Stoke: First day of new term

Stoke City players yesterday returned from their summer holidays for the first day of pre-season training.

New chairman, Peter Coates had a meeting with the players to outline his objectives for the club in the wake of his summer takeover, whilst new manager, Tony Pulis was able to meet his players for the first time since taking back the reins after his year off in Plymouth.

Stoke have confirmed that they have received an approach for Luke Chadwick from Norwich City. No formal bid has been made and the Potters have made it clear that he is not for sale. Pulis said 'We don't sell our star players.'

New signing, Vincent Pericard from Portsmouth had his first day at the club and said that he had one objective for the new season: 'Goals, Goals, Goals!'.

Long term injury victims, John Eustace and Kevin Harper made a welcome return to training, but Pulis insisted that whilst both appeared nearly ready to return to full training, the coaching staff would be taking it easy on both of them to avoid any further setbacks.

Meanwhile, a predictable absentee was striker, Sam Bangoura. No reason has been given for his non-appearance but he now faces another fine from the club. It has been rumoured that he wants to leave, but as yet, no transfer bids have been made and he is contracted to the Potters for another two years.

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