The day after the end of the 2023–24 season Stoke announced that Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark and Wesley would be leaving following the end of their contracts whilst Jordan Thompson had his extended by one-year.[6] Stoke's first signing of the summer was Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Johansson on a three-year deal from Rotherham United.[7] Head of recruitment Jared Dublin left the club in May 2024 and was replaced the following month by Lee Darnbrough from Hull City.[8][9] Defender Ben Gibson was the second player to arrive, joining on a free after leaving Norwich City.[10] French full-back Eric Bocat joined on 26 June 2024 from Belgian side Sint-Truiden.[11] Forward Sam Gallagher joined from Blackburn Rovers on 31 July 2024.[12] in early August it was announced that John Coates had become outright owner of the club following demerger implemented by bet365.[13]
Stoke began their 2024–25 campaign at home against Coventry City, Lewis Baker scoring the only goal with ten minutes remaining.[15] A second half collapse the following week saw Stoke lose 3–0 at Watford with a brace from Edo Kayembe.[16] For the visit of Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion Schumacher gave a first league start for Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas. The Baggies scored early Karlan Grant before Koumas, equalised for his first league goal in professional football. However straight from the kick-off West Brom regained the lead through Josh Maja and they went on to see out the win.[17] On transfer deadline day leaving the club were midfielders Lewis Baker, Daniel Johnson and Josh Laurent whilst joining the team was Japanese defensive midfielder Tatsuki Seko and forward Tom Cannon.[18] Stoke ended August with a 1–0 win at Plymouth Argyle, Million Manhoef scoring past Conor Hazard.[19]
September
Following the international break Stoke put in a poor performance away at newly promoted Oxford United losing 1–0, Idris El Mizouni scoring just after half time.[20][21] Head coach Steven Schumacher was sacked two days later along with his coaching staff.[22] Stoke moved quickly to bring in Spanish coach Narcís Pèlach from Norwich City for his first head coach role.[23] His first game ended in a 3–1 defeat against Hull City with the Tigers scoring three second half goals after Wilmot had given Stoke the lead.[24] City were outplayed by Middlesbrough a week later, losing 2–0 with Boro having 26 shots on Stoke's goal.[25]
October
Stoke earned their first win under Pèlach in emphatic fashion, beating newly promoted Portsmouth 6–1 with Tom Cannon, scoring four goals becoming the first Stoke player to do so since Peter Thorne in March 2000. Gallagher and Moran also scored their first goals for the club.[26] The team then played out a goalless draw away at Swansea City.[27] After the second international break, Stoke took on promotion contenders Norwich City, Ante Crnac gave the Canaries the lead before a curling effort from Manhoef earned Stoke a point.[28] Three days later Stoke hosted Bristol City and despite making a strong start, going 2–0 up from Koumas and Moran the Robins controlled the match and ended up having 28 shots on Johansson's goal with a brace from Nahki Wells bringing them level.[29] Stoke ended October with a 2–0 defeat at promotion favourites Sheffield United.[30]
November
Derby County made the short journey across the A50 and conceded an early penalty after Jacob Widell Zetterström brought down Tom Cannon, who converted from the spot. Stoke gifted the Rams an equaliser follwoing a mix up between Gibson and Johansson before Gibson made amends heading in a late corner.[31] Stoke then travelled to Blackburn, coming away with a 2–0 victory with goals from Manhoef and another penalty from Cannon.[32] City then drew 1–1 with in-form Millwall after Gibson cancelled out Josh Coburn's opener.[33] Following the final international break of the year Stoke drew 1–1 with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road with Žan Celar missing a penalty.[34] Stoke then played out a drab goalless draw with Preston North End who had goalkeeper Freddie Woodman sent off late on for handling outside his area.[35] Stoke ended November with a 2–0 defeat against promotion contenders Burnley.[36]
December
Stoke took early leads against Sunderland and Luton Town but went on to lose 2–1 with late goals pilling the pressure on head coach Narcís Pèlach.[37][38] Stoke again took an early lead at home to Cardiff City through Moran but the Bluebirds equalised via Anwar El Ghazi. Ben Gibson scored an own goal before he headed in a last minute free kick to salvage a 2–2 draw.[39] Stoke then put in an awful performance away at Sheffield Wednesday. In an uneventful first half the Owls had defender Di'Shon Bernard sent off for two bookable offences. Despite playing against ten men for the second half Stoke went on to lose 2–0 with Cannon missing a penalty.[40] Stoke were outplayed by Leeds United on boxing day, losing 2–0.[41] Pèlach was sacked by Stoke on 27 December 2024 after only winning three out of his nineteen games in charge.[42]Ryan Shawcross took caretaker charge of the final game of 2024 against Sunderland, Tom Cannon scoring in the 92nd minute to end Stoke's nine game winless run.[43]
January
On New Year's Day, Stoke appointed Mark Robins on a three-and-a-half year contract, with Paul Nevin and James Rowberry as his assistants.[44] Stoke later, drew 0–0 with promotion chasing Burnley who had Hannibal Mejbri sent off late on for treading on Tchamadeu.[45] Robins' first game in charge was against bottom of the table, Plymouth Argyle which ended in a frustrating goalless draw.[46] Stoke suffered a setback when Leicester decided to recall Tom Cannon and so Nathan Lowe was recalled from a productive spell at Walsall. Lowe sent straing into the starting line-up away at West Bromwich Albion and he scored inside the opening ten minutes, Grady Diangana brought Albion level after and Stoke held on for a 1–1 draw.[47] Left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand was brought in on loan from Manchester City and went into the team to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park. He gave away a penalty after five minutes and Stoke never recovered going on to lose 3–1.[48] Stoke's final match of January saw them play out another drab goalless home draw this time against Oxford United.[49]
Updated to match(es) played on 8 February 2025. Source: EFL Official Website Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head results; 5) Wins; 6) Away goals; 7) Penalty points (sec 9.5); 8) Number of 12-point sending off offences; 9) Play-off (only if needed to determine promotion/relegation)[52]
Stoke City entered the FA Cup in the third round, and were drawn away to Sunderland.[53][54] Stoke progressed 2–1 with an extra time goal from Niall Ennis.[55]
Stoke were drawn away against League Two side Carlisle United in the first round, academy graduates Freddie Anderson and Emre Tezgel each scored their first professional goals for the club in a 2–0 victory.[56] In the second round, Stoke faced Championship rivals Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Stoke fielded their youngest ever team with an average age of under 21 and they put in a clinical performance winning 5–0 with goals from Tezgel, Koumas, Mmaee and a brace from Manhoef.[57]Ryan Shawcross took caretaker charge of the third round tie against Fleetwood Town, managed by Charlie Adam. A late goal from Rhys Bennett sent the tie to penalties after Michael Rose had given Stoke the lead. Johansson saved two Fleetwood pens as Stoke progressed 2–1.[58] Stoke were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Southampton in the fourth round, losing 3–2.
