Shtaniuk looking to return?

Stoke fans will remember Sergei Shtaniuk, who left the club back in 2003 to return to Russia after his family did not settle in the UK.

Apparently he is now divorced and has been in contact with the Potters regarding the likelihood of a move back into English football.

When he left the club his position was very ably filled by Gerry Taggart, who can command respect from strikers in much the same way as Sergei, but since Gerry?s move into a coaching role it is one area that some fans feel is lacking in depth.

But there may not be an opening for the large Belarus international at the Britannia as John Rudge told the Sentinel. ?There?s no doubt he was a big plus for us when he was with us before, but obviously circumstances are different now. He?s that bit older, we?re not short of central defenders right now, particularly with Clint Hill returning to fitness?. Adding that ?it would be up to the manager anyway?.