Each guest’s team is announced on social media (@theyyyfiles) within a few days of the B-Side of their File going live. You can hear their XI being announced, plus reasons for their selection, by listening to each guest’s File.
Latest Update: File 50 - Chris Bowden
files xi
The most voted for players by File Creators: one goalkeeper and two each of centreback, fullback, midfielder, winger and striker.
goalkeeper
THOMAS SORENSEN
16 VOTES
Tommy arrived on Stoke’s promotion to the Premier League and instantly became a crucial figure in Stoke’s survival and progression. He would make the most outrageous saves look simple and had a particular talent for saving penalties. This would come especially useful in cup competitions, including Stoke’s FA Cup run in 2011 where he became part of that legendary team that played in the Final at the new Wembley. He was also known to be an exception person off the pitch too, and has done plenty of work for charity following his depature from Stoke and his retirement.
GOALKEEPER VOTES
centrebacks
RYAN SHAWCROSS
45 VOTES
Quite simply put: Mr Stoke City. Ryan arrived at Stoke at the beginning of Stoke’s Premier League promotion season, initially on loan from Manchester United. He would go onto sign permanently and become an integral part throughout one of Stoke’s best eras in their history. He was granted the captaincy after a couple of years at the club, and has retained that honour as a reward for his loyalty and his impeccable desire to lead by example. Still at the club today, Ryan continues to be one of the most iconic Stoke figures in recent history and many are calling for a statue to be built at the bet365 Stadium in his honour.
ROBERT HUTH
30 VOTES
Robert became an immediate fans’ favourite at Stoke thanks to his unforgiving playstyle and unrelenting commitment to the cause. He was best known for his partnership with Ryan Shawcross under Tony Pulis, during Stoke’s FA Cup and Europa League successes. Huth was not only a talented defender, he would often put his personal wellbeing to one side in favour of Stoke’s triumph: he once told physios attending to his head injury “hurry up, I don’t have time to bleed”. He was also known for being a dependable, yet entertaining character in the dressing room; contributing to that famous team spirit that saw Stoke become so successful.
CENTREBACK VOTES
fullbacks
ANDY WILKINSON
22 VOTES
Born in Stone, Andy progressed his way through and graduated from Stoke City’s academy to break into the first team. As a boyhood fan of the club, his passion on the pitch was unrivalled and was evident through his committed defending. He was one to never shy away from a challenge and revelled in the rougher side of the game, yet was also known to play fair with his opponents. Andy was involved in three promotions at Stoke City and a regular in their most recent successes. Taken in as a fans’ favourite for being in the envious position of not only playing for the club he supported, but also being an important component in some of their greatest successes.
ERIK PIETERS
13 VOTES
Erik’s arrival at Stoke was greeted with great joy, as the club hadn’t recruited a recognised left-back for several years. That decision by Mark Hughes paid off, as Pieters became one of the first names on the Stoke team sheet for several years. His defensive side of the game was unquestioned and would regularly top the tackling statistics in the Premier League. He was also capable of the odd thunderbolt too, scoring a number of impressive goals. His strong character was well recognised and his partnership with Marko Arnautovic on Stoke’s left flank was a major component in Stoke’s successful switch to a more appealing style of football.
FULLBACK VOTES
midfielders
STEVEN NZONZI
33 VOTES
The phrase ‘midfield Rolls Royce’ is synonymous with Steven and regularly used by Stoke fans. He’s heavily touted at one of Stoke’s most technically gifted players and one of the few that could be labelled “world-class”. His exceptional reading of the game from deep midfield, his calmness when in possession and his ability to break enemy lines are what earned him these prestigious attributes. For someone so collected, he was known to also have a maverick streak and would was known to also break forwards and contribute with some important long-range strikes. His partnership with Glenn Whelan brought the best out of them both and built the foundations for him to go on and win the Europa League and the World Cup later in his career.
BOJAN
23 VOTES
As a young prodigy that was keeping Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of the Barcelona team, it was safe to say that Stoke fans were delighted when their club secured the signing of Bojan. He immediately capture their hearts, not least for his scintillating performances with some incredible solo efforts and linking up beautifully with the players around him. However, it was his relatable character that resonated with his fans and made him so popular throughout the club; from playing Guess Who with fellow Catalonian Marc Muniesa, to opening up about how difficult it was to carry the expectation of being “the next Messi”. Some say that Bojan would have gone onto limitless success if it wasn’t for an injury in the League Cup; nevertheless, he certainly found a place to be loved at Stoke City and he forged a special connection rarely seen in the modern day.
MIDFIELDER VOTES
wingers
MARKO ARNAUTOVIC
32 VOTES
Marko arrived at Stoke with a great deal potential, but also with a reputation for trouble and a difficulty to keep under control. During his time here, he managed to retain his maverick-type persona, but kept that side of his personality on the pitch. His ability to control and football is impeccable and a positive adjustment in the utilisation of his confidence allowed him to develop into a goal scoring and assisting machine. His arrogance was matched with a visible passion for football, which resonated with Stoke fans and players alike. It’s that self-belief and ambition which cued his fractious departure, although Stoke fans reflect on Arnautovic as one of the most talented players to grace their club and are grateful to have seen him flourish in a thriving Stoke City side.
MATTHEW ETHERINGTON
18 VOTES
Signing Matty was an extremely exciting proposition for Stoke, although he openly admits that he arrived at the club with a gambling addiction and was looking to recover and be nurtured. With the help of the club and the Coates family, he successfully combated his demons and was able to concentrate on his football… and boy did he produce. A personification of not only the desire but also the underestimated quality of Stoke City at the time, he is truly one of the most proficient out-and-out wingers that has graced the red and white stripes in recent years. His wonderful deliveries, mazy run and a key eye for goal added that much needed prowess in attack for the Potters, but it’s his all-round determination that made him a fans favourite at Stoke City and will be forever known as a key contributor to one of Stoke’s most successful sides.
WINGER VOTES
strikers
RICARDO FULLER
27 VOTES
Ricardo has earned himself the reputation of one of the biggest cult-heroes amongst the club’s fans. He was a crucial figure in Stoke’s promotion and survival in the Premier League, contributing with a bucketload of both crucial and spectacular goals. His instinct and improvisation is unrivalled and he’s the scorer of most Stoke fan’s greatest goals. Having chosen to remain in the area and continue playing football locally, he’s still greeted by Stoke fans today and many will rightfully be star-struck as they do so. Fuller has emblazoned himself as part of one of Stoke’s most heroic teams and, even amongst those he played with, he’s recognised as one of the figureheads.
JONATHAN WALTERS
21 VOTES
Few knew what to expect from Jon when he arrived at Stoke, but they quickly became accustomed to what he’d consistently deliver every week without fail. He would happily play anywhere across the frontline and managed to consistently squeeze out as much quality he could muster. But it’s his work rate that he’s renowned for and was rewarded with an ever-present place in the team, no matter what. That consistently has some taking his efforts for granted at times, but he’d often silence his critics with moments of pure genius and quality. It’s an attitude like this that saw him feature alongside some of Stoke’s most gifted players and not look out of place. Walters was a machine amongst mavericks, and we look back now thinking how crucial he really was.
STRIKER VOTES
Contributions
These are the teams selected by our File creators which have contributed to the FILES FC. Create your File to vote for you favouite XI!
