Stoke City (around 2016/17 season)

• Country: England
• Club name: Stoke City Football Club
• Home ground: Bet365 Stadium (formerly Britannia Stadium)
• Manager / Head coach (2013–2018): Mark Hughes
• Season referenced: 2016/17 (Premier League)

2016/17 season summary

• Competition: English Premier League
• League finish: 13th place
• Points: 44
• FA Cup: Eliminated in early rounds (did not progress to late stages that season)
• League Cup (EFL Cup): Eliminated earlier in the competition

Managerial context

• Mark Hughes was appointed Stoke City manager in May 2013 and remained in charge through the 2016/17 season and beyond (he left in January 2018).
• Hughes sought to evolve Stoke from the long-standing direct, physical approach under previous managers toward a more possession-based, passing-oriented style while retaining physicality and set-piece strength.

Key players around that season

• Jack Butland (goalkeeper) — England international, first choice when fit
• Glen Johnson (right back) — experienced England international
• Ryan Shawcross (centre back) — club captain and defensive mainstay
• Phil Bardsley / Erik Pieters (full-backs/wing-backs depending on lineup)
• Joe Allen (midfielder) — creative, possession-minded midfielder
• Marko Arnautović (forward/winger) — influential in attack (joined Stoke in 2013)
• Bojan Krkić (forward/attacking midfielder) — technical option when fit
• Arnautović and Xherdan Shaqiri would be notable attacking figures slightly later; Shaqiri joined Stoke in summer 2015 and played through 2018

Style of play and squad notes

• Under Hughes the club attempted more technical possession play than under Tony Pulis, though Stoke retained physicality, aerial threat, and set-piece focus.
• Squad strength relied on experienced Premier League professionals and a mix of continental signings.
• Injuries, especially to key players like Jack Butland in later seasons, affected consistency.

Notable moments around 2016/17

• Stoke recorded some strong home displays at the Bet365 Stadium, but struggled for consistency away from home.
• The 2016/17 season was part of a period where Stoke maintained Premier League status but gradually slipped down the table in subsequent seasons, culminating in relegation in 2018 after Hughes had departed earlier that year.

Useful quick facts

• Founded: 1863 (one of the oldest football clubs)
• Nickname: The Potters
• Traditional colours: Red and white stripes