Francis signs on as Pericard pushes for place

Former Spurs manager Francis has opted to make his two-day per week coaching role with the Potters permanent by signing a contract, and thus ending specualtion linking him with Newcastle. Francis confirmed that temporary Toon boss Joe Kinnear had made him an offer, but he confessed to enjoying his time at Stoke and feeling some loyalty towards the club and Tony Pulis.

In other news Vincent Pericard has been impressing the Stoke management team with his attitude in training and his performances for the reserves and in the League Cup. The former Juventus striker has not played his best football whilst at Stoke, but maybe he is now putting his difficulties to one side and preparing to show the Stoke fans what he can do.  Coach Mark O'Connor has hinted that there may be a place for Pericard in the squad for Sunday's televised clash with Spurs.  The match is now a sell out as the bottom of the table team visit Stoke and the two sides meet for the first time in 23 years.