Stoke City's 2017/18 Season: A Year To Remember?

The 2017/18 season was a pivotal one for Stoke City. For fans, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both moments of promise and periods of deep disappointment. Let's dive deep into what made this season so memorable – or perhaps, unforgettable – for the Potters.

The Premise of the Season

At the start of the 2017/18 season, there was a sense of cautious optimism around the bet365 Stadium. After a few seasons of stability in the Premier League under manager Mark Hughes, there was a belief that the team could push on and perhaps even challenge for a top-half finish. Key players like Joe Allen, Xherdan Shaqiri, and new signings like Kurt Zouma were expected to play crucial roles. The pre-season was geared towards building a cohesive unit ready to compete in the demanding Premier League environment. Hughes aimed to build on the team's existing strengths while addressing some of the defensive frailties that had been evident in the previous campaign.

Fans were eager to see how the new signings would integrate into the squad and whether the team could find a consistent goal-scoring threat. The atmosphere around the club was positive, with season ticket sales reflecting a strong level of support. There was a genuine hope that Stoke could establish themselves as a solid Premier League team and potentially challenge for a place in the Europa League in the coming years. The management and coaching staff were focused on implementing a clear tactical approach that would allow the team to compete effectively against a range of opponents. This involved a combination of solid defensive organization and creative attacking play, with an emphasis on utilizing the pace and skill of players like Shaqiri and Ramadan Sobhi.

The early part of the season was seen as crucial for building momentum and setting the tone for the rest of the campaign. The team's performance in the opening matches would be vital in shaping the confidence of the players and the expectations of the fans. Hughes was keen to ensure that the team started strongly and avoided the kind of slow starts that had plagued them in previous seasons. This involved careful planning and preparation, with a focus on ensuring that the players were physically and mentally ready for the challenges ahead. The pre-season training regime was designed to improve the team's fitness levels and tactical understanding, with a series of friendly matches providing valuable opportunities to test different formations and strategies. Overall, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement as the new season approached, with everyone at the club hoping for a successful and memorable campaign.

Key Players and Their Contributions

The Stoke City squad of 2017/18 had a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. Here’s a look at some of the key players and their contributions:

• Xherdan Shaqiri: The Swiss international was undoubtedly Stoke's most creative player. His ability to score spectacular goals and provide assists made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Shaqiri's performances were often the spark that ignited Stoke's attacking play, and he was a key figure in the team's efforts to create scoring opportunities. His flair and technical ability made him a fan favorite, and his contributions were vital in many of Stoke's important matches.

• Joe Allen: The Welsh midfielder was the engine of the team, providing energy and tenacity in the middle of the park. Allen's work rate and tackling ability were crucial in breaking up opposition attacks, and his passing range helped to link the defense and attack. His consistent performances made him a reliable presence in the Stoke midfield, and his leadership qualities were also important in guiding the team. Allen's ability to read the game and anticipate opposition movements made him a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive situations.

• Kurt Zouma: On loan from Chelsea, Zouma brought much-needed stability and quality to the defense. His physical presence and aerial ability made him a formidable opponent for attackers, and his composure on the ball helped to build play from the back. Zouma's partnership with Ryan Shawcross was a key factor in Stoke's defensive efforts, and his performances were consistently strong throughout the season. His versatility also allowed him to play in different defensive positions, providing valuable cover for injuries and suspensions.

• Jack Butland: The young English goalkeeper continued to impress with his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box. Butland's performances were often the difference between winning and losing points, and he was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. His distribution skills also improved, allowing him to launch quick counter-attacks. Butland's potential was clear, and many expected him to become a future England international. His dedication and work ethic made him a popular figure among teammates and fans alike.

• Peter Crouch: The veteran striker provided a valuable option off the bench, often changing the game with his aerial presence and ability to hold up the ball. Crouch's experience and tactical awareness made him a valuable asset in the later stages of matches, and his goal-scoring record remained impressive despite his age. His contributions were often crucial in securing important points for Stoke, and his presence in the squad provided a sense of stability and experience.

Highs and Lows of the Season

The 2017/18 season was filled with peaks and valleys. Some notable highs included:

• A surprise 1-0 victory against Arsenal early in the season, showcasing Stoke's ability to compete with the top teams.
• Shaqiri's stunning goals, which often lifted the team and the fans.

