2008–09 Stoke City F.C. season

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Stoke City
2008–09 season
Chairman Peter Coates
Manager Tony Pulis
Premier League 12th (45 Points)
FA Cup Third Round
League Cup Quarter Final
Top goalscorer League: Ricardo Fuller (11)
All: Ricardo Fuller (11)
Highest home attendance 27,500 (capacity, 9 times)
Lowest home attendance 25,287 vs Fulham (13 December 2008)
Average home league attendance 26,954
Home colours
Away colours
← 2007–08 2009–10 →

The 2008–09 season was Stoke City's first season in the Premier League and the 53rd in the top tier of English football.

After gaining promotion to the Premier League for the first time, Stoke were immediately tipped to go straight back down by the media. Dave Kitson became the first signing and he was followed by Seyi Olofinjana, Thomas Sørensen, Amdy Faye, Abdoulaye Faye and the returning Danny Higginbotham. Stoke started the campaign at Bolton Wanderers and were dealt a harsh reality check losing 3–1. Stoke's first home game in the Premier League produced an exciting 3–2 win over Aston Villa with Mamady Sidibé getting the winner in the 93rd minute. Stoke claimed an valuable point away at title challenges Liverpool in September and earned wins over Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion in October and November with Rory Delap's long throw-ins causing defenses problems.

Stoke hit poor form in December failing to win a match and had to deal with an embarrassing on-field clash between team-mates Ricardo Fuller and captain Andy Griffin away at West Ham United. In January Stoke brought in James Beattie and Matthew Etherington who proved to be influential signings. Beattie scored the only goal as Stoke ended a run of nine-matches without a win at the end of January against Man City. Stoke continued to improve and pulled clear of the relegation zone with important victories over Bolton, Middlesbrough and West Brom. Stoke sealed survival with a 2–1 victory away at Hull City in May 2009. Stoke ended their first season in the Premier League in 12th position with 45 points.

Pre-season

Stoke began their preparations for the 2008–09 season with the traditional opener at Newcastle Town. City won 3–0 with goals coming from Richard Cresswell, Jon Parkin and Adam Rooney. Stoke then travelled to Austria for their pre-season training camp, where they also played two games. The first was against German side Nuremberg in Stainach, Greek forward Angelos Charisteas scored the only goal of the match. The second was against the Bahrain national team, a rare club versus country match. Stoke won 2–1 with the goals coming from Cresswell and Pericard while Ismail Abdul-Latif replied for the Arabic nation.

On their return to England Stoke travelled to League Two Notts County and came away with a 2–0 win thanks to a brace from Mamady Sidibé. Stoke kept their winning run going as they visited Shrewsbury Town's new stadium the New Meadow for the first time, Cresswell scoring the winning goal after 68 minutes.

Stoke's final away fixture saw them make the long trip down to Southampton. Stoke took the lead through new signing Dave Kitson, David McGoldrick levelled before Pericard scored from distance. Stern John pulled The Saints level again but Stoke were not to be denied as Jamie Hatch scored an own goal. Stoke's final friendly saw them take on Spanish side Osasuna in what was an entertaining 2–2 draw. Delap and Shawcross scored for city while Walter Pandiani and Javad Nekounam scored for Osasuna.

Match Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers Report
1 18 July 2008 Newcastle Town A 3–0 3,011 Cresswell 16', Parkin 32', Rooney 66' Report
2 22 July 2008 Nürnberg A 0–1 Report
3 25 July 2008 Bahrain N 2–1 Cresswell 29', Péricard 75' Report
4 29 July 2008 Notts County A 2–0 2,425 Sidibé (2) 15', 21' Report
5 2 August 2008 Shrewsbury Town A 1–0 2,450 Cresswell 68' Report
6 5 August 2008 Southampton A 3–2 5,040 Kitson 2', Péricard 74', Hatch (o.g.) 80' Report
7 8 August 2008 Osasuna H 2–2 5,419 Shawcross 27', Delap 45' Report

Premier League

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Main article: 2008–09 Premier League

August

Stoke began their long awaited first match in the Premier League and first in the top-flight for 23 years away at Gary Megson's Bolton Wanderers. Manager Tony Pulis gave debuts to new signings Thomas Sørensen, Seyi Olofinjana and record £5 million man Dave Kitson. Stoke made a bright start and went close to opening the scoring through Leon Cort and Kitson. However, out of nowhere Bolton took the lead through Grétar Steinsson as his attempted cross curled in to the Stoke net. This knocked all the momentum out of Stoke and Bolton took full advantage and scored twice through Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander to put Wanderers 3–0 up at half-time. Stoke tried to get back into the game and did manage to score a consolation from Ricardo Fuller in the final few seconds of the match.[1]

Stoke's first home match in the Premier League came against Aston Villa in front of 27,500 at the Brit as Senegalese duo Abdoulaye Faye and Amdy Faye made their debuts. Both sides made a positive start and Stoke took the lead in the 30th minute when Liam Lawrence scored from the spot after Martin Laursen had brought down Rory Delap. Villa pulled level in second half through John Carew before Fuller put Stoke back in front with a quality goal, Gareth Barry's stray pass was intercepted by Delap who passed to Lawrence who fed in Fuller and the Jamaican 'swivelled' past Laursen and scored. The lead didn't last long as Stoke failed to deal with an Ashley Young free kick and Laursen made amends for his earlier errors. Stoke were not to be denied victory as in the final minute a trade mark Delap throw in was headed in by Mamady Sidibé to give Stoke a 3–2 win.[2]

