Stoke City's spirited defender Ben Wilmot has firmly set the team's sights on reaching the Championship play-offs this season, reflecting a robust start and a surge of ambition within the squad. Wilmot's declaration comes after the Potters have kicked off their campaign with a commendable record of four wins and a single defeat, planting them just a whisper behind league leaders Middlesbrough.
It's been a long wait for the Potters, who have drifted since their last top-six finish in the 2007-08 season—a glorious year that saw them promoted to the Premier League. The subsequent years post their 2017-18 relegation haven't been as prosperous, with the club not managing to break into the top half of the table, their best finish being 14th. However, this season's proactive start has reignited dreams of a stellar finish.
With club stalwart Ben Gibson recuperating and eyeing a spot back in the starting XI, Wilmot has stepped up admirably, donning the captain’s armband. He's not just leading by example on the pitch but also anchoring the team's morale, viewing the upcoming fixtures as critical to solidifying Stoke's claim as serious play-off contenders.
Wilmot remarked on the importance of gathering points early in the season to create a "buffer" for later challenges, emphasizing that a strong start on a "level playing field" can make all the difference.
Under Wilmot's leadership, the next few weeks represent a significant phase for Stoke City as they endeavour to climb further up the Championship ladder and fortify their position. With a mix of seasoned guidance and fresh determination, the Potters seem well poised to make a compelling case for a top-six finish.
And finally, here’s a bit of light-hearted banter for our neighbours: How many Port Vale fans does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but they need a Stoke City fan to show them how to get out of the dark first! Keep the spirits high and the goals coming, Stoke City!
