Stoke City season review
Sky Sports expert Jamie Redknapp analyses Stoke City's 2013/14 season, including picking his star man, and we have also teamed up with Opta to assess the strengths and weaknesses in attack and defence
Thursday 15 May 2014 14:09, UK
JAMIE REDKNAPP'S VIEW
"I think Mark Hughes has done well but he was given a really strong platform to build on by Tony Pulis and he has progressed the team from there.
"They at times still play direct with Peter Crouch, and there is nothing wrong with that – they have had success doing that for many years, but there was also some really good football. They have won a lot of games, beaten some good sides and I think Hughes can be proud of his first year there. The test comes next year if he wants to take them on again. It is interesting times at the Britannia Stadium."
STOKE'S ATTACK
STAR MAN: RYAN SHAWCROSS
Jamie says: "While the team has looked to play a different style, he has continued to be a rock at the back"
Shawcross averaged 8.7 clearances per game in the Premier League this season which underlines his importance at the back for Stoke. The central defender also blocked 44 shots throughout the campaign and that total is more than any of his team-mates. One own goal was the only blemish on his record in an otherwise positive 37 appearances.
STOKE'S DEFENCE
FANZONE - By Tim Ward
Oussama Assaidi's last-minute winner versus Chelsea was a high in the season. This match truly signalled a change in fortunes for Stoke. From here, the club only got better - finishing with a highest Premier League points tally in their history and a ninth-place finish. But a dreadful winter, including a hammering at Newcastle United, had seen Stoke sit just three points clear of relegation. It was easy to think Hughes' team were going the same way as Queens Park Rangers in 2012/13.
