Stoke City FC

A great boozer this for the away fan, situated a minute's walk from the visitors end at ewood park it was stokies only and there were some faces in there, being as it was your editors first away game of the season a wry smile was given at seeing a few folk who's ten year banning orders have run out, all relatively quiet and keeping their heads down. A heavy police presence prevailed on the car park but saying this it was refreshing to see fair and level headed policing rather than the 'i've got a bigger cock than you' efforts we see from other forces in the north west. As the 60 odd coaches from the potteries started pulling in, the pub got pretty packed and the precedent was set for the superb vocal performance by the travelling fans in the ground. It was a really good day actually aside from the performance and result. Well done to the staff from the fenhurst, top job folks.

Post from the pub classic (Derby away sometime in the 90's)

Derby away at the baseball ground was a favourite fixture for a lot of stokies, always guaranteed a good following and plenty of action if you wanted it. Just to set the scene, your editor was in a group of about six, some heavies, some mellowheads, there was an air of paranoia amongst our throng as we entered the doors of the nightingale pub in the allington area, a pool of blood on the step outside is a bit of a shocker, especially to this skunk addled brain, "Whats that mate?" someone asks a punter as we head in, "some druggie got stabbed up thats all" comes the reply. Now when you have been up for two days bombed out of your head and you are trying to hold it together, this can come as a bit of a heavy statement. "Yeah bloody junkies, hang em all" came the reply, "you lads are sound you'll find no trouble in here". Phew, what followed was a superb pre match drink in the company of a pub full of derby lads, plenty of banter and the beers flowing, the way it should be. Unfortunately after the game the scenes outside the away end especially on the bridge were mental and the paranoia soon came flooding back. Following stoke away in those days was a dangerous occupation, even for a mellowhead.

Note

This is not an article condoning the use of drugs, its not big and its not clever. Northy

Your editor has drunk in the same pub in stoke for 15 years, the gardeners retreat, just off campbell road not too far from the old ground.  Arriving at one o'clock, the faces were in full effect, the beer was flowing as was the the buzz of expectant chatter, the north staffordshire accent is beautiful, a work of art in itself.  As two o'clock approached the chanting started outside, lads with arms raised busting out a range of songs villa could only dream of.  Such is the fantastic vibe at this particular boozer your commentator did not hit his seat until 2.59. Phew!! Back down again after the game, eyes bulging with pride and undivided spirit, sat with the wolverhampton stokies, revisiting key moments of the game, loud and proud. The gardeners is home pre and post match. Family. WE ARE STOKE

Formed 1863, founder members, went bust, re-emerged. Matthews, Steele, Franklin, Matthews again. Waddington era, promotion, League Cup winners '72. Viollett, Setters, Dobing, Hudson, Ritchie, Greenhoff, Conroy, cracking football, roof blows off stand, downhill slide, 17 points, bye bye top flight. Mills, Ball, the Macari years, Divison Two trophy. Autoglass, play-off despair, Parker, serious aggro, Icelandic years, away cards, Coates and Pulis back in. Investment, PROMOTION. THE FUTURE…