Stoke City have a new long throw specialist in Svante Ingelsson, reviving the club’s famed set-piece weapon just as referees prepare to enforce a stricter five-second rule on throw-ins. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 17th in Championship, 55 pts, 15W-10D-21L from 46 games, recent form LLLLD.
What’s changing with the throw-in rule?
IFAB’s new protocol means players now have just five seconds to take a throw-in once the referee deems there is deliberate time-wasting. Manager Mark Robins warns his centre-backs will need to sprint to beat the countdown, with referees visiting Clayton Wood this week to clarify the changes. The rule aims to speed up play, but Walters argues it could backfire if officials keep stopping the game to lecture players.
Why Ingelsson’s throws matter for Stoke City
Chairman John Coates highlighted the chaos Ingelsson’s long throws caused in a recent friendly, calling it a valuable ‘additional weapon’ for the season ahead. Last campaign, Stoke City scored 51 goals but conceded 56, finishing 40 points behind leaders Coventry. Sporting director Jon Walters insists the team must break the habit of wasting throws by playing safe, pointing to Coventry’s long-throw goal against them last year as proof of its effectiveness.
How will Stoke adapt?
Robins also flagged a crackdown on holding in the box, with penalties now awarded for any pull-back when a player’s back is to the ball. Walters wants referees to let the game flow, arguing that constant stoppages slow it down more than the players. With the last result a 2-0 loss to Bristol City on 2026-05-02 and recent form reading LLLLL, Stoke will need every advantage to turn their fortunes around.
