Why Stoke City Deserve More Respect

May 4, 2008, the day Stoke City Football Club returned to the top flight of English football after 23 years away from the big time. 

For the younger fans, it was an enjoyable day in itself. For the slightly older, it was a slight respite after years of frustration. But for the oldest fans, the day was just another page in City's glorious history. 

One of the 12 founding members of the Football League back in 1888, Stoke City are not often given the respect they deserve, despite their winning the League Cup in 1972 and finishing fourth in the league in both 1936 and 1947.

Along with having the most capped English footballer in history (Peter Shilton) and two of the most famous (Stanley Matthews and Gordon Banks), it is staggering for Stoke to now be referred to as a "small club."

Immediately following Stoke's promotion there was unrest in the media, which said Stoke's "long ball" football would be appearing in the supposed best league in the world. 

This led to a lot of football fans jumping on the hatred-of-Stoke bandwagon. The worst insult was Paddy Power paying out on relegation after only one game. In all fairness, if you look at Stoke's method of playing, then, yes, there is reason for criticism.

However, there is also plenty to love about this football club, most particularly the fans.

Stoke City fans are statistically proven to be the loudest fans in the Premier League, and the Britannia Stadium has been described as a "Bear Pit" due to its hostile, unforgiving, and somewhat old-fashioned atmosphere.

With nearly 28,000 fans crammed into the lifeless, concrete block there is nowhere I would rather be on a Saturday come 3 o'clock.

My next point is that Stoke is sometimes thought of as a one-man team, only capable of throwing the ball in and then parking the team bus in front of the goal.

I am of course talking about Rory Delap, whose colossal throw has taken the League by storm (even though Stoke haven't actually scored with it since Nov. 1).

Most of the fans in the Premier League had not heard of Delap's intercontinental long throw before this season, despite its having been used throughout Stoke's successful promotion campaign last year.

I am not denying that Stoke uses this weapon, but I will always argue with anyone who honestly believes Stoke does not play football.

At times this season Stoke have been known to turn on the style and actually play quite attractive football. (Occasionally!)

"They can actually play," said Paul Jewell, ex-manager of Derby, describing Stoke—a view not shared by the typical Premier League fan.

The team plays with heart and passion every time they step over the white line, echoing the supporters' efforts. They know they are not going to be able pass it like Arsenal or Manchester United, but what they lack in skill they more than make up for in effort, graft, and "'ard work."

I, for one, am immensely proud of what they have achieved this season. Stoke has defied all the odds and given us some fantastic memories already.

Even if Stoke go down, I will be able to look at the team and be proud of their "never say die" attitude and incredible support. And hey, if we do go back down, at least I'll be able to go back to the championship-standard pies that I know and love!