However, the lows were significant and ultimately defined the season:

• A disastrous run of form in the winter, which saw the team slide down the table.
• The sacking of Mark Hughes in January after a poor run of results.
• The appointment of Paul Lambert, who ultimately couldn't turn the tide.

The season's trajectory was marked by inconsistency, with periods of promise quickly followed by disappointing performances. The team struggled to maintain a consistent level of play, and this lack of stability contributed to their downfall. Injuries to key players also played a role, disrupting the team's rhythm and forcing changes in the lineup. The pressure of the Premier League was relentless, and Stoke found it difficult to cope with the demands of the competition. The atmosphere around the club became increasingly tense as the season progressed, with fans growing frustrated with the team's performances. The arrival of Paul Lambert was seen as a last-ditch attempt to salvage the season, but ultimately it was not enough to prevent relegation. The disappointment was palpable, as Stoke City's decade-long stay in the Premier League came to an end.

Managerial Changes: Hughes Out, Lambert In

Mark Hughes had been at the helm for several years, but a string of poor results led to his dismissal. His tenure had brought stability and some memorable moments, but the team's form had stagnated. The decision to sack Hughes was a difficult one, but the club felt that a change was necessary to arrest the team's slide down the table. Hughes' departure marked the end of an era, as he had become a familiar face at the bet365 Stadium. His contributions to the club were acknowledged, but the need for a fresh approach was deemed essential. The search for a new manager began immediately, with several candidates being considered.

Paul Lambert was brought in to try and save the season. While he brought some initial enthusiasm, he couldn't implement the changes needed to keep Stoke in the Premier League. Lambert's appointment was met with mixed reactions from fans, as his previous managerial record had been inconsistent. He faced a daunting task in trying to turn the team's fortunes around, with morale low and the threat of relegation looming large. Lambert attempted to implement a more organized defensive structure and inject some energy into the team's attacking play. However, he struggled to find the right formula, and the team continued to struggle for results. Despite his best efforts, Lambert was unable to prevent Stoke's relegation, and his tenure at the club was short-lived.

The managerial changes reflected the club's desperation to avoid relegation, but ultimately they proved to be insufficient. The instability in the dugout contributed to the team's struggles, as players found it difficult to adapt to different tactical approaches. The lack of continuity also made it challenging to build a cohesive team spirit, which was essential for success in the Premier League. The managerial upheaval was a symptom of the deeper problems that plagued Stoke City during the 2017/18 season, and it highlighted the challenges of managing in the highly competitive environment of the Premier League.

Relegation and Its Aftermath

Ultimately, Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2017/18 season. This marked the end of a decade-long stay in the top flight and a significant setback for the club. The relegation had far-reaching consequences, both on and off the pitch. Financially, the club faced a significant reduction in revenue, as Premier League television money was no longer available. This forced the club to make difficult decisions regarding player contracts and transfer budgets. The loss of Premier League status also had a negative impact on the club's ability to attract top players, as many were reluctant to join a team in the Championship. The relegation also led to a decline in morale among fans, who had become accustomed to watching their team compete in the Premier League.

The aftermath of relegation saw a period of significant change at the club. Several key players left, seeking to continue their careers in the top flight. The squad was rebuilt with a mix of experienced Championship players and promising youngsters. The club also underwent a restructuring of its management and coaching staff, as it sought to implement a new strategy for the future. The challenge of bouncing back from relegation was a significant one, and it required a collective effort from everyone at the club. The goal was to rebuild the team, restore confidence among the fans, and ultimately secure a return to the Premier League.

The relegation served as a wake-up call for Stoke City, highlighting the need for a fresh approach and a renewed commitment to success. The club embarked on a period of introspection, analyzing the factors that had contributed to their downfall and identifying areas for improvement. The focus was on building a sustainable model for the future, with an emphasis on developing young talent and creating a strong team spirit. The road back to the Premier League was expected to be a long and challenging one, but the club was determined to learn from its mistakes and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Final Thoughts

The 2017/18 season was a season to forget for Stoke City fans. What started with hope ended in disappointment. The managerial changes, the inconsistent performances, and ultimately the relegation, all contributed to a season that the Potters would rather erase from their memory. However, it also served as a harsh lesson and a catalyst for change. The club has since been striving to rebuild and return to the Premier League, hoping to create new and more positive memories for their loyal supporters. Only time will tell if they can achieve their goal.