John Coates: From Decades as a Diehard Fan to Owner and Chair
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.
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Bosun Lawal: Versatility as a virtue, celebrating in style and having faith in God knowing he will take care of the rest
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.
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In Power and Pride | Black History Month Potters’ Pod special
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.
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Divin Mubama: “I use pain as a fuel” - Personal tragedy, European glory, working with Pep Guardiola and targets for Stoke loan
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.
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Aaron Cresswell: "It was a sign!" - Why a mystery Stoke fan's tattoo helped seal his Potters move
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!
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About Potters' Pod: The Official Stoke City Podcast
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at the bet365 Stadium? Potters' Pod is the official podcast from Stoke City Football Club, hosted by Rob Adcock, getting you unrivalled access to the people you want to hear from. From in-depth conversations with current players like Aaron Cresswell, Viktor Johansson and Ben Gibson, to exclusive chats with manager Mark Robins and his coaching team. We also bring you club legends and former favourites sharing their stories and insights.
Whether you're after behind-the-scenes stories or honest conversations about life at the bet365 Stadium, Potters' Pod delivers the biggest names and best insight on your club.
Follow wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.
For more news and content relating to the Potters, go to the app store and download the Stoke City app.
This podcast is produced by Sport Social Podcast Network for Stoke City FC.
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