Stoke announce pre-season matches

Stoke City have released details of further pre-season games in addition to the match against the Rams that they announced last week.

The main change from the normal summer routine is the decision to play two matches simultaneously. The Potters will take on Newcastle Town in the traditional warm-up fixture at the Lyme Valley Stadium, but will also send a team to the Weaver Stadium to play Nantwich Town (where the Stoke reserves now play their home fixtures). Both matches will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday 12th July, which is bound to annoy those fans who like to watch all the Potters’ games.

There are now games against two other Championship teams. Preston North End – who were beaten by Sheffield United in this week’s play-off semi-finals and Nottingham Forest, who have just completed their first season back in the Championship after earning promotion from League 1 twelve months ago.

Current pre-season schedule:
Thursday July 9th: Players return to training
Sunday 12th July: Newcastle Town (Lyme Valley Stadium) – 3.00pm
Sunday 12th July: Nantwich Town (Weaver Stadium) – 3.00pm
Wednesday 15th July: Tour of Austria
Wednesday 22nd July: Return from Austria
Saturday 25th July: Preston North End (Deepdale) – 3.00pm
Wednesday 29th July: Nottingham Forest (City Ground) – 7.45pm
Saturday 1st August: Derby County (Pride Park) – 3.00pm
Friday 7th August: Provisional date for friendly at Britannia Stadium
Saturday 15th August: Start of Premier League 2009/10 season.