Stoke next travelled to Middlesbrough for the first time since 1997. The match was an even affair until the 36th minute when Amdy Faye was sent off for a dangerous two footed tackle on Mohamed Shawky. From the resulting free kick Afonso Alves put Middlesbrough into the lead against the run of play. Boro had the chance to make sure of the win mid way through the second half after Abdoulaye Faye fouled Alves in the area but Stewart Downing hit the crossbar from the resulting spot kick. Stoke then equalised after Justin Hoyte put a Lawrence cross in to his own net. However Turkish striker Tuncay Şanlı beat the offside trap and gave Boro the win.[3]

September

For the visit of Everton there were debuts for Ibrahima Sonko and the return of Danny Higginbotham. It was also the first live televised match of the season. Stoke made the better start with Fuller testing Tim Howard early on. It was Everton though who opened the scoring though Nigerian striker Yakubu just before half time and five minutes after the restart it became 2–0 as another Nigerian, Victor Anichebe, headed in. Stoke pulled one back through a Nigerian of their own when Olofinjana volleyed in after the Everton defence failed to clear a Delap throw. City thought they had equalised moments later when Fuller went through and rounded 'keeper Howard but he was penalised for a foul on Yobo. They were level soon though as Phil Jagielka headed a Delap throw into his own net. Everton thought they should have had a penalty when Cort handled in the area but the referee deemed it outside the box which resulted in David Moyes been sent to the stands for his protest. Tim Cahill headed Everton back in front and the Toffees held out for the points.[4]

Stoke completed the Merseyside double with a trip to Anfield. Liverpool went into the match in fine form and it looked to be a very difficult task for Stoke to come away with anything. Stoke made a bad start as Steven Gerrard's free kick found the back of the net, luckily for Stoke the linesman ruled the goal out for offside. Liverpool had numerous chances to take the lead but Stoke's defence held firm and came away with an impressive 0–0.[5]

Title favourites Chelsea next came the Britannia Stadium and produced a commanding performance with two goals from José Bosingwa and Nicolas Anelka. Stoke rarely troubled Chelsea 'keeper Petr Čech in what was a simple win for the away side.[6]

October

Steve Simonsen and Michael Tonge made their first starts of the season away at Portsmouth. Peter Crouch acrobatically fired Pompey into the lead from Jermain Defoe's cross after 24 minutes at a time when the Potters were slightly on top of the game. Ricardo Fuller forced home an equaliser just after the break, but Defoe secured all three points for the hosts just three minutes later when he beat Simonsen at his near post with a low drive.[7]

Juande Ramos's Tottenham travelled to Stoke in what turned out to be a match full of incident. The first came after 17 minutes when Gareth Bale fouled Tom Soares in the area and received a red card, Higginbotham scored from the spot after having to reset the ball four times due to strong winds. Spurs then equalised through Darren Bent before Delap gave City the lead early in the second half. Goalkeeper Sorensen was then forced off due to injury and also Vedran Corluka who collided with his own keeper Gomes. Due to these injuries 11 minutes of stoppage time would be required, Stoke had the chance to end the match when Soares was again brought down in the box but Fuller's spot kick hit both posts and Delaps rebound hit the cross bar. Spurs were reduced to nine men when Michael Dawson lunged nastily at Sidibé.[8]

Stoke made their first trip to the City of Manchester Stadium and were undone by £32 million Brazilian Robinho who scored a hat-trick. City did have their chances put were unable to beat Joe Hart.[9]

The first Tuesday night match in the Premier League came at home against Roy Keane's Sunderland who had beaten rivals Newcastle United at the weekend. It proved to be a very tight affair with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances. Stoke scored the only goal of the game when Fuller out jumped Dean Whitehead to head in another Delap throw-in.[10]

November

Arsenal visited the Britannia Stadium at the beginning of November and was another match full of incident. The first came after just eleven minutes when Fuller's delicate touch from a Delap long throw put City in the lead. Arsenal rarely threatened Sorensen as they struggled to deal with Stoke's greater power and strength. They conceded again from a Delap throw on 73 minutes when Olofinjana bundled the ball past Almunia. Arsenal's misery was complete when Van Persie was sent off for needlessly barging into Sorensen, leaving him requiring assistance from the physio. Gaël Clichy's deflected freekick gave the Gunners a consolation deep in stoppage time.[11] After the match Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger accused Stoke of being overly aggressive in their play, Pulis responded to Wenger's criticism by quoting Abraham Lincoln.[12]

Stoke went to Wigan still looking for their first away win in the Premier League however the home side were full of confidence and had Egyptian striker Amr Zaki in fine form. Athletic dominated the match and managed to have 22 shots to City's 2, the combination of Sorensen and some wayward Wigan shooting Stoke managed a useful scoreless draw.[13]

Stoke then made short trip to Manchester United in what turned out to be a poor game for City as the reigning champions scored five times without reply. Goals from Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck and two free-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo condemned Stoke to a heavy defeat.[14]

After the heavy defeat at Old Trafford Stoke came up against Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion. It was a poor match with few scoring opportunities but Stoke did manage to get the only goal of the game when Mamady Sidibé converted Danny Higginbotham's inch perfect centre with just five minutes remaining, to maintain City's exceptional winning record against the Baggies, and also lifted City up to 13th place in the Premier League.[15]

