Rob talks us through the players who shaped him, including a national team skipper, a Premier League mainstay, and a midfielder he says is “impossible to defend against”.

There’s even a surprise inclusion for one attacking role… and a very familiar face leading the line.

Rob shares stories of life inside the Slovakia camp, reflects on his development at Stoke City, and explains how a certain Dutch icon from his Feyenoord days ended up influencing his game more than anyone else.

If you want more from Rob, including his journey from Slovakia to the bet365 Stadium, adapting to life in England, and the teammates who’ve helped shape him, you’ll also find his full Potters’ Pod interview in this feed.

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In this episode of Potters’ Pod, the striker opens up about the values instilled in him from childhood; hard work, humility and never expecting anything for free, and how they shaped the player Potters fans see today.

Robert reflects on his rapid rise at Žilina, a whirlwind move to Feyenoord as a teenager, and the tough injury spells that taught him resilience and patience.

He talks candidly about life in Portugal, learning new languages, regaining his rhythm at Boavista, and why swapping sunshine for Staffordshire rain felt like the right step at the perfect time.

From bonding with Viktor Johansson through injury rehab, to linking up with compatriot Tomas Rigo, Robert shares why he felt “at home” at Stoke from day one.

There’s insight into the dressing room’s biggest characters, the teammates he’d least like to face as an opponent, and what he’s learned from legends like Steven Nzonzi and the club’s coaching staff.

There’s even a story about pastries, Portuguese hospital conversations, and an ill‑fitting pair of trousers that changed his life.

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Ashley selects two teams of five: one made up of the best teammates he’s ever shared a pitch with, and the other formed from the toughest opponents he’s faced in his young career. Expect bold calls, surprise inclusions and a few nods to his time at Stoke City.

There’s a surprise choice between the posts, a midfield maestro destined for the very top, and one former Premier League Golden Boot winner who had Ashley scrambling in training.

On the opponents’ side, Ashley lifts the lid on marking a much‑debated England international, chasing shadows against a veteran Premier League striker, and the moment he almost asked a Premier League winner for their shirt.Away from the teams, Ashley reveals:

• Why his dream fixture takes place under the arch at Wembley
• The superstar he selects for halftime entertainment
• How the pace, personality and professionalism of elite players have shaped his own development
• His pride in returning to Stoke City and why the club already feels like home

Packed with character, honesty and a few brilliant stories from inside the dressing room, it’s a must‑listen for Stoke City fans and anyone following Ashley’s rapid rise.

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Host Sam Fletcher sits down with four leaders from across the club:

•⁠ ⁠Steph Wakelin, Women’s & Girls’ Performance Director

•⁠ ⁠Sarah Richardson, Women’s First Team Head Coach

•⁠ ⁠Laura Nicholls, Director of Community Engagement

•⁠ ⁠Clare Buckley‑Prescott, Head of Safety Operations

Together, they reflect on their journeys into football; from childhood dreams to unexpected career pivots and the barriers, biases, and breakthroughs that have defined their paths.

They discuss the changing landscape for girls and women in the sport, the power of visibility, and why leadership should never be defined by gender.

There are stories of resilience, sacrifices made by families, imposter syndrome, and the pinch‑me moments that remind the quartet of how far both they and the game have come.

They share the pride they feel in representing Stoke City, the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation, and the advice they would give to young girls who dream of working in football.

It’s an honest, thought-provoking and inspiring conversation about determination, identity, community, and the women helping shape a more inclusive future for the game.

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• A surprise choice in goal based on years of shared dressing‑rooms
• A centre‑back pairing featuring a born leader and a future England international
• A midfielder whose pre‑match routine is the stuff of legend
• A winger whose raw talent never stopped turning heads
• And a front line featuring two forwards with totally different, but equally unforgettable, stories

Frank also picks the perfect ‘proper’ football ground to host his dream match, debates the essentials of a matchday kiosk (including a passionate case for Bovril), and reveals the one type of pie he absolutely will not entertain. Full of warmth, nostalgia and typical Fielding humour, this episode offers Stoke fans a brilliant insight into the teammates, tales and moments that shaped his journey.If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review or share it with a fellow Stokie.

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In the inaugural episode, Aaron Cresswell steps up to create his dream all‑time XI from almost two decades in the professional game and a career that spans more than 600 matches, more than half of which were played in the Premier League.

With plenty of difficult decisions to make in a star-studded line-up, the former England international has built a team stacked with talent and character.

He and host Rob Adcock go beyond the pitch too, deciding on:

• Where in the world this one‑off match is played and why
• The half‑time food and drink every fan should be allowed to enjoy
• Who delivers the half‑time show
• Which manager is trusted to lead this star‑studded XI
• A post-match night out only Vegas could handle

It’s not just names you’ll hear from the Potters’ defender, expect stories from his time as a Hammers’ hero, Three Lions camps, and the dressing rooms that shaped his career, with plenty of nods to Stoke City connections.

In a career littered with success at the highest level, the high calibre defender also has the dilemma of whether to include himself in his XI.

If you enjoy the first ever Potters’ Picks, don’t forget to leave a review and share it with a fellow Stoke fan.

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In this episode of Potters’ Pod, the defender reflects on growing up in Salford, the sacrifices his mum made to help him chase a football dream, and the moment he realised he needed to push himself if he wanted to make it as a professional.

He talks through his breakthrough at Blackburn, saying ‘no’ to Spurs before ultimately joining the Premier League giants a year later and how he adjusted, at the age of 18, to life in London. 

Ashley discusses learning from elite players at the Lilywhites and why regular first team football continues to be key to his development.

He explains the circumstances surrounding each of his two loan moves to Stoke, including the exclusive feat in the modern-day game of keeping his signing a secret until the moment it was announced.

Phillips speaks of why the dressing room environment makes the Potters feel like home and why he is infinitely grateful to club legend Ryan Shawcross.

Away from the pitch, there’s plenty of talk about gaming, an NFL obsession, darts, digs, and the friendships he has formed through football. 

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While other interviews during the course of the year provide updates on the present-day direction of the Club, this episode of Potters’ Pod is something completely different, providing a comprehensive insight into the person and fan.

In a world where English football club owners hail from all corners of the globe, John was born and bred locally and fulfilled his earlier years as a Potter with travels to Football League stadiums the length and breadth of the land.

From the windscreen blowing in on a rickety old coach to Peterborough, to open terrace triumphs and travails and a spontaneous Ford Escort foray to Italia 90, Coates tracks his time as the most avid of Stoke City supporters.

The Club Chair, whose ownership of the Potters is characterised by multi-million-pound investments each year, recalls navigating dodgy Center Parcs phone reception whilst brokering the deal to take over the club back in 2006.

From that point on, fans can live the story of the ensuing years candidly and uniquely through the eyes of an owner, whose passion for Stoke City remains undimmed.

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The 22-year-old has rewarded Jon Walters for his long-term thinking in completing the Irishman’s transfer from Celtic during the summer of 2024 despite a stress fracture of the back, with a sequence of stellar performances in a strong City start to the current campaign.

During his stint in ST4 to date, Lawal has featured as a full-back, a wing-back, a central midfielder, a striker and most prominently at the heart of the defence, and in this episode of Potters’ Pod, Lawal discusses what he believes is his best role.

He also talks about the importance of his faith, what he likes to do in his down time, and what life was like at Celtic working under the likes of Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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First team star Sorba Thomas is joined by Pedro Nzau and Deandre Witter, both of City’s under-18s, on the panel.

Collectively, the quartet reflect on how their heritage and identity has shaped their lives and careers, and recall the sights and sounds which remind them of their homes and journeys.

From Sorba’s life-changing visit to Sierra Leone, to Deandre’s love for all things Jamaica and Pedro’s education of Angolan life from his parents, each individual tells their stories of the pride and respect they have for where they have come from.

Meanwhile, they discuss how faith, in one case missing football matches for church, and self-belief have enabled them to overcome the challenge of performing in a world of opinion and scrutiny.

This special episode not only tells the story of each individual but also the importance of celebrating black history and never forgetting your roots.

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In a wide-ranging interview, Divin opens up about the tragedy of losing a close friend at a formative age and how he uses that pain as a fuel for his ambitions in life. 

He speaks about the pride he felt helping his childhood team West Ham United reach European glory in 2023, but how he knew he had to make the move to Manchester City when the opportunity arose.

We hear about his interactions with the Sky Blues’ squad and the tips he’s already picked up from Pep Guardiola before he took the call from Mark Robins to bring him to ST4.

Mubama talked about his burning desire to earn and retain his first team shirt week-in-week-out for the lads in red and white this season, and why he blames the Club’s media team for earning him his first fine as a Potter.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes. 

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In an engaging conversation, the experienced left-back joins the podcast to discuss the stories of his stellar career, his summer switch to the bet365 Stadium and what drew him to the Potters.

From the time and effort that the club invested in convincing him to join, to feeling like destiny was calling upon spotting a Stoke City tattoo at the airport, Cresswell reflects upon the factors that influenced his decision to make the move to ST4.

The defender also reflects upon how becoming a father has given him a new perspective on the sacrifices parents make, with Cresswell now understanding firsthand the dedication his own dad showed in handling difficult conversations, as well as ferrying him to training sessions and matches throughout his youth.

Can you help us track down the mystery Stoke fan with the tattoo? Keep an eye on our social media for more details on how you can get in touch!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes. 

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From living with Lou Macari and partnering Wayne “Bertie Biggins”, to tales of triumph under the twin towers and in the league, Stein reflects on moments that will stay with him forever and heaps praise at every juncture on the teammates that helped him shine. 

He also reveals the truth behind that famous goal against Exeter… was it an intentional shot or a mis-hit cross?

The former Potter also pays tribute to Stoke's incredible travelling support, describing the “crazy” passionate fans who followed the team the length and breadth of the land, and how the enormity of derby days against Port Vale dawned on him back in the day. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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Ben also takes us inside his summer holiday across the United States, explaining how he kept himself fit on the road with gym sessions and runs, and why arriving sharp for pre-season matters as much as anything done on the training pitch.

And he lifts the lid on the stories behind his tattoos, including his latest ink and why getting the green light from his partner is a must before adding any more.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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Lewis talks about rooming with Ben Pearson, who came out on top in the notorious ‘trap bar challenge’ during testing week, and how the tradition of new signings performing an initiation song is slowly being phased out, much to his displeasure!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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The manager explains why experienced full-back Aaron Cresswell was high on his summer wish list, offers insight into the other transfer business being worked on by the recruitment team and Sporting Director Jon Walters, and reveals why every player, from senior professionals to academy prospects, have a genuine chance to impress before the new campaign kicks off in August.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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The former Man Utd, Barnsley, Preston North End and Bournemouth man recalls how 2am starts working in a local bakery didn’t deter his Dad from putting in the hours to help Ben work on his football, and how training with a star-studded Red Devils first team allows City’s number four to empathise with youngsters taking similar steps in ST4 today.

Ben also discusses genuinely living the old cliché of never looking too far ahead, how his win at all costs “game mode” and off-field personality are completely at odds and why he plans to step fully away from the game at the conclusion of his playing career.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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The former striker vividly recalls the circumstances surrounding his earliest moments as a Stoke City player; from flying in to make his debut, to the details of the kit, even down to what boots he was wearing on the day.

Peter provides a fresh take and explains why perception was far from reality following media coverage of his failed deadline day move from West Bromwich Albion, and the lasting impact it had for better and for worse.

He also discusses his journey into coaching, playing professional golf, how his own life experiences are leading to an all-encompassing approach to parenting – and calls out Peter Crouch for stealing one of his goals!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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In this section, Liam discusses his arrival at the Club, promotion and survival against the odds and the celebrations which followed.

A proper Premier League Potter, our former winger also revels on reflection at the resilience he gained from a Tony Pulis pre-season and reveals how the manager used the infamous bookmakers paying out on relegation to spur City on to a memorable inaugural Premier League campaign.

Now back in ST4 developing the next generation of young Potters, Lawrence also discusses his reasons for leaving the Club back in 2010, a move which transpired to be the biggest regret of his career.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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This first instalment is all about getting to know Liam as a person. We hear how his early family life and tough upbringing shaped the person he is, about learning costly but valuable lessons as he rose through the football ranks, and how he is now using his own past experiences to educate the next generation in ST4.

Liam tells us how a clash with a one-time idol brought an end to his time at Sunderland and we end part one hearing how he finally answered Tony Pulis’ call and agreed his move to Stoke City. 

Part Two is on the way soon, where the story of Liam’s talismanic time as one of the lads in red and white will be discussed in detail, so make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released!

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The full-back charts his life from Barking beginnings and the torture of the trapdoor at Charlton, to a dream debut for Colchester United at the age of 16 and being mentored by Wouter Burger in the Stoke City changing room today.

The parental sacrifices that forged the formative stages of his footballing career is a recurring theme for City’s number 22, who articulates his sense of duty to repay those that helped put him in his current position.

Tchamadeu also opens up to Rob Adcock about the massive importance of his faith, walking into Stoke City and thinking ‘wow’, and the ‘unimaginable’ pride and ‘beautiful experience’ of representing Cameroon.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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The 23-year-old takes listeners back to the beginning as the oldest sibling of three living in Toxteth, Liverpool where he was handed a peculiar nickname by his junior team.

