Stoke City Q&A live: Transfers, team news and a promotion challenge

Stoke City correspondent Peter Smith hosted a live Q&A addressing the club's promotion push, transfer plans, and injury updates during the November 2026 international break. Stoke entered the pause level on points at the top of the Championship table under manager Mark Robins ahead of an upcoming clash against leaders Birmingham City.

Smith detailed that Stoke's net summer transfer spending was approximately £23.5m under current financial regulations, making major January spending unlikely without squad departures. He also noted that defender Eric Bocat hopes to return from a knee injury against Birmingham, while a permanent deal for on-loan Ipswich Town defender Ben Johnson faces financial hurdles due to wage differences.