Episodes

  • John Coates: From Decades as a Diehard Fan to Owner and Chair

    John Coates: From Decades as a Diehard Fan to Owner and Chair
    Nov 27 2025
    From the carefree adventures of a diehard fan to the “enormous responsibility” and “absolute labour of love” of being the Club’s owner and Chair, John Coates has lived a life as a Potter like no other. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Bosun Lawal: Versatility as a virtue, celebrating in style and having faith in God knowing he will take care of the rest

    Bosun Lawal: Versatility as a virtue, celebrating in style and having faith in God knowing he will take care of the rest
    Nov 6 2025
    Bosun Lawal has spoken of his gratitude to the Potters for their patience during his injury hit inaugural campaign, admitting that many clubs wouldn’t have signed him and that what followed was the hardest period of his career to date. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • In Power and Pride | Black History Month Potters’ Pod special

    In Power and Pride | Black History Month Potters’ Pod special
    Oct 31 2025
    Reverend Geoff Eze makes a special guest Potters’ Pod debut to host a profound and thought-provoking discussion with a trio of Potters to mark Black History Month. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Divin Mubama: “I use pain as a fuel” - Personal tragedy, European glory, working with Pep Guardiola and targets for Stoke loan

    Divin Mubama: “I use pain as a fuel” - Personal tragedy, European glory, working with Pep Guardiola and targets for Stoke loan
    Oct 2 2025
    What conversations did Divin Mubama have with Pep Guardiola before linking up with Mark Robins’ side on loan? For the young forward, this move is all about opportunity, ambition and a chance to prove himself in front of the bet365 faithful. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Aaron Cresswell: "It was a sign!" - Why a mystery Stoke fan's tattoo helped seal his Potters move

    Aaron Cresswell: "It was a sign!" - Why a mystery Stoke fan's tattoo helped seal his Potters move
    Sep 4 2025
    What convinced Aaron Cresswell that Stoke City was the right move? The answer involves dedicated recruitment work, genuine care from Jon Walters and other keystaff, and a chance encounter with a mystery supporter sporting some impressive Potters themed ink! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Mark Stein: "Coming to Stoke changed my whole being", clearing up THAT Exeter goal and why the Potters fans were "crazy!"

    Mark Stein: "Coming to Stoke changed my whole being", clearing up THAT Exeter goal and why the Potters fans were "crazy!"
    Aug 14 2025
    What was the most pivotal point of Mark Stein's career? Stoke City supporters of a certain era will not be surprised by the answer. In a candid and revealing conversation, the former Stoke City forward joins Rob Adcock to talk about the transformative times in his life and how playing for the Potters profoundly impacted his life and career. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Ben Wilmot: Keeping cool in pre-season, new team-mates and fresh ink

    Ben Wilmot: Keeping cool in pre-season, new team-mates and fresh ink
    Jul 18 2025
    Stoke City defender Ben Wilmot joins us from the Potters’ pre-season base in Andalusia to share why this coming campaign feels different from the last and how the new signings are already bedding into the squad. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Lewis Baker: Pre-season graft, the trap bar challenge and rooming with Ben Pearson

    Lewis Baker: Pre-season graft, the trap bar challenge and rooming with Ben Pearson
    Jul 16 2025
    Stoke City midfielder Lewis Baker checks in from the Potters’ pre-season training camp in Andalusia to share what really tests players – physically and mentally – at this time of year. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins