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

Reverend Geoff Eze makes a special guest Potters’ Pod debut to host a profound and thought-provoking discussion with a trio of Potters to mark Black History Month. First team star Sorba Thomas is joined by Pedro Nzau and Deandre Witter, both of City’s under-18s, on the panel. Collectively, the quartet reflect on how their heritage and identity has shaped their lives and careers, and recall the sights and sounds which remind them of their homes and journeys. From Sorba’s life-changing visit to Sierra Leone, to Deandre’s love for all things Jamaica and Pedro’s education of Angolan life from his parents, each individual tells their stories of the pride and respect they have for where they have come from. Meanwhile, they discuss how faith, in one case missing football matches for church, and self-belief have enabled them to overcome the challenge of performing in a world of opinion and scrutiny. This special episode not only tells the story of each individual but also the importance of celebrating black history and never forgetting your roots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What conversations did Divin Mubama have with Pep Guardiola before linking up with Mark Robins’ side on loan? For the young forward, this move is all about opportunity, ambition and a chance to prove himself in front of the bet365 faithful. In a wide-ranging interview, Divin opens up about the tragedy of losing a close friend at a formative age and how he uses that pain as a fuel for his ambitions in life.  He speaks about the pride he felt helping his childhood team West Ham United reach European glory in 2023, but how he knew he had to make the move to Manchester City when the opportunity arose. We hear about his interactions with the Sky Blues’ squad and the tips he’s already picked up from Pep Guardiola before he took the call from Mark Robins to bring him to ST4. Mubama talked about his burning desire to earn and retain his first team shirt week-in-week-out for the lads in red and white this season, and why he blames the Club’s media team for earning him his first fine as a Potter. 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

What convinced Aaron Cresswell that Stoke City was the right move? The answer involves dedicated recruitment work, genuine care from Jon Walters and other keystaff, and a chance encounter with a mystery supporter sporting some impressive Potters themed ink! In an engaging conversation, the experienced left-back joins the podcast to discuss the stories of his stellar career, his summer switch to the bet365 Stadium and what drew him to the Potters. From the time and effort that the club invested in convincing him to join, to feeling like destiny was calling upon spotting a Stoke City tattoo at the airport, Cresswell reflects upon the factors that influenced his decision to make the move to ST4. The defender also reflects upon how becoming a father has given him a new perspective on the sacrifices parents make, with Cresswell now understanding firsthand the dedication his own dad showed in handling difficult conversations, as well as ferrying him to training sessions and matches throughout his youth. Can you help us track down the mystery Stoke fan with the tattoo? Keep an eye on our social media for more details on how you can get in touch! 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

What was the most pivotal point of Mark Stein's career? Stoke City supporters of a certain era will not be surprised by the answer. In a candid and revealing conversation, the former Stoke City forward joins Rob Adcock to talk about the transformative times in his life and how playing for the Potters profoundly impacted his life and career.    From living with Lou Macari and partnering Wayne “Bertie Biggins”, to tales of triumph under the twin towers and in the league, Stein reflects on moments that will stay with him forever and heaps praise at every juncture on the teammates that helped him shine.    He also reveals the truth behind that famous goal against Exeter… was it an intentional shot or a mis-hit cross?   The former Potter also pays tribute to Stoke's incredible travelling support, describing the “crazy” passionate fans who followed the team the length and breadth of the land, and how the enormity of derby days against Port Vale dawned on him back in the day.    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

Stoke City defender Ben Wilmot joins us from the Potters’ pre-season base in Andalusia to share why this coming campaign feels different from the last and how the new signings are already bedding into the squad. Ben also takes us inside his summer holiday across the United States, explaining how he kept himself fit on the road with gym sessions and runs, and why arriving sharp for pre-season matters as much as anything done on the training pitch. And he lifts the lid on the stories behind his tattoos, including his latest ink and why getting the green light from his partner is a must before adding any more. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoke City midfielder Lewis Baker checks in from the Potters’ pre-season training camp in Andalusia to share what really tests players – physically and mentally – at this time of year. Lewis talks about rooming with Ben Pearson, who came out on top in the notorious ‘trap bar challenge’ during testing week, and how the tradition of new signings performing an initiation song is slowly being phased out, much to his displeasure! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoke City manager Mark Robins joins pod host Rob Adcock from the Potters’ pre-season training camp in Andalusia to share his beliefs as to what really makes the perfect pre-season. The manager explains why experienced full-back Aaron Cresswell was high on his summer wish list, offers insight into the other transfer business being worked on by the recruitment team and Sporting Director Jon Walters, and reveals why every player, from senior professionals to academy prospects, have a genuine chance to impress before the new campaign kicks off in August. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoke City midfielder Ben Pearson charts his story from scaling the fence of his Oldham primary school and working under Sir Alex Ferguson & Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United, to a future life in property developing and “wanting to win so badly” every time he plays for Stoke – all this and more on the latest episode of Potters’ Pod, the only official Stoke City Podcast.   The former Man Utd, Barnsley, Preston North End and Bournemouth man recalls how 2am starts working in a local bakery didn’t deter his Dad from putting in the hours to help Ben work on his football, and how training with a star-studded Red Devils first team allows City’s number four to empathise with youngsters taking similar steps in ST4 today.   Ben also discusses genuinely living the old cliché of never looking too far ahead, how his win at all costs “game mode” and off-field personality are completely at odds and why he plans to step fully away from the game at the conclusion of his playing career.   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or a review, and be sure to subscribe to or follow the podcast to be notified of all future episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Popular Premier League Potter, Peter Odemwingie talks candidly to Rob Adcock for an hour of raw and unmissable insight from his time at the bet365 Stadium. The former striker vividly recalls the circumstances surrounding his earliest moments as a Stoke City player; from flying in to make his debut, to the details of the kit, even down to what boots he was wearing on the day. Peter provides a fresh take and explains why perception was far from reality following media coverage of his failed deadline day move from West Bromwich Albion, and the lasting impact it had for better and for worse. He also discusses his journey into coaching, playing professional golf, how his own life experiences are leading to an all-encompassing approach to parenting – and calls out Peter Crouch for stealing one of his goals! 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

This is the second part of Rob Adcock’s conversation with Liam Lawrence. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go and check that out to set the scene here. In this section, Liam discusses his arrival at the Club, promotion and survival against the odds and the celebrations which followed. A proper Premier League Potter, our former winger also revels on reflection at the resilience he gained from a Tony Pulis pre-season and reveals how the manager used the infamous bookmakers paying out on relegation to spur City on to a memorable inaugural Premier League campaign. Now back in ST4 developing the next generation of young Potters, Lawrence also discusses his reasons for leaving the Club back in 2010, a move which transpired to be the biggest regret of his career. 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

In this episode of Potters’ Pod, Rob Adcock is joined by our former winger and current U21s Assistant Manager, Liam Lawrence. This first instalment is all about getting to know Liam as a person. We hear how his early family life and tough upbringing shaped the person he is, about learning costly but valuable lessons as he rose through the football ranks, and how he is now using his own past experiences to educate the next generation in ST4. Liam tells us how a clash with a one-time idol brought an end to his time at Sunderland and we end part one hearing how he finally answered Tony Pulis’ call and agreed his move to Stoke City.  Part Two is on the way soon, where the story of Liam’s talismanic time as one of the lads in red and white will be discussed in detail, so make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Junior Tchamadeu has articulated an immense debt of gratitude to his Mum and Dad as he becomes the latest player to tell his story on Potters’ Pod.   The full-back charts his life from Barking beginnings and the torture of the trapdoor at Charlton, to a dream debut for Colchester United at the age of 16 and being mentored by Wouter Burger in the Stoke City changing room today.   The parental sacrifices that forged the formative stages of his footballing career is a recurring theme for City’s number 22, who articulates his sense of duty to repay those that helped put him in his current position.   Tchamadeu also opens up to Rob Adcock about the massive importance of his faith, walking into Stoke City and thinking ‘wow’, and the ‘unimaginable’ pride and ‘beautiful experience’ of representing Cameroon. 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

Stoke City’s number nine, Ali Al-Hamadi, joins Rob Adcock in the latest episode of Potters’ Pod.   The 23-year-old takes listeners back to the beginning as the oldest sibling of three living in Toxteth, Liverpool where he was handed a peculiar nickname by his junior team.   The striker speaks of the sacrifices he made to become a professional footballer, the privilege of being the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League and being a role-model in the country of his birth.   Ali shares his first impressions of Stoke City after joining in January, singing along with the ingenious chant the Potters’ faithful quickly bestowed, what his teammates fined him for in week two and why his move to the Potteries was a ‘full circle moment’ for his family. 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

Stoke City goalkeeper Frank Fielding joins Rob Adcock in this episode of Potters' Pod. Frank talks about his career journey, starting at his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers where he was mentored by goalkeeping legends Brad Friedel and Paul Robinson. Now, in the latter years of his own career, Frank talks about working alongside Viktor Johansson and gives his opinion on the heights that the talented Sweden goalkeeper could reach.   He also lifts the lid on the regimented fine system in place in the Stoke City dressing room, with each case being judged for punishment! 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

The newly appointed Manager of Stoke City, Mark Robins, joins Rob Adcock for a special episode of Potters’ Pod. From winning trophies and managing injuries, to ironing newspapers and living the life of a fugitive, Robins relives his playing days at home and abroad. He goes on to reveal how sustained success in the dugout, after nearly going under in his maiden management role, continues to prove the late Graham Taylor right. A chance meeting with Lou Macari and access all areas treatment from "top man" Tony Pulis were steps along the way to the bet365 Stadium for the former Coventry gaffer. Now he explains how an eagle eye for a player, a knack for building successful sides and being unapologetically direct can be his secrets for success in ST4.   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

Tom Cannon and Ben Wilmot joined Rob Adcock on stage in Ricardo's bar at the bet365 Stadium for Potters' Pod's first show in front of a live audience.   Tom talks about his lifelong ‘rinse and repeat’ obsession with football and how, despite interest from rival clubs spanning the length & breadth of the land, Stoke City was an easy sell.    Ben, meanwhile, talks through an early career Italian job with Udinese, warming up the Stevenage Borough goalkeepers at the age of seven and why he enjoys being Ben Wilmot, not just Richard Wilmot’s son.    Make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of our interview Ryan Shawcross, the former Potters’ captain discusses leading his side to a memorable 6-1 victory over Liverpool, getting to know David Beckham in Miami and why he speaks from bitter experience when telling Stoke’s current crop of youngsters they might only get one chance. Currently Lead Coach of the Club’s U21s, Shawcross reveals why being a defender is too stressful to ever enjoy playing, becoming a proper adopted Stokie, and why, despite many opportunities, he never wanted to leave. The club legend reveals why he’s a tough ‘no silver spoon’ parent, how injuries during his latter career left his body ‘shot to pieces’ and why saying what he sees has always served him well. You can listen to Part 1 of our interview with Ryan here   Make sure you’re subscribed to Potters’ Pod to get notified when the next episode is released! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices