Inside bet365 Stadium as key man wins global award, stalwart confirms exit, hope for Mark Robins

It is fair to say that Stoke City had an unprecedented response when they put the new away strip on sale. Queues online are unheard of while security had to manage queues into the club shop on Saturday afternoon.

The design has been inspired by the change kit worn in 1992/93 and a Spirit of 92 event in the Boothen Quarter on Saturday reached capacity. It was a good advert for the fan zone, which has space for 1,500 people and opened at the start of last season.

Everyone who was wearing a new away shirt had free entry and a free drink as DJs Pete Bromley and Lee Fredericks brought Shelley’s to the bet365 Stadium and Mark Stein and Dave Regis posed for photographs and signed autographs.

Anthony Emmerson takes global honour

Congratulations to Stoke’s head of supporter experience Anthony Emmerson, who has been honoured at the Stadium Business Awards.

These awards have nominations from all over the world and cover all stadiums and events that take place inside or around them, not just football. Other people nominated, for example, included Taylor Swift in the event of the year category for her Eras tour.

Anthony came out on top in the Unsung Hero category where the shortlist also included the head of operations at Singapore Indoor Stadium, the events team at AsiaWorld Expo, the ticketing team at Cricket Australia, turf operations team at Eden Park in New Zealand, facilities manager at York Racecourse and cleaning team at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This comes on the back of Stoke being named EFL family excellence club of the season after being scrutinised by independent assessors.

“Very grateful for the accolade but certainly not unsung nor a hero,” said Anthony, who tipped his hat to Stoke’s owners and chief operating officer Simon King.

“Our supporter care efforts are not hidden. We put Stokies at the front and centre of everything. Outstanding fans, outstanding club.”

Roisin leaves after 11 years

A big change for Stoke City Women as captain Roisin Kivel confirms she will leave after 11 years, having helped establish the club at the right end of the National League Northern Premier Division.

“It’s time to close this chapter of my life and say goodbye to Stoke City — a place that has truly become home,” she said.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much this club means to me. Stoke has given me so much — not just in football, but in life. I’ve grown here, made memories that will stay with me forever, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

“I’ll forever be grateful to every teammate I’ve shared the pitch with, every coach and member of staff who’s supported me, and to the incredible fans who’ve backed me from day one. Your passion, belief, and unwavering support have meant more than I can ever express.

“Leaving is never easy, especially after so long, but I’m proud of every moment spent wearing this badge. Stoke will always be a part of me — and I’ll carry these memories with me wherever I go.”

Stoke look for new coach

Staying with Stoke City Women and the club is looking to recruit a new assistant coach for the first team.

Sarah Richardson was appointed head coach earlier this month.

STOKE CITY REPORT BACK FOR PRE-SEASON

Mark Robins backed to make an impact

Matt Jansen, the former Blackburn forward turned pundit, is taking a conservative view of Stoke men’s team getting back on the right path on the pitch.

It’s been a long old slog since relegation from the Premier League and Mark Robins will need time to make sure the tanker is pointing back in the right direction – but he will get there in the end, Jansen is sure.

“I think Mark Robins is the man to bring success back to Stoke City. He took Coventry to the semi-final of the Cup and he did well with them getting them promoted,” he said in an interview for Live Casinos.

“They struggled last season and I think they’re still a few players away from competing, I think. He’d certainly want a less nervy finish to the season just gone where they finished 18th. If he can consolidate, I think that would be a good season, mid-table, and maybe build on that the following season.”