booted an attempted clearance straight at Ben Wilmot. On Easter Monday, Stoke were well beaten by Premier League bound Leeds United and then by 3rd place Sheffield United four days later to leave them going into the final day of the season two points above the relegation zone.

May

Stoke played out a goalless draw with fellow relegation rivals Derby County on the final day, a result which was enough for both sides to remain in the Championship for the 2025–26 season.

Matches

League table

FA Cup

Stoke City entered the FA Cup in the third round, and were drawn away to Sunderland. Stoke progressed 2–1 with an extra time goal from Niall Ennis. In the fourth round against Cardiff City, Stoke made a comeback from 2–0 down to lead 3–2 before Cardiff equalised and sent the game into a penalty shoot out which the Bluebirds progressed 4–2.

EFL Cup

Stoke were drawn away against League Two side Carlisle United in the first round, academy graduates Freddie Anderson and Emre Tezgel each scored their first professional goals for the club in a 2–0 victory. In the second round, Stoke faced Championship rivals Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Stoke fielded their youngest ever team with an average age of under 21 and they put in a clinical performance winning 5–0 with goals from Tezgel, Koumas, Mmaee and a brace from Manhoef. Ryan Shawcross took caretaker charge of the third round tie against Fleetwood Town, managed by Charlie Adam. A late goal from Rhys Bennett sent the tie to penalties after Michael Rose had given Stoke the lead. Johansson saved two Fleetwood pens as Stoke progressed 2–1. Stoke were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Southampton in the fourth round, losing 3–2.

Squad statistics

Transfers

In

Out

Loans in

Loans out

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2024-25 Stoke City F.C. season
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City F.C. seasons