Advertise on podcast: Potters' Pod: The Official Stoke City Podcast

In this episode of Potters’ Pod, Rob Adcock sits down with Stoke City Assistant Manager James Rowberry for an honest and deeply personal conversation about the journey that brought him to the bet365 Stadium. Rowberry deep dives into the day-to-day of an Assistant Manager and offers a fascinating insight into the analysis, planning and coaching that goes on behind the scenes at a Championship club. He reflects on growing up in Newport, following in his father’s footballing footsteps, and realising at an early age that coaching, rather than playing, would be his future. There are stories from his time at Cardiff City, working alongside some of the game’s biggest characters, including Neil Warnock and Mick McCarthy, plus his experiences with the Wales national team and the pride of representing his country on the international stage. Most poignantly, Rowberry opens up about two life-changing health diagnoses and the tragedies which have altered his perspective on football and life, and how they continue to shape his ambitions today. From family sacrifices and management lessons to trainer collections and promotion dreams, this is a revealing conversation with one of the key figures behind Stoke City’s first-team setup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Midfielder Ethan Galbraith joins Rob Adcock for an open and honest conversation about the journey that has brought him to Stoke City. The Northern Ireland international reflects on growing up in Belfast, the sacrifices his parents made to support his football dream, and the life-changing move that saw him leave home at 16 to join Manchester United. Ethan discusses learning alongside some of the game's biggest names, making his senior international debut at a young age, and the pressures that come with carrying expectations early in a career. He opens up about loan spells that shaped him as a player, a special bond with a Manager who played a key role in his development, and the unforgettable play-off highs and lows that followed. There's also plenty of chat about family life, becoming a dad, life away from football, tattoos with personal significance, trainer collections and why Stoke City feels like the right move at the right time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Stoke City midfielder Svante Ingelsson joins Rob Adcock for a candid and entertaining edition of Potters' Pod.  Ingelsson reflects on growing up in Sweden, scoring goals as a youngster, representing his country alongside future stars such as Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, and making the life-changing decision to leave home for Udinese as a teenager. He opens-up about the challenges of moving to Italy at just 18 years old, coping with serious injuries during the early stages of his career, and why his relationship with wife Wilma helped him navigate life in a new country far from home.  As well as explaining why Stoke City felt like the perfect next step, what attracted him to the Club's ambitions, and what supporters can expect from him this season, Svante also discusses his time in Germany, becoming a father, finding his best form at Sheffield Wednesday, and the experiences that shaped him on and off the pitch.   Along the way, Rob surprises Svante with messages from former coaches, close friends and influential figures from his career, before putting his 14-year relationship to the test in a brand-new Potters' Pod game that may reveal more than he bargained for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sorba Thomas’ journey to Stoke City has been anything but straightforward and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. In this episode of Potters’ Pod, the winger reflects on being named the Club’s Player of the Year and why that recognition from supporters means so much after a season built on relentless work ethic and honesty on the pitch. He discusses growing up in London, the influence of his family, and the early setbacks that shaped his mentality, including the moment he walked away from football entirely before rediscovering his love for the game. Sorba opens up on his unconventional route through non-league, balancing football with jobs in retail and construction, and how those experiences still shape his mindset today. There are insights into his time at Huddersfield, the pain of a play-off final defeat, and what it was like stepping onto the World Cup stage with Wales, which was a dream he’d held since childhood. He also explains why Stoke City feels like a “second home”, the impact of Mark Robins and the dressing room culture, and how he’s embraced both responsibility and expectation as a leader within the squad. There are heartfelt messages from key figures in his journey, reflections on being misunderstood, and plenty of personality from City’s Welsh wizard on the wing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tommy Simkin joins Rob Adcock for this episode of Potters’ Pod to reflect on a remarkable rise through the game, from martial arts world champion to exciting young Stoke City goalkeeper.  Simkin talks through his early life in a fiercely competitive sporting family, the influence of his dad’s martial arts background, and how that shaped the mentality that now defines him on the pitch. He opens-up on his rapid development, including stepping into men’s football at just 16 with Hanley Town, learning his trade out on loan, and the experiences that toughened him up both on and off the pitch.   