Coates not worried despite slow Stoke start

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has urged supporters to remain calm after the club’s poor start to the season, which has left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.

The Potters have conceded four goals in three different games so far this season, with Sunday’s 4-1 loss at Crystal Palace the latest heavy defeat.

Manager Mark Hughes is tipped as the most likely Premier League manager to lose his job, but Coates believes the Welshman will turn things round.

He blames the club’s tough fixture list, which has seen them play Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham already this season, as the reason to blame.

“We have conceded too many goals and that has got to be addressed,” Coates said.

Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images

“It was poor defending at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Two bad errors for the first two goals. The manager can’t do anything about that.

“I understand how the fans feel. I’m a supporter too – but let’s have a bit of context. It’s September and we’ve only played five games.

“We’ve finished ninth in the Premier League three times in a row. What is there to say?”