The striker speaks of the sacrifices he made to become a professional footballer, the privilege of being the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League and being a role-model in the country of his birth.

Ali shares his first impressions of Stoke City after joining in January, singing along with the ingenious chant the Potters’ faithful quickly bestowed, what his teammates fined him for in week two and why his move to the Potteries was a ‘full circle moment’ for his family.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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Frank talks about his career journey, starting at his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers where he was mentored by goalkeeping legends Brad Friedel and Paul Robinson.

Now, in the latter years of his own career, Frank talks about working alongside Viktor Johansson and gives his opinion on the heights that the talented Sweden goalkeeper could reach.

He also lifts the lid on the regimented fine system in place in the Stoke City dressing room, with each case being judged for punishment!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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From winning trophies and managing injuries, to ironing newspapers and living the life of a fugitive, Robins relives his playing days at home and abroad.

He goes on to reveal how sustained success in the dugout, after nearly going under in his maiden management role, continues to prove the late Graham Taylor right.

A chance meeting with Lou Macari and access all areas treatment from "top man" Tony Pulis were steps along the way to the bet365 Stadium for the former Coventry gaffer.

Now he explains how an eagle eye for a player, a knack for building successful sides and being unapologetically direct can be his secrets for success in ST4.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes.

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Tom talks about his lifelong ‘rinse and repeat’ obsession with football and how, despite interest from rival clubs spanning the length & breadth of the land, Stoke City was an easy sell. 

Ben, meanwhile, talks through an early career Italian job with Udinese, warming up the Stevenage Borough goalkeepers at the age of seven and why he enjoys being Ben Wilmot, not just Richard Wilmot’s son. 

Make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released.

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Currently Lead Coach of the Club’s U21s, Shawcross reveals why being a defender is too stressful to ever enjoy playing, becoming a proper adopted Stokie, and why, despite many opportunities, he never wanted to leave.

The club legend reveals why he’s a tough ‘no silver spoon’ parent, how injuries during his latter career left his body ‘shot to pieces’ and why saying what he sees has always served him well.

You can listen to Part 1 of our interview with Ryan here

Make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released!

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Ryan reflects on how his time at Stoke City began under Tony Pulis and how a squad full of players with something to prove helped define the team’s gritty identity.

He reveals ways in which the Championship is actually tougher than the Premier League, opens up about the whirlwind of being called up to the England squad at just 21 and why both Pulis and Mark Hughes were the right managers at the right time.

He also recounts the terrifying presence of Fabio Capello, the mythical magic of Rory Delap’s long throw, FA Cup and European adventures and how the Potters’ family supported him during the toughest moments of his career.

Part Two is on the way soon, so make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released!

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The midfielder reveals how Narcís Pèlach bears exciting similarities to the former Brighton boss and how an Emerald Isle allegiance with Jon Walters paved the way for a summer move to the Potteries.

Moran also devises and pledges to perform a Potters’ Pod inspired celebration when he next finds the net for the lads in red and white.

Make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released.

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In Part 1, Andrew opens up about his path from being an diminutive Dublin boy to a full Ireland international.

A rising star with Brighton & Hove Albion, currently impressing on loan in the Potteries, Moran shares how his love for the game nearly faded in his youth and how a surprise home visit from emerald isle icon, Damian Duff, changed everything.

Potters’ Pod takes a ‘This Is Your Life’ turn with messages from Andrew’s boyhood coaches.

And the midfielder reveals how his move to England was initially so daunting that he simply did not want to go, together with just how much of a boyhood dream it was to represent the Boys in Green on the world stage.

Part Two is on the way soon, so make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released.

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Ben singles out some of his Stoke teammates and tells us which ones could go right to the very top, reveals what it’s like having a family member renew his contract at Middlesbrough, and recalls his call-ups to the England National Team.

Part Two is on the way, so make sure you’re subscribed to get notified when the next episode is released.

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Million candidly opens up about his relationship with his famous father, reveals post-career ambitions in the boxing ring and sings his own terrace chant.

Wouter, meanwhile, provides a lesson in romance, shocks Rob with a revelation about how he uses his phone and explains why money is no guarantee of happiness.

Finally, find out what the duo think of Love Island and social media, and how they have adopted Stokie taxi drivers as friends.

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The Swedish goalkeeper talked about why he chose to join the Potters, how he could have missed the birth of his child when signing and his approach to life after facing potentially career-ending injuries.

For more Stoke City news and content visit the official website https://www.stokecityfc.com This podcast is produced by Sport Social Podcast Network for Stoke City FC.

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