Surprise package Hull City arrived at the Britannia Stadium which was covered by fog. Stoke dominated most the match and should have scored in the first half, however it was the away side who opened the scoring through Marlon King just before half time. Boaz Myhill made a number of impressive saves to keep Hull ahead but he gave away a penalty when he fouled Fuller in the area and the Jamaican made the scores level. City pressed for the winner but the Tigers held out for a 1–1 draw.[16] One bizarre moment of the match came when Hull substitute Dean Windass was shown a yellow card by referee Keith Stroud without coming on to the pitch, after he began to warm-up to close to Delap who was preparing to take a throw-in.[17]

December

Michael Owen scored twice for Newcastle United in the first 25 minutes of City's next match as St James' Park. Stoke improved greatly in the second half and when Ricardo Fuller was brought off the bench the game started to change and moments later he set up Sidibé for a simple tap in. Stoke had a number of chances to pull level and the equaliser came in stoppage time when former 'Castle player Abdoulaye Faye converted a Whelan free kick to earn Stoke a 2–2 draw.[18]

Stoke drew for the third game in a row when Fulham made the trip to the Britannia, it was a poor game of football with Richard Cresswell coming the closest to opening the scoring. Sidibé suffered a serious injury after just a few minutes of the match which ruled him out until the end of February.[19] There was an unsavory moment in the match when Fulham defender John Paintsil theatrically threw himself to the ground after minimal contact from Ricardo Fuller. Fuller branded Paintsil's actions as "disgraceful".[20]

Over 5,000 Stoke fans traveled to Blackburn Rovers as the club put on free coach travel, Pulis named an unusual starting eleven which included back-up 'keeper Steve Simonsen, Ryan Shawcross at right back and reserve striker Vincent Péricard starting. Rovers had new manager Sam Allardyce making his home debut and his team took control of the match early on. Sonko clumsily brought down Pedersen and Benni McCarthy made no mistake from the spot. Jason Roberts added a second before McCarthy made it 3–0 before half time. Only Steve Simonsen prevented Rovers adding more in the second half.[21]

On Boxing day Stoke took on Manchester United in what was a bad tempered affair. Carlos Tevez scored the only goal for the away side in the second half, after Andy Wilkinson had been sent off for two bookable offences.[22]

Stoke made the trip to West London for their match against West Ham still looking for their first away win. City made the best possible start when Abdoulaye Faye powerfully headed in after just 4 minutes. It became a tight game for the remainder of the first half and City went in at the break a goal up. However Carlton Cole equalized for the Hammers after some poor defending from Andy Griffin. Following West Ham's goal, Fuller argued with Griffin, before slapping the Stoke captain's face. Mike Jones gave Fuller a straight red for violent conduct and West Ham went on to win the match 2–1, Diego Tristán earning the Hammers the three points.[23][24] On 1 January 2009, Tony Pulis confirmed that Fuller and Griffin had "kissed and made up" after a team meeting. Fuller said Griffin had been "very rude and disrespectful", but accepted that his actions had been worse.[25][26]

January

After their embarrassing exit to Hartlepool United in the FA Cup Stoke took on title challengers Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium. Pulis gave new signing Matthew Etherington his debut as Stoke made a bright start to the match. Firstly Delap hit the crossbar from seven yards and then Shawcross put the ball past Reina but the goal was ruled out for offside. Liverpool rarely threatened up until the final few minutes when Gerrard hit the woodwork twice, and the match finished in a 0–0 draw.[27]

James Beattie made his Stoke debut against Chelsea following his transfer from Sheffield United. Stoke suffered a blow early into the match as both Amdy Faye and Danny Higginbotham had to depart due to injury. Stoke took a surprise lead in the 60th minute when Delap broke free and beat Cech. Stoke thought they had done enough to claim victory but in the 88th minute Chelsea equalised though Juliano Belletti then Frank Lampard scored with the final kick of the game to give Stoke a bitter defeat.[28]

Stoke went in the game at Tottenham looking for their first win since the beginning of December. However any hopes of getting a result were ended in the first half as Spurs took control ruthlessly and went in at half time 3–0 in the lead. Stoke did manage to gain a consolation in the second half when Beattie scored his first goal for the club.[29]

Manchester City made the trip to the Britannia and the end of January and made a bright start with Robinho and Stephen Ireland going closest. Delap was sent off in the 38th minute when he kicked the ball at Shaun Wright-Phillips after the Man City player fouled Etherington. Stoke took the lead against the run of play in the 45th minute when Beattie out jumped Wayne Bridge and headed past Joe Hart. Man City controlled the second half but never managed to score the equaliser and Stoke gained a valuable three points.[30]

February

Stoke were boosted by two transfer deadline day captures with the loans of Birmingham's Stephen Kelly and Wigan's Henri Camara. Stoke suffered a major blow after just 30 minutes in the match in Wearside when Pulis had to make three substitutions all due to injury. Sunderland took the lead in the second half through a typical Kenwyne Jones header Camara then managed to hit the crossbar from just four yard's. Etherington was sent off for needlessly tripping Danny Collins and David Healy gave Sunderland a 2–0 win.[31]