There’s insight into Wembley heartbreak with Walsall, the realities of the lower-leagues, and how those moments helped shape his mindset. The conversation also covers his journey with England, including what it’s like to be part of an international setup packed with elite talent and the experience of lifting a trophy for his country. Simkin also reflects on breaking into Stoke City’s first team, the role senior players have played in his development, the influence of Viktor Johansson and Frank Fielding and what it means to represent the Potters. There’s also plenty of insight into dressing room culture, life away from football, and the grounded mentality that continues to drive him forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In one of the most open and powerful conversations in Potters’ Pod history, former Stoke City defender Erik Pieters joins Rob Adcock to reflect on a career, and a life, shaped by resilience, perspective and honesty. From growing up in a tiny village in the Netherlands to playing in the Premier League and Champions League, Erik takes us on his journey through football’s highest highs and its most difficult moments. He speaks candidly about career‑defining injuries, missed international tournaments, and how learning to process emotion has reshaped the way he views both football and life. There’s extensive reflection on his six years at Stoke City; why the club immediately felt like home, what made the Mark Hughes era dressing room so special, and how a core group of leaders helped redefine the Potters’ identity in the Premier League. Erik also shares memories of playing alongside and learning from true club legends, and why those years now feel even more special with the benefit of hindsight. Away from the pitch, Erik opens up about retirement, identity after football, family life, and the most challenging period he and his wife have faced, a story he tells with remarkable honesty in the hope it helps others. He explains why speaking out matters, why “real men do cry”, and why mental health support must continue to evolve in the modern game. This is a thoughtful, emotional and deeply human episode, one that goes far beyond football, while remaining rooted in everything that made Erik’s time at Stoke City so meaningful.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoke City striker Robert Bozenik steps up for his episode of Potters’ Picks, choosing his dream XI from across a career that’s already taken him through five countries and the heart of the Slovakia national team setup. Rob talks us through the players who shaped him, including a national team skipper, a Premier League mainstay, and a midfielder he says is “impossible to defend against”. There’s even a surprise inclusion for one attacking role… and a very familiar face leading the line. Rob shares stories of life inside the Slovakia camp, reflects on his development at Stoke City, and explains how a certain Dutch icon from his Feyenoord days ended up influencing his game more than anyone else. If you want more from Rob, including his journey from Slovakia to the bet365 Stadium, adapting to life in England, and the teammates who’ve helped shape him, you’ll also find his full Potters’ Pod interview in this feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a small Slovakian village near the Polish border to the roar of 55,000 fans in Rotterdam, Robert Bozenik’s journey to Stoke City has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of Potters’ Pod, the striker opens up about the values instilled in him from childhood; hard work, humility and never expecting anything for free, and how they shaped the player Potters fans see today. Robert reflects on his rapid rise at Žilina, a whirlwind move to Feyenoord as a teenager, and the tough injury spells that taught him resilience and patience. He talks candidly about life in Portugal, learning new languages, regaining his rhythm at Boavista, and why swapping sunshine for Staffordshire rain felt like the right step at the perfect time. From bonding with Viktor Johansson through injury rehab, to linking up with compatriot Tomas Rigo, Robert shares why he felt “at home” at Stoke from day one. There’s insight into the dressing room’s biggest characters, the teammates he’d least like to face as an opponent, and what he’s learned from legends like Steven Nzonzi and the club’s coaching staff. There’s even a story about pastries, Portuguese hospital conversations, and an ill‑fitting pair of trousers that changed his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoke City defender Ashley Phillips returns to the mic to build the ultimate five‑a‑side showdown. Ashley selects two teams of five: one made up of the best teammates he’s ever shared a pitch with, and the other formed from the toughest opponents he’s faced in his young career. Expect bold calls, surprise inclusions and a few nods to his time at Stoke City. There’s a surprise choice between the posts, a midfield maestro destined for the very top, and one former Premier League Golden Boot winner who had Ashley scrambling in training. On the opponents’ side, Ashley lifts the lid on marking a much‑debated England international, chasing shadows against a veteran Premier League striker, and the moment he almost asked a Premier League winner for their shirt.Away from the teams, Ashley reveals: Why his dream fixture takes place under the arch at Wembley The superstar he selects for halftime entertainment How the pace, personality and professionalism of elite players have shaped his own development His pride in returning to Stoke City and why the club already feels like home Packed with character, honesty and a few brilliant stories from inside the dressing room, it’s a must‑listen for Stoke City fans and anyone following Ashley’s rapid rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special International Women’s Day edition of Potters’ Pod, we shine a spotlight on women playing an integral role at Stoke City — on and off the pitch. Host Sam Fletcher sits down with four leaders from across the club: •⁠ ⁠Steph Wakelin, Women’s & Girls’ Performance Director •⁠ ⁠Sarah Richardson, Women’s First Team Head Coach •⁠ ⁠Laura Nicholls, Director of Community Engagement •⁠ ⁠Clare Buckley‑Prescott, Head of Safety Operations Together, they reflect on their journeys into football; from childhood dreams to unexpected career pivots and the barriers, biases, and breakthroughs that have defined their paths. They discuss the changing landscape for girls and women in the sport, the power of visibility, and why leadership should never be defined by gender. There are stories of resilience, sacrifices made by families, imposter syndrome, and the pinch‑me moments that remind the quartet of how far both they and the game have come. They share the pride they feel in representing Stoke City, the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation, and the advice they would give to young girls who dream of working in football. It’s an honest, thought-provoking and inspiring conversation about determination, identity, community, and the women helping shape a more inclusive future for the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoke City goalkeeper Frank Fielding joins Rob Adcock for a brilliantly unpredictable edition of Potters’ Picks. And true to form, his all-time XI is packed with personality and stories of the characters which make up a team from the stopper’s career.Opting for a classic 4‑4‑2, Fielding digs into a career spent across the Premier League and EFL to assemble a team full of leaders and cult heroes. You can expect: A surprise choice in goal based on years of shared dressing‑rooms A centre‑back pairing featuring a born leader and a future England international A midfielder whose pre‑match routine is the stuff of legend A winger whose raw talent never stopped turning heads And a front line featuring two forwards with totally different, but equally unforgettable, stories Frank also picks the perfect ‘proper’ football ground to host his dream match, debates the essentials of a matchday kiosk (including a passionate case for Bovril), and reveals the one type of pie he absolutely will not entertain. Full of warmth, nostalgia and typical Fielding humour, this episode offers Stoke fans a brilliant insight into the teammates, tales and moments that shaped his journey.If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review or share it with a fellow Stokie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Potters’ Picks is here! A brand new companion series to Potters’ Pod, giving Stoke City players and favourites the chance to build the ultimate fantasy football match. In the inaugural episode, Aaron Cresswell steps up to create his dream all‑time XI from almost two decades in the professional game and a career that spans more than 600 matches, more than half of which were played in the Premier League. With plenty of difficult decisions to make in a star-studded line-up, the former England international has built a team stacked with talent and character. He and host Rob Adcock go beyond the pitch too, deciding on: Where in the world this one‑off match is played and why The half‑time food and drink every fan should be allowed to enjoy Who delivers the half‑time show Which manager is trusted to lead this star‑studded XI A post-match night out only Vegas could handle It’s not just names you’ll hear from the Potters’ defender, expect stories from his time as a Hammers’ hero, Three Lions camps, and the dressing rooms that shaped his career, with plenty of nods to Stoke City connections. In a career littered with success at the highest level, the high calibre defender also has the dilemma of whether to include himself in his XI. If you enjoy the first ever Potters’ Picks, don’t forget to leave a review and share it with a fellow Stoke fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley Phillips’ footballing life has, at every turn, been characterised by the need to learn life lessons, and do it fast.   In this episode of Potters’ Pod, the defender reflects on growing up in Salford, the sacrifices his mum made to help him chase a football dream, and the moment he realised he needed to push himself if he wanted to make it as a professional. He talks through his breakthrough at Blackburn, saying ‘no’ to Spurs before ultimately joining the Premier League giants a year later and how he adjusted, at the age of 18, to life in London.  Ashley discusses learning from elite players at the Lilywhites and why regular first team football continues to be key to his development. He explains the circumstances surrounding each of his two loan moves to Stoke, including the exclusive feat in the modern-day game of keeping his signing a secret until the moment it was announced. Phillips speaks of why the dressing room environment makes the Potters feel like home and why he is infinitely grateful to club legend Ryan Shawcross. Away from the pitch, there’s plenty of talk about gaming, an NFL obsession, darts, digs, and the friendships he has formed through football.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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