Most Stoke City fans will be forgiven for saying that being in the Premier League this season, is not something that they would have envisaged this time twelve months ago. The miracle of promotion to the top league for the first time in twenty-three years is cause for major celebration, however the hard reality of playing in the toughest league in Europe is sure to come in to sharp focus sooner rather than later. Manager Tony Pulis is happy to recognise that Stoke’s style is not the most attractive but he and the Stoke supporters will be hoping that it can cause a few upsets in the months to come.

As Derby discovered last season, for an unfancied team in the Premier League it is incredibly difficult to attract the kind of players that can give you the needed quality to be able to survive. Stoke have tried to address this and up to now have been fairly shrew in the transfer market. Pulis is clearly trying to bring in players who have the experience of playing in the top league and that is why he was happy to break Stoke’s transfer record to bring Dave Kitson to the club. The 28 year old striker moves from relegated Reading and should help to provide some firepower upfront. The transfer fee was for a reported £5.5 Million.

Pulis has also brought in exciting Nigerian midfielder Seyi Olofinjana from Wolves. Although he has never played in the Premier League, Olofinjana is regarded as a very talented midfielder. He moves for £3 Million and could provide important goals from midfield.

Stoke have also signed Abdoulaye Faye from Newcastle United for around £2.25 Million. The 30 year is another experienced Premier League player who also had a short spell at Bolton Wanderers under Sam Alladyrce. Amdy Faye has also signed a permanent deal after impressing on trial. He arrives from Charlton Athletic on a free transfer.

Finally after failing to sign England goalkeeper Scot Carson, Stoke completed the free transfer signing of former Sunderland and Aston Villa goal keeper Thomas Sorensen.

There have been very few departures from Stoke during the summer with Adam Rooney and Marlon Broomes the only notable ones. Rooney has joined Scottish side Inverness and Broomes has moved to Championship team Blackpool.

For most Stoke supporters the realism of playing Premier League football has dawned on them. It promises to be a long and difficult season for Stoke but they do have the potential to get results and if their spirit remains strong during the season then they may be able to manage enough points to stay up.