Potters have Austin power

Stoke City have announced plans to forge links with American club Austin Aztex.

City director Phil Rawlins, who lives in the Texas city of Austin has acquired the franchise for the American club.

The Potters will be one of the first clubs to form an affiliation with an American side - the link will enable Stoke to hold a summer training camp in Austin as well as the opportunity to scout any emerging US talent.

Rawlings told the club's official website: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring a top-class professional soccer franchise to Austin.

"Central Texas has long been a hot-bed of young soccer talent with more than 35,000 kids playing the game locally.

Delight

"Today's announcement gives these youngsters and talented players throughout Texas something to aim for and the chance of playing soccer at the highest level."

Stoke City's chief executive Tony Scholes also expressed his delight at the news.

"Working with someone we know and respect like Phil Rawlins in a booming soccer marketplace like the States made our affiliation an easy decision for Stoke City," he told the Sentinel.

"We feel certain that Aztex will be a major success, both in Austin and across the United States, and look forward to a long and mutually profitable relationship between Stoke City and Austin Aztex."