Stoke City's strong early-season form is being underpinned by a deeper and more effective squad, according to former defender Ian Cranson. The Potters sit seventh in the Championship with 13 points from eight games, a position built on contributions from across the summer's new arrivals.
Five of those signings-Jack McGlynn, Ben Johnson, Justin Devenny, Ethan Galbraith, and George Hirst-have already found the net in the league. Galbraith leads the club's scoring charts with three goals. This spread of goalscorers is a stark contrast to the struggles of the previous campaign.
"We had this last year where they were good until November and then all of a sudden the wheels came off," Cranson said. After topping the table early last term, a November slump saw Stoke finish 17th, just eight points clear of the drop.
"I think the big difference this year is that we seem to have a lot more quality in depth," he added. "Players coming on the field and replacing injured players are hitting the ground running."
The recent 2-1 win over Sheffield United, sealed by late goals from McGlynn and Sam Gallagher, exemplified the impact of the new recruits. Stoke's fixtures show a trip to 15th-placed Bolton Wanderers next on 10 October, where the squad's resilience will be tested again.
