Stoke City football club (The Potters)

Founded in 1863 as Stoke Ramblers, they are the second oldest professional football club in the world after Notts County.

Stanley Matthews, one of the greatest players of his generation, had two spells at the club playing his last match at the age of 50 and is, arguably, the most famous player ever to have worn the familiar red and white striped shirt.

In 1946-47, the Potters came closest to winning a top division title.

A victory on the final day of the season would have been enough but they lost at Sheffield United to allow Liverpool to take the title.

City`s only major trophy came in 1972 when they won the League Cup under manager Tony Waddington who was in charge from 1960 to 1977.

Locally-born Peter Coates began his second period spell as the club?s majority shareholder in 2006.

This time backed by the enormous wealth from his successful Bet365 gambling company, the Potters resumed their place amongst the English game?s elite.

After a 23-year absence from the top flight, with manager Tony Pulis at the helm, City won promotion to the Premier League in the 2007-08.

As they continued to grow on and off the field, Stoke City reached their first FA Cup Final in 2011 when they were beaten by Manchester City.

Home ground history:

Sweeting?s Field - 1875

Victoria Ground - 1878

Britannia Stadium - 1997

Renamed:

Bet365 Stadium - 2016