Stoke City
Stoke City are one of three newer teams that won promotion to the top flight and have remained there.
Stoke’s roots go all the way back to 1863 when the club was formed in Stoke-on-Trent. The team was one of the original 12 members of the Football League established in 1888.
The Potters have moved up and down between the top and lower divisions on a regular basis. Following a last place finish in 1984-1985, Stoke was relegated and remained down until eight years ago.
Under then manager Tony Pulis, Stoke were runner’s up for the Championship title in 2007-2008. This guaranteed the club automatic promotion to the Premier League. They have been permanent members since then.
Stoke’s first five EPL seasons resulted in mid table finishes. Over the past three campaigns, however, the Potters have finished a respectable ninth.