The match against Portsmouth came alive in the final 15 minutes, Kranjcar gave Pompey the lead and from the restart Stoke were awarded a penalty after Glen Johnson handled in the area. Beattie scored to bring Stoke back level, he scored again just two minutes later after he headed in a Danny Pugh cross. With Stoke set for a much needed three points Shawcross under pressure from Hreidarsson sliced the ball in his own net to give Pompey a point.[32]

March

Abdoulaye Faye was ruled out of the match against Aston Villa meaning that an unfamiliar back pairing of Sonko and Higginbotham started. In the first half Villa dominated and it became only a matter of time before they scored, it came on the stroke of half time through Bulgarian Stiliyan Petrov. Sorensen injured himself trying to save Petrov's goal and was replaced at half time by Simonsen. Stoke were improved second half but couldn't score the equaliser, and the game looked finished after 80 minutes as John Carew fired Villa in to a 2–0 lead. Stoke continued to push forward though and went close through Shawcross and Whelan who hit the post, Stoke did pull one back in the 88th minute when Shawcross headed in a cross from Beattie. Remarkably Stoke managed to score again in the final minute as Glenn Whelan's volley beat Brad Friedel to claim an unlikely 2–2 draw.[33]

Bolton were next opponents for Stoke and should have taken the lead trough Elmander after 11 minutes. City responded in cynical fashion though and took the lead with their first chance of the game just three minutes later. Gary Megson's side failed to deal with Abdoulaye Faye's long ball forward and Whelan nipped in to head the ball through to Beattie, and he made no mistake from ten yards by easily placing the ball past the helpless Jussi Jaaskelainen. Both sides continued to create and miss chances as the game became an entertaining affair. Stoke sealed the win when Fuller took advantage of Wanderers failing to clear a Delap throw in.[34]

Stoke made the trip to Goodison Park for the first time since 1985 still looking for their first away win in the Premier League. The Toffees took control early on and goals from Brazilian Jô and Joleon Lescott gave the home side a 2–0 half-time lead. Stoke responded in the second half through a Shawcross header and came close to getting an equaliser but Marouane Fellaini made the points safe for Everton in added time.[35]

Stoke then faced Middlesbrough in a relegation clash at the Britannia Stadium. It was a scrappy encounter and with the game seemingly destined for a draw Stoke scored through Shawcross via a Delap throw to give Stoke a vital three points and leave Boro rooted in the bottom three.[36]

April

Stoke made the short trip to West Brom and made a flying start with Fuller scoring after just 80 seconds, Stoke went on to dominate the hosts and only Scott Carson keeping the home side in the match. Stoke sealed their first Premier League away win after Beattie curled his shot by Carson.[37]

Relegation-threatened Newcastle United along with their new manager Alan Shearer were the next side to come to the Britannia Stadium, Newcastle struggled throughout and Stoke took the lead after 33 minutes when former Newcastle player Abdoulaye Faye powerfully headed in a Liam Lawrence corner. Stoke had a number of chances to score the second but were unable to find the net. Newcastle claimed a lucky point with ten minutes remaining through Andy Carroll.[38]

Stoke then faced another relegation-threatened side in the form of Blackburn Rovers. It became a scrappy affair with little shots on goal. The only goal came after 75 minutes when Liam Lawrence drilled the ball past Paul Robinson to send Stoke eight points above the relegation zone.[39]

Stoke made the trip to the capital to face in form Fulham; the home side took control of the match early into the match and took the lead in the 29th minute through Erik Nevland. Stoke were much improved in the second half and a number of chances to level but the match finished 1–0 to Europe-bound Fulham.[40]

May

West Ham were next to arrive at Stoke and became the first team to win at the Britannia Stadium in 2009. The match was a very tight affair with on the only goal being scored by a Diego Tristan free-kick after 33 minutes.[41]

A win away at Hull City would confirm survival for Stoke with two games remaining and with Phil Brown's side also looking for vital points in order to climb out of the relegation zone. It turned out to be a very entertaining match with both sides going all out for the win, it was City though who took the lead. Lawrence put in a dangerous ball which fell through to Fuller, and he pounced from 6 yards to slam the ball into the bottom corner of Boaz Myhill's goal. Hull came out fighting in the second half and brought on Geovanni, Manucho, and Bernard Mendy in an attempt to draw level. However it was Stoke who kept creating chances with Whelan's half volley hitting the crossbar. Stoke sealed their survival with a long-range goal from Liam Lawrence on 73 minutes. Hull scored a consolation through an Andy Dawson free kick in the final minute.[42]

The season's penultimate game was against Wigan Athletic at home. The match was played in a relaxed atmosphere and was an entertaining game. Stoke won 2–0 thanks to a trademark sole goal from Fuller and a well worked goal from James Beattie.[43]

The final game of the 2008–09 season came at Arsenal with Stoke making their first trip to the Emirates Stadium. Stoke lost 4–1 with all the goals coming in the first half. An own goal from Beattie opened the scoring for Arsenal with further goals from Abou Diaby and a brace from Robin van Persie. Stoke's goal came from a Fuller penalty after he was brought down in the area by a cynical foul by Denilson.[44]

Results

Match Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers Report
1 16 August 2008 Bolton Wanderers A 1–3 22,717 Fuller 90' Report
2 23 August 2008 Aston Villa H 3–2 27,500 Lawrence 30' (pen), Fuller 80', Sidibé 90' Report
3 30 August 2008 Middlesbrough A 1–2 27,627 Hoyte 71' (o.g.) Report
4 14 September 2008 Everton H 2–3 27,415 Olofinjana 55', Jagielka 63' (o.g.) Report
5 20 September 2008 Liverpool A 0–0 43,931 Report
6 27 September 2008 Chelsea H 0–2 27,500 Report
7 5 October 2008 Portsmouth A 1–2 19,248 Fuller 48' Report
8 19 October 2008 Tottenham Hotspur H 2–1 27,500 Higginbotham 19' (pen), Delap 53' Report
9 26 October 2008 Manchester City A 0–3 44,624 Report
10 29 October 2008 Sunderland H 1–0 26,731 Fuller 73' Report
11 1 November 2008 Arsenal H 2–1 26,704 Fuller 11', Olofinjana 73' Report
12 8 November 2008 Wigan Athletic A 0–0 15,881 Report
13 15 November 2008 Manchester United A 0–5 75,369 Report
14 22 November 2008 West Bromwich Albion H 1–0 26,613 Sidibé 84' Report
15 29 November 2008 Hull City H 1–1 27,500 Fuller 73' (pen) Report
16 6 December 2008 Newcastle United A 2–2 47,422 Sidibé 60', Faye 90' Report
17 13 December 2008 Fulham H 0–0 25,287 Report
18 20 December 2008 Blackburn Rovers A 0–3 23,004 Report
19 26 December 2008 Manchester United H 0–1 27,500 Report
20 28 December 2008 West Ham United A 1–2 34,477 Faye 4' Report
21 10 January 2009 Liverpool H 0–0 27,500 Report
22 17 January 2009 Chelsea A 1–2 41,778 Delap 60' Report
23 27 January 2009 Tottenham Hotspur A 1–3 36,072 Beattie 57' Report
24 31 January 2009 Manchester City H 1–0 27,236 Beattie 45' Report
25 7 February 2009 Sunderland A 0–2 38,350 Report
26 21 February 2009 Portsmouth H 2–2 26,354 Beattie (2) 78' (pen), 80' Report
27 1 March 2009 Aston Villa A 2–2 39,641 Shawcross 88', Whelan 90' Report
28 4 March 2009 Bolton Wanderers H 2–0 26,319 Beattie 14', Fuller 73' Report
29 14 March 2009 Everton A 1–3 36,396 Shawcross 52' Report
30 21 March 2009 Middlesbrough H 1–0 26,442 Shawcross 84' Report
31 4 April 2009 West Bromwich Albion A 2–0 26,277 Fuller 2', Beattie 49' Report
32 11 April 2009 Newcastle United H 1–1 27,382 Faye 33' Report
33 18 April 2009 Blackburn Rovers H 1–0 27,500 Lawrence 75' Report
34 25 April 2009 Fulham A 0–1 24,997 Report
35 2 May 2009 West Ham United H 0–1 27,500 Report
36 9 May 2009 Hull City A 2–1 24,932 Fuller 41', Lawrence 73' Report
37 16 May 2009 Wigan Athletic H 2–0 25,641 Fuller 69', Beattie 76' Report
38 24 May 2009 Arsenal A 1–4 60,082 Fuller 31' (pen) Report

Final league table

Pos
 Team
 Pld
 W
 D
 L
 GF
 GA
 GD
 Pts
 Qualification or relegation
1 Manchester United (C) 38 28 6 4 68 24 +44 90 2009–10 UEFA Champions League Group stage
2 Liverpool 38 25 11 2 77 27 +50 86
3 Chelsea 38 25 8 5 68 24 +44 83
4 Arsenal 38 20 12 6 68 37 +31 72 2009–10 UEFA Champions League Play-off round
5 Everton 38 17 12 9 55 37 +18 63 2009–10 UEFA Europa League Play-off round
6 Aston Villa 38 17 11 10 54 48 +6 62
7 Fulham 38 14 11 13 39 34 +5 53 2009–10 UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round
8 Tottenham Hotspur 38 14 9 15 45 45 0 51
9 West Ham United 38 14 9 15 42 45 −3 51
10 Manchester City 38 15 5 18 58 50 +8 50
11 Wigan Athletic 38 12 9 17 34 45 −11 45
12 Stoke City 38 12 9 17 38 55 −17 45
13 Bolton Wanderers 38 11 8 19 41 53 −12 41
14 Portsmouth 38 10 11 17 38 57 −19 41
15 Blackburn Rovers 38 10 11 17 40 60 −20 41
16 Sunderland 38 9 9 20 34 54 −20 36
17 Hull City 38 8 11 19 39 64 −25 35
18 Newcastle United (R) 38 7 13 18 40 59 −19 34 Relegation to Football League Championship 2009–10
19 Middlesbrough (R) 38 7 11 20 28 57 −29 32
20 West Bromwich Albion (R) 38 8 8 22 36 67 −31 32

Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored
For further information on European qualification see Premier League–Qualification for European competitions.
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (E) = Eliminated; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.
Only applicable when the season is not finished:
(Q) = Qualified to the phase of tournament indicated; (TQ) = Qualified to tournament, but not yet to the particular phase indicated; (RQ) = Qualified to the relegation tournament indicated; (DQ) = Disqualified from tournament.

FA Cup

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Main article: 2008–09 FA Cup

Stoke were drawn against League One Hartlepool United in the third round of the FA Cup. Manager Pulis decided to field a largely reserve side with the likes of Andy Davies, Ibrahima Sonko, Tom Soares, Michael Tonge all getting rare run outs. However that decision backfired as Stoke were awful and Hartlepool claimed a shock 2–0 victory with goals from Michael Nelson and a wonder goal from David Foley.[45]

Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers Report
R3 3 January 2009 Hartlepool United A 0–2 5,367 Report

League Cup

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Main article: 2008–09 Football League Cup

Stoke manager Tony Pulis made a large number of changes for the game at Cheltenham to give the Stoke side a largely reserve look. It turned out to an entertaining game as Stoke opened the scoring at the beginning of the second half through a Glenn Whelan freekick. It was 2–0 three minutes later when Richard Cresswell outpaced the Cheltenham defence and rounded Robins keeper Shane Higgs. Ashley Vincent gave Cheltenham hope before Jon Parkin sealed the win for Stoke. Alex Russell scored a consolation for the home side deep in to added time.[46]

Stoke took on Championship side Reading in the third round of the League Cup and took the lead through Pericard after nine minutes. James Henry pulled the Royals level from the spot before Sidibé but Stoke back in front. However Henry scored again to send the tie into extra time. There was no more goals meaning the a penalty shootout would be required, Leroy Lita missed his decisive spot kick and Stoke went through.[47]

Rotherham United made it through to face City in the fourth round and posed an early threat to a largely reserve Stoke side in what was a bright opening 10 minutes by the League Two side. However City took control of the game and took the lead after 21 minutes though another Whelan freekick which left Andy Warrington with no chance of saving. Stoke sealed their place in the quarter final of the League Cup for the first time since 1978 when Danny Pugh scored his first goal for the club.[48]

Stoke faced Derby in the quarters and it proved to be very frustrating night for the home side as with just ten seconds remaining Rob Styles adjudged former Ram Andy Griffin to have handled the ball inside the penalty area in the 93rd minute, and Nathan Ellington stepped up to send Derby through.[49]

Round Date Opponent Venue Result Attendance Scorers Report
R2 26 August 2008 Cheltenham Town A 3–2 3,600 Whelan 51', Cresswell 54', Parkin 78' Report
R3 23 September 2008 Reading H 2–2 (4–3 pens) 9,141 Péricard 9', Sidibé 50' Report
R4 11 November 2008 Rotherham United H 2–0 15,458 Whelan 21', Pugh 59' Report
Quarter Final 2 December 2008 Derby County H 0–1 22,034 Report

Squad statistics

No. Pos. Name League FA Cup League Cup Total Discipline
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Yellow card.svg Red card.svg
1 GK England Steve Simonsen 3(2) 0 1 0 4 0 8(2) 0 1 0
2 DF England Andy Griffin (c) 17(3) 0 0 0 1 0 18(3) 0 4 0
3 DF England Danny Higginbotham 28 1 0 0 2 0 30 1 1 0
4 MF Nigeria Seyi Olofinjana 14(4) 2 1 0 2 0 17(4) 2 2 0
5 DF England Leon Cort 9(2) 0 0 0 2(1) 0 11(3) 0 0 0
6 MF Republic of Ireland Glenn Whelan 21(5) 1 1 0 4 2 26(5) 3 3 0
7 MF Republic of Ireland Liam Lawrence 18(2) 3 0(1) 0 1 0 19(3) 3 8 0
8 FW England Jon Parkin 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
8 MF England Tom Soares 5(2) 0 1 0 0 0 6(2) 0 0 0
9 FW England Richard Cresswell 11(19) 0 0 0 4 1 15(19) 1 3 0
10 FW Jamaica Ricardo Fuller 25(9) 11 0 0 1(2) 0 26(11) 11 9 1
11 FW Mali Mamady Sidibé 17(5) 3 0 0 2 1 19(5) 4 1 0
12 FW England Dave Kitson 10(6) 0 0(1) 0 1 0 11(7) 0 2 0
14 MF England Danny Pugh 9(8) 0 0 0 2(1) 1 11(9) 1 1 0
15 FW France Vincent Péricard 1(3) 0 1 0 3 1 5(3) 1 1 0
16 DF Scotland Dominic Matteo 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 0 0
17 DF England Ryan Shawcross 28(1) 3 1 0 3 0 32(1) 3 4 0
18 MF Senegal Salif Diao 18(2) 0 0 0 1 0 19(2) 0 3 0
19 MF Senegal Amdy Faye 18(3) 0 0 0 0(1) 0 18(4) 0 3 1
20 FW England James Beattie 16 7 0 0 0 0 16 7 1 0
21 DF England Andrew Davies 0(2) 0 1 0 0 0 1(2) 0 0 0
22 DF England Lewis Buxton 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0
22 DF Republic of Ireland Stephen Kelly 2(4) 0 0 0 0 0 2(4) 0 0 0
23 MF England Michael Tonge 1(9) 0 1 0 0 0 2(9) 0 1 0
24 MF Republic of Ireland Rory Delap 34 2 1 0 1 0 36 2 2 1
25 DF Senegal Abdoulaye Faye 36 3 0 0 0 0 36 3 4 0
26 MF England Matthew Etherington 12(2) 0 0 0 0 0 12(2) 0 3 1
27 MF Jamaica Demar Phillips 0 0 0 0 0(2) 0 0(2) 0 0 0
27 FW Senegal Henri Camara 0(4) 0 0 0 0 0 0(4) 0 0 0
28 DF England Andy Wilkinson 20(2) 0 0(1) 0 3 0 23(3) 0 5 1
29 GK Denmark Thomas Sørensen 35(1) 0 0 0 0 0 35(1) 0 0 0
30 DF England Ryan Shotton 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 0 0
31 DF England Carl Dickinson 3(2) 0 1 0 3 0 7(2) 0 0 0
33 DF Senegal Ibrahima Sonko 7(7) 0 1 0 1 0 9(7) 0 0 0
35 FW England Marc Grocott 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
36 MF England Jimmy Phillips 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
37 MF England Tom Thorley 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
38 GK England Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
39 MF England Nathaniel Wedderburn 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
– – Own goals – 2 – 0 – 0 – 2 – –

Transfers

<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>

Main articles: List of English football transfers summer 2008, List of English football transfers winter 2008–09, and List of English football transfers summer 2009

In

Date Pos. Name From Fee
18 July 2008 FW England Dave Kitson England Reading £5.5 Million[50]
26 July 2008 MF Nigeria Seyi Olofinjana England Wolverhampton Wanderers £3 Million[51]
30 July 2008 GK Denmark Thomas Sørensen England Aston Villa Free[52]
15 August 2008 DF Senegal Abdoulaye Faye England Newcastle United £2.25 Million[53]
15 August 2008 MF Senegal Amdy Faye England Charlton Athletic Undisclosed[54]
19 August 2008 DF England Andrew Davies England Southampton £1.3 Million[55]
29 August 2008 DF Senegal Ibrahima Sonko England Reading £2 Million[56]
1 September 2008 DF England Danny Higginbotham England Sunderland £2 Million[57]
1 September 2008 MF England Tom Soares England Crystal Palace £1.25 Million[58]
1 September 2008 MF England Michael Tonge England Sheffield United £2 Million[59]
8 January 2009 MF England Matthew Etherington England West Ham United £2 Million[60]
12 January 2009 FW England James Beattie England Sheffield United £3.5 Million[61]

Out

Date Pos. Name To Fee
5 June 2008 DF England Marlon Broomes England Blackpool Released[62]
15 August 2008 FW Republic of Ireland Adam Rooney Scotland Inverness Caledonian Thistle £50,000[63]
29 August 2008 MF Wales Anthony Pulis England Southampton Free[64]
1 September 2008 FW England Jon Parkin England Preston North End Undisclosed[65]
8 January 2009 DF Belgium Ritchie De Laet England Manchester United Undisclosed[66]
26 January 2009 DF England Lewis Buxton England Sheffield Wednesday Nominal Fee[67]
3 February 2009 MF Jamaica Demar Phillips Norway Aalesunds FK Free[68]

Loan in

Date from Date to Pos. Name From
2 February 2009 30 June 2009 FW Senegal Henri Camara England Wigan Athletic[69]
4 February 2009 30 June 2009 DF Republic of Ireland Stephen Kelly England Birmingham City[70]

Loan out

Date from Date to Pos. Name To
29 August 2008 31 August 2008 FW England Jon Parkin England Preston North End[71]
29 August 2008 30 June 2009 DF England Ryan Shotton England Tranmere Rovers[72]
17 October 2008 25 January 2009 DF England Lewis Buxton England Sheffield Wednesday[73]
27 November 2008 25 January 2009 MF England Nathaniel Wedderburn England Notts County[74]
15 January 2009 15 February 2009 DF England Carl Dickinson England Leeds United[75]
15 January 2009 30 June 2009 MF England Tom Soares England Charlton Athletic[76]
13 February 2009 13 March 2009 DF England Andrew Davies England Preston North End[77]
17 February 2009 17 March 2009 GK England Danzelle St. Louis-Hamilton England Bristol Rovers[78]
20 February 2009 30 June 2009 FW France Vincent Péricard England Millwall[79]
10 March 2009 30 June 2009 FW England Dave Kitson England Reading[80]

Reserves

Premier Reserve League South

Match Date Opponent Venue Result Scorers Report
1 3 September 2008 Aston Villa H 1–2 Higginbotham Report
2 1 October 2008 Fulham H 2–2 Péricard, Whelan (pen) Report
3 6 October 2008 Arsenal A 2–3 Péricard, Pugh Report
4 22 October 2008 West Bromwich Albion H 2–0 Cresswell (2) Report
5 3 November 2008 Chelsea A 2–0 Soares, Pugh Report
6 24 November 2008 Tottenham Hotspur A 2–0 Pugh, Tonge Report
7 21 January 2009 Arsenal H 2–2 Page, Thorley Report
8 25 February 2009 Chelsea H 3–2 Lawrence (2) (1 pen), Tonge Report
9 9 March 2009 West Bromwich Albion A 1–2 Griffin Report
10 18 March 2009 Portsmouth H 0–1 Report
11 23 March 2009 Aston Villa A 0–1 Report
12 30 March 2009 West Ham United H 0–2 Report
13 7 April 2009 West Ham United A 0–1 Report
14 14 April 2009 Fulham A 1–3 Moult Report
15 14 April 2009 Tottenham Hotspur H 0–1 Report
16 28 April 2009 Portsmouth A 0–1 Report

Reserve Appearances

Pos. Name League
Apps Goals
FW England Warwick Alexander 1 (4) 0
FW England Darren Brunt 4 0
DF England Lewis Buxton 1 0
FW Senegal Henri Camara 2 0
DF England Matthew Cohen 4 0
MF Republic of Ireland Ryan Connor 5 (2) 0
DF England Leon Cort 6 0
FW England Richard Cresswell 4 2
DF England Andrew Davies 4 (2) 0
DF Belgium Ritchie De Laet 2 (2) 0
DF England Carl Dickinson 9 0
MF Netherlands Salif Diao 2 (2) 0
MF England Matthew Etherington 1 0
MF Senegal Amdy Faye 3 0
DF England Andy Griffin 5 1
MF England Marc Grocott 3 (2) 0
GK England Tom Harrison 5 0
DF England Alex Hedley 2 0
DF England Danny Higginbotham 1 1
DF Republic of Ireland Stephen Kelly 2 0
FW England Dave Kitson 1 0
MF Republic of Ireland Liam Lawrence 1 2
DF England Rodney McDonald 1 (1) 0
FW England Louis Moult 7 (4) 1
DF England Ashley Page 3 1
FW France Vincent Péricard 5 1
MF Jamaica Demar Phillips 2 (2) 0
MF England Jimmy Phillips 4 0
MF England Danny Pugh 7 (1) 3
DF England Ryan Shawcross 3 0
GK England Steve Simonsen 8 0
MF England Tom Soares 4 1
DF Senegal Ibrahima Sonko 7 0
GK England Danzelle St Louis Hamilton 3 0
MF England Danny Stockhall 4 0
MF England Tom Thorley 1 1
MF England Michael Tonge 8 2
DF England Andy Nicholls 5 0
MF Nigeria Seyi Olofinjana 4 0
MF England Tom Urwin 6 (1) 0
DF Northern Ireland Richard Vauls 4 0
FW England Adam Vickers 1 (2) 0
MF England Nathaniel Wedderburn 10 0
MF Republic of Ireland Glenn Whelan 4 1
DF England Andy Wilkinson 6 0
DF England Laton Wint 0 (1) 0

Academy

Academy Squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
England GK Dave Parton
England GK Tom Harrison
England GK Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton
England GK Richard Woolley
England DF Zack Foster
Wales DF Ashley Page
England DF Matthew Cohen
England DF Rod McDonald
England DF Alex Hedley
England DF Nicky Jackson
Northern Ireland DF Richard Vauls
England DF Craig Sinclair
England DF Laton Wint
Senegal MF Salif Diao-Jiminez
No. Position Player
England MF Tom Urwin
England MF Nathaniel Wedderburn
Republic of Ireland MF Ryan Connor
England MF Jimmy Phillips
England MF Danny Stockwell
England MF Jack Harrison
England MF Andy Nicholls
England MF Cameron Mitchell
Turkey MF Yusuf Yılmaz
England FW Darren Brunt
England FW Marc Grocott
England FW Adam Vickers
England FW Warwick Alexander
England FW Louis Moult

Academy League Results

Match Date Opponent Venue Result Scorers Report
1 23 August 2008 Bristol City H 1–7 Alexander Report
2 30 August 2008 Charlton Athletic A 2–1 Alexander, Moult Report
3 13 September 2008 Leeds United H 1–0 Alexander Report
4 20 September 2008 Newcastle United A 1–1 Wedderburn Report
5 27 September 2008 Manchester United H 0–4 Report
6 4 October 2008 West Bromwich Albion A 0–1 Report
7 11 October 2008 Everton H 1–1 Alexander Report
8 18 October 2008 Manchester City A 1–3 Wedderburn
9 25 October 2008 Wolverhampton Wanderers H 0–1 Report
10 8 November 2008 Crewe Alexandra H 2–0 Alexander, Urwin Report
11 15 November 2008 Blackburn Rovers A 1–0 Wedderburn Report
12 22 November 2008 Liverpool H 2–2 Nicholls, Vickers Report
13 1 December 2008 Sheffield Wednesday H 0–2 Report
14 10 January 2009 Bolton Wanderers A 0–2
15 17 January 2009 Wolverhampton Wanderers A 1–0 Unknown
16 24 January 2009 Crewe Alexandra A 3–2 Stockhall (2), Moult
17 31 January 2009 Blackburn Rovers H 0–0 Report
18 14 February 2009 Bolton Wanderers H 1–0 Stockhall Report
19 21 February 2009 Manchester United A 1–0 Brunt Report
20 28 February 2009 Manchester City A 1–2 Moult Report
21 7 March 2009 West Bromwich Albion H 1–0 Brunt Report
23 14 March 2009 Everton A 1–1 Nicholls Report
24 21 March 2009 Nottingham Forest A 2–1 Nicholls, Alexander Report
25 28 March 2009 Sunderland H 0–3 Report
26 4 April 2009 Liverpool A 1–2 Vickers Report
27 25 April 2009 Barnsley H 2–2 Nicholls (2) Report
28 2 May 2009 Middlesbrough A 2–1 Nicholls, Vickers

FA Youth Cup

Round Date Opponent Venue Result Scorers Report
3 4 December 2008 Coventry City A 3–2 (aet) Alexander, Stockhall, Moult Report
4 7 January 2009 Norwich City A 1–1 (2–4 pens) Moult Report

Staffordshire Senior Cup

Round Date Opponent Venue Result Scorers Report
Quarter Final 18 February 2009 Chasetown A 0–2 Report

See also

References